Jan–Mar 2025

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Director's Note

Cups and Sources: Hunting Down the Origins of Kueh Pie Tee
Kueh pie tee is a fixture of classic Singaporean cooking, yet its identity has the shape of an enigma, filled with mystery and garnished with riddles. Christopher Tan. (PDF)

Japanese Anglicans in World War Two Singapore
During the Japanese Occupation, four Japanese Anglicans were a sign of hope for local Anglicans during a dark chapter in Singapore’s history. John Bray. (PDF)

In Good Hands: The Calligraphy of Ustaz Syed Abdul Rahman Al-Attas
The master calligrapher’s artworks not only adorn physical spaces but are also found in Malay print publications. Nurul Wahidah Mohd Tambee. (PDF)

How the CPF Scheme Came to Be
When the Central Provident Fund scheme was set up in 1955, it had to compete with an alternative pension scheme that had been proposed. Lim Tin Seng. (PDF)

W. Somerset Maugham: Secrets from the Outstations
W. Somerset Maugham’s visits to Singapore in the 1920s inspired some of his greatest writings, but these stories also triggered a fierce backlash against him throughout British Malaya. T.A. Morton. (PDF)

All Smoke? Opium Propaganda in the Syonan Shimbun
Imperial Japan justified its occupation of Singapore with opium propaganda and prohibition promises. Hannah Yeo. (PDF)

The Story of Sembawang from 19th-Century Singapore Maps
Sembawang’s history can be told through the many maps that have charted its changes over the years. Makeswary Periasamy. (PDF)

Providing Independent and Non-Partisan Views: The Nominated Member of Parliament Scheme
The Nominated Member of Parliament Scheme was set up to present more opportunities for Singaporeans to participate in politics. But its implementation in 1990 was not without controversy. Benjamin Ho and John Choo. (PDF)

Chingay in the 19th and 20th Centuries: A Community Procession in Time
The Chingay Parade held annually in Singapore during the Lunar New Year has its roots in the tai ge from China. Timothy Pwee. (PDF)

John Sturgus Bastin: A Memoir
The late Dr John Bastin was the leading authority on Stamford Raffles, having published more than 20 books and many essays on Raffles. Kwa Chong Guan. (PDF)

New Books on Singapore History
Batik: Makers and Wearers; From Streets to Stalls: The History and Evolution of Hawking and Hawker Centres in Singapore; and Keramat, Sacred Relics and Forbidden Idols in Singapore are some of the new books available at the National Library. (PDF)