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BiblioAsia
Issue

Jan–Mar 2020

1 January 2020

Singapore's pioneering broadcasting station and other stories in BiblioAsia Volume 15, Issue 4

In this issue, we look back at the glory days of Rediffusion, explore bangsawan venues of old, and find out how Singapore's Chinese newspaper scene has evolved. We also remember four Singaporean journalists who covered the Vietnam War.

Magazine cover with a retro radio on a shelf, calendar, clock, and framed photo, titled "biblioasia" and "Remembering Rediffusion."

Download this issue (PDF) (opens in new tab)

Director’s Note

Rediffusion’s Golden Years
Singapore’s only cable radio service was an instant hit when it was launched in 1949. Barbara Quek charts the history of the pioneering broadcasting station. (PDF) (opens in new tab)

The Theatres of Bangsawan
In the days before cinema, bangsawan performances entertained the masses. Tan Chui Hua looks at the rise and fall of bangsawan venues in Singapore.(PDF) (opens in new tab)

When Women Were Commodities
Brothels in colonial Singapore, with its large male migrant population, did a roaring trade. Adeline Foo examines the lives of the unfortunate girls and women who were sold into prostitution.(PDF) (opens in new tab)

Snakes, Tigers and Cannibals: Ida Pfeiffer’s Travels in Southeast Asia
Travelling alone across Southeast Asia in the 19th century, Ida Pfeiffer encountered human heads put out to dry and faced off angry cannibals. John van Wyhe recounts the adventures of this remarkable woman. (PDF) (opens in new tab)

The Vietnam War Through Singaporean Eyes
Four journalists from Singapore covered the Vietnam War for the international news media. Only one survived. Shirlene Noordin has the story. (PDF) (opens in new tab)

Trial by Firing Squad
In 1915, sepoys in Singapore revolted against their British officers in a bloody rebellion. Umej Bhatia recreates the final moments of the mutineers as they pay the ultimate price for their actions. (PDF) (opens in new tab)

From Lat Pau to Zaobao: A History of Chinese Newspapers
Chinese newspapers have been published in Singapore since the 19th century. Lee Meiyu looks at how they have evolved and examines their impact on the Chinese community here. (PDF) (opens in new tab)

Early Printing in IndoChina
In the first of two essays on the history of printing in mainland Southeast Asia, Gracie Lee examines the impact of the printing press in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. (PDF) (opens in new tab)

The Istana Turns 150
The resplendent Istana – where colonial governors and modern-day presidents once lived – celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019. Wong Sher Maine recounts key moments in its history. (PDF) (opens in new tab)

Head Count: The History of Census-taking in Singapore
The very first census here was conducted in 1824. Ang Seow Leng reveals how doing a headcount has evolved over the last 200 years. (PDF) (opens in new tab)