Summary
Highlights
The story of Singapore begins when a prince from the Sri Vijaya Empire took refuge on the island after a storm. He spotted a lion, which he took as a good omen, and decided to build a city, calling it 'Lion City' or Singapura. The pre-existing settlement of Temasek was incorporated into the kingdom, which became a prosperous trading city with strong ties to the Mongol Yuan Dynasty.
Competing empires, the Majapahit and Ayutthaya, both claimed Singapura, leading to its destruction in 1398. The last raja founded the Malacca Sultanate, which became a bustling international trading hub and a center for Islamic learning. This golden age ended when the Portuguese conquered Malacca. Later, the British, led by Stamford Raffles, established a trading post in Singapore in 1819, purchasing the island from the Sultan of Johor.
In 1826, Singapore, Malacca, and Penang formed the Straits Settlements. Raffles' free-market policies attracted massive migration and trade, increasing the population from 1,000 to 100,000 within 50 years with minimal taxes. In 1867, it became a British Crown Colony, leading to modernization and improved public services. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 further boosted Singapore's trade and immigration.
The early 20th century saw a rise in Chinese nationalism among immigrants. However, the Chinese elite, known as the Straits Chinese, felt closer to Britain. After the Japanese occupation during World War Two, Singapore felt abandoned by the British. In 1959, Singapore became an independent colony within the British Empire, electing Lee Kuan Yew as its first Prime Minister. After briefly joining and then being expelled from Malaysia in 1963-1965, Singapore became a fully independent nation.
Lee Kuan Yew governed Singapore for over three decades, transforming it from the brink of economic collapse into one of the most robust global economies. Singapore gained a reputation for low corruption and economic freedom, becoming a leading shipping, financial, and manufacturing hub that continues to adapt to the changing world.