February 13, 2019

The Straits Times featured the Singapore Biographical Database of Chinese Personalities, which was compiled by the National Library Board, the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, and the NUS Department of Chinese Studies.

The online database was launched last Sunday at the Pod, NLB, and coincides with Singapore’s bicentenary. It showcases stories of 200 prominent Chinese men and women who have contributed to Singapore’s development from the 19^th to the 21^st century, including renowned figures like businessmen Eu Tong Sen and Chew Joo Chiat, and war hero Lim Bo Seng. The public can also take an interactive quiz with information on Chinese pioneers and share their knowledge of lesser-known pioneers.

Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information, and Culture, Community and Youth, hopes that the database will inspire more Singaporeans to connect with, learn about, and deepen their appreciation of the contributions of Chinese personalities to the country’s development.

Notably, the database is also linked to another ongoing research project led by Professor Kenneth Dean from the NUS Department of Chinese Studies. The project, ‘A Singapore Historical GIS Analysis: The Transformations of Chinese Institutions’ (https://shgis.nus.edu.sg/), highlights the locations of more than 1,000 Chinese temples, 250 clan and native place associations, as well as the former locations of 220 kampongs, 120 cemeteries, and 550 Chinese schools.

Check out the database here.

Read the full article here.