Place names tell us much about a country — its history, its landscape, its people, its aspirations, its self-image, The study of place names called toponymics unlocks the stories that are in every street name and landmark. In Singapore, the existence of various races, cultures and languages, as well as its history of colonization, immigration and nationalism has given rise to a complex history of place names. But how did these places get their names? This revised and expanded 4th edition of the book incorporates additional information, from archival research as well as interviews that have come to light since the last edition. Also included are many new entries that have presented themselves as Singapore’s built environment undergoes redevelopment. Expanded by over 100 pages.

This book represents archival work as well as field work and interviews. The introductory chapters provide an overview of the academic importance of studying place names (toponymics). In Singapore, there has been much controversy over place names due to the introduction of Hanyu Pinyin names. Singapore street names are also complicated by the fact that the names represent colonial, Chinese, Malay, Indian and Arab names. On top of that, many street and place names are also referred to by various ethnic groups in a colloquial manner which is quite different from the official name. This book will help developers to be able to name various buildings and other developments in a historically appropriate and culturally relevant manner. It will also be of interest to those who would like to know the history and background of Singaporean street names.

Since 1819, more than 6,200 place (street and village) names divided into more than 3,900 name groups were known in Singapore. Based on digitised historical newspapers, dated back to 1830, municipal records and Malay dictionaries, the origins, meanings and date of naming for many place names are uncovered. As part of Singapore history, place names known since 1936 are recorded in this book. Although place names are fairly static in nature, there have been more than 100 name changes. The naming trends transitioned from English to Malay and then back to English names. Discover that Toa Payoh was not named after a big swamp, Anderson Road was named before John Anderson, a former Governor, took up his job and many more new findings in this exciting book. This book is a complete listing of all place names since 1936, together with the most comprehensive annotations to date — a first in Singapore. It is also the only book of its kind that analyses naming trends. Information on the origins or date of naming was based on primary sources such as old maps, minutes of municipal meetings, Chinese books and digitised newspapers. Contents: A Study of Singapore Place Names: IntroductionNomenclature of Singapore Place NamesThe Contents of Singapore Place NamesPlace Names of Chinese OriginStandardisation of Chinese Place NamesEvolution of Place NamesConclusionSingapore Gazetteer Since 1936 and Annotations Readership: This book is meant for students as well as the general public interested in finding out the history behind Singapore's place names. Keywords: Singapore;Place Name;Road;Street;Village;Toponymics;StatisticReview: Key Features: This is the most comprehensive book on the subject of toponymics using data from digitised newspapers dated back to 1830 that were unavailable in the pastUse of information from Chinese sources, of which no English books on the same subject has been attempted beforeAnalysis of place names and naming trends based on four main racial groups have not been performed previously

Illustrated with numerous case studies, this book is the first comprehensive overview of the related fields of toponymy and toponomastics.

Since its publication in 1923, Sir Song Ong Siang's One Hundred Years' History of the Chinese in Singapore has become the standard biographical reference of prominent Chinese in early Singapore, at least in the English language. This fact would have surprised Song who saw himself primarily as a compiler of historical and biographical snippets. The original was not referenced in academic fashion and contained a number of errors. This annotation by the Singapore Heritage Society takes Song's classic text and updates it with detailed annotations of sources that Song himself might have consulted, and includes more recent scholarship on the lives and times of various personalities who are mentioned in the original book. This annotated edition is commissioned by the National Library Board, Singapore and co-published with World Scientific Publishing.

Tan Tock Seng, one of Singapore's most illustrious pioneers, was an influential Chinese community leader. In the early 1820s, he responded to Sir Stamford Raffles' call to open up Singapore for trade, and later became a prominent entrepreneur, a social leader of the Chinese community and a philanthropist. He also spearheaded the building of the Thian Hock Keng Temple as a rallying point for his fellow clansmen, as well as the Tan Tock Seng Hospital to provide medical services for people in Singapore.This book provides a comprehensive account of Tan Tock Seng's life, tracing his life and legacy, as well as the contributions of himself and his family. It also includes prominent family members such as Tan Kim Ching, Tan Teck Guan, Tan Boo Liat, Tan Chay Yan and Tan Hoon Siang. The fruits of their contributions have greatly impacted communities in Singapore, as well as other countries in the region.In delineating the Tan family's life and contributions, perspectives into the social, political and business workings of the lives of Overseas Chinese immigrants during the colonial era are also brought to light. Their legacy beyond Singapore's shores also highlights the regional networks of business and Chinese settlement in Nanyang. These stories bring complexity and nuance to broad-stroke developments, events and milestones in Singapore history, enhancing popular understanding and appreciation of Singapore.