Widely recognized as the founder of the port city of Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles’ (1781-1826) path to Singapore wasn’t effortless as one might imagine; and the recounting of his contribution would not be accurate without mentioning the other founder – William Farquhar (1774-1839), a native born Scotsman.
What was considered the founder of Singapore?
The establishment of a British trading post in Singapore in 1818 by Sir Stamford Raffles led to its founding as a British colony in 1824.
Who named Singapore?
However, the original legend was that a long time ago, a 14th century Sumatran prince spotted an auspicious beast upon landing on the island after a thunderstorm, which he was told was a ‘lion’. Thus, the name Singapore comes from the Malay words “Singa” for lion and “Pura” for city.
What country owns Singapore?
Singapore became part of Malaysia on 16 September 1963 following a merger with Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak. The merger was thought to benefit the economy by creating a common, free market, and to improve Singapore’s internal security. However, it was an uneasy union.
Is Singapore still a British colony?
The Crown colony was dissolved on 16 September 1963 when Singapore became a state of Malaysia, ending 144 years’ of British rule on the island. On 9 August 1965, Singapore officially left Malaysia to become the independent Republic of Singapore, due to political, economic and racial disputes.
Is Singapore part of China?
Singapore was the last country in Southeast Asia to formally recognize the People’s Republic of China. Singapore still maintains unofficial relations with the Republic of China, including the continuation of a controversial military training and facilities agreement from 1975.
Why is Singapore so rich?
Today, the Singapore economy is one of the most stable in the world, with no foreign debt, high government revenue and a consistently positive surplus. The Singapore economy is mainly driven by exports in electronics manufacturing and machinery, financial services, tourism, and the world’s busiest cargo seaport.
Who bought Singapore in 1819?
On 6 February 1819, Stamford Raffles, Temenggong Abdu’r Rahman and Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor signed a treaty that gave the British East India Company (EIC) the right to set up a trading post in Singapore.
Why did Britain choose Singapore?
The harbor, being closer to the island itself would make it easier for the British to defend the harbor from pirates, making it safer. The geographic properties of Singapore, therefore allowed it to be chosen as the place where a port would be set-up.