Singapore's bicentennial: 1819-2019

Stamford Raffles did not 'discover' Singapore

At least two centuries before 1819, the island was already appreciated for its fine port and for its commercial potential as a colonial settlement.

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Can Stamford Raffles really be credited fully for discovering Singapore's potential as a commercial emporium and a natural strategic position in the Straits region?

Can it be that an important location along a busy maritime artery remained undiscovered or forgotten for centuries?

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 05, 2018, with the headline Stamford Raffles did not 'discover' Singapore. Subscribe