April 3, 2019

Assistant Professor Hamzah Muzaini from the NUS Department of Southeast Asian Studies was recently featured in The Straits Times for his two-year research project on Singapore’s Southern Islands titled ‘Mapping the Southern Islands’ heritage landscapes: Integrating culture and nature in heritage conservation’.

Supported by the National Heritage Board (NHB), the study explores the relationship between the islands’ cultural and natural heritage, and uncovers little-known stories of the lives of former villagers on Pulau Seringat, Lazarus, and St. John’s islands. Included in the project are oral interviews, an exhibition, a workshop, and a self-guided walking tour.

According to Dr Hamzah, Singapore’s Southern Islands were once home to thriving communities. The 1957 census found, for instance, a total of 251 residents living in the Lazarus Island. The islanders themselves recalled 40 Malay families, with 12 members on average, from the 1950s to 1970s. However, Dr Hamzah stresses that Lazarus island has a longer history tied to the orang laut (sea nomads), who were among the original inhabitants of Singapore. In fact, it was likely that these orang laut met the British, since Sir Stamford Raffles’ fleet of ships anchored off St John’s Island.

Dr Hamzah’s research project will conclude at the end of this year. His team hopes to make recommendations on future plans for the islands.

Read the full article here.