New Books on Singapore History

A New World in the Making: Life and Architecture in Tropical Asia

By Tay Kheng Soon

NUS Press (2023), 293 pages
Call no.: 720.95957 TAY

In this memoir and selection of writings on identity, landscape and belonging, architect Tay Kheng Soon reflects on the architecture and urbanism most appropriate for a tropical city in Asia. Born in British-ruled Singapore, Tay was deeply engaged in debates about building a new world that attended the end of colonialism and is concerned about Singapore’s built environment, including its spiritual one. He taught at the NUS School of Architecture, headed the Singapore Institute of Architects, and was founding chairperson of independent arts centre The Substation.

Andrew Gn: Fashioning Singapore and the World

By Jackie Yoong, Petra Slinkard and Tan Siok Sun

Asian Civilisations Museum (2023), 302 pages
Call no.: RSING 746.92095957 AND

Andrew Gn is one of Singapore’s most prolific designers. The three essays and over 100 designs reveal the cross-cultural influences that inspire his creative process, his focus on intricate craftsmanship and his cultural identity as a designer. Gn’s high-end, ready-to-wear creations are worn by celebrities and royalty.

Belitung: The Afterlives of a Shipwreck

By Natali Pearson

NUS Press (2023), 227 pages
Call no.: RSING 910.45209598196 PEA

The Belitung is one of the most significant shipwreck discoveries of recent times, revealing the scale of ancient commercial endeavours and the centrality of the ocean within the Silk Road story. Natali Pearson reveals valuable new information about the Belitung salvage, obtained firsthand from the salvagers, and the details of the many conflicts and relationships that developed.

Heritage Food of the Peranakan Indians: In a Chitty Melaka Kitchen

By Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association Singapore

Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association Singapore (2023), 200 pages
Call no.: RSING 641.595951 PER

The Chitty Melaka are descendants of Tamil traders who settled in Melaka during the reign of the Melaka Sultanate and married local women. Embark on a culinary journey with nearly 100 Peranakan Indian recipes – from everyday dishes to festive fare. Each recipe draws inspiration from the diverse skills and stories of different community, collectively echoing the wisdom and warmth of nenek, a term of endearment for grandmothers.

Sport in Singapore: Visions for Change

By Nick Aplin

Sport Singapore (2023), 340 pages
Call no.: RSING 796.0605957 APL

In this final part of a trilogy, Nick Aplin charts the phases of development of Sport Singapore (previously Singapore Sports Council) under six chief executive officers since 1973. The visions of the organisation reflect the challenges of the time.