200 Years of Singapore and the United Kingdom

200th anniversary of the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and William Farquhar in Singapore is an opportunity to tell afresh the story of the relationship between Singapore and the United Kingdom, reflect on the major milestones through a long and eventful journey and imagine future possibilities. Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh and British High Commissioner to Singapore Scott Wightman present in this volume a range of illuminating views and insights from eminent scholars, historians and subject specialists as they cast the spotlight on key periods and episodes within the broad narrative of Singapore’s 700-year history. In this collection are lively and fascinating accounts of personalities and events that shaped Singapore from its establishment as an East India Company trading post to the end of the British empire, thought provoking perspectives on the evolving relationship between the two countries, and a dispassionate assessment of the legacy left by the British in areas as diverse as trade and commerce, language, education, housing and sports. Through this chronicle and critical look at a unique two-centuries-old relationship, there is also recognition that the ties which bind the two countries are special and enduring — and a confidence that what lies ahead stands on firm foundation indeed.