Jan–Mar 2024

Talentime ruled the airwaves before it was first shown on television in 1967. The talent show launched the musical careers of bands such as The Crescendos and The Quests.

Director's Note

Singapore’s Got Talent: A Brief History of Talentime
Back in the day, Talentime was a major cultural phenomenon that helped launched many musical careers. Jamie Lee and Mark Wong. (PDF)

Chia Boon Leong: The Twinkle-Toed Olympian
Chia Boon Leong was the Fandi Ahmad of his time. Nick Aplin. (PDF)

The 1973 SEAP Games in Singapore
Pat Chan, Heather Merican and Glory Barnabas made Singapore proud at the 7th Southeast Asian Peninsular Games. Lim Tin Seng. (PDF)

Konfrontasi: Singapore’s Experience of an Undeclared War
While most people associate the Konfrontasi with the MacDonald House bombing, the three-year campaign was much more than that single incident. Alvin Tan. (PDF)

The Curious Visit of Qing Ambassadors to Singapore
The visit by Qing officials to Singapore in 1876 led to the establishment of the first Chinese consulate here a year later. Benjamin J.Q. Khoo. (PDF)

Kaboom! Early Malay Comic Books Make an Impact
The 1950s was the heyday for Malay comic books published in Singapore. Mazelan Anuar. (PDF)

The Salvation Army in Singapore
The history of the Salvation Army in Singapore goes back to at least 1935. Lee Geok Boi. (PDF)

Restoring Classic Films from Asia
Besides restoring made-in-Singapore films, the Asian Film Archive is also involved in the preservation of other seminal Asian works. Chew Tee Pao. (PDF)

Remembering William Lim
The late architect William Lim did more than shape Singapore’s skyline. He was also deeply passionate about urban planning, culture, the arts and engaging the next generation. Stephanie Pee. (PDF)

The Great Singapore Novel?
An interview with Rachel Heng, author of The Great Reclamation. Soh Gek Han. (PDF)

New Books on Singapore History
New books available in the National Library’s collection. (PDF)