Sec 1 History -> The Founding of Modern Singapore: An Exclusive Interview with Sir Stamford Raffles

Stamford Raffles - Drawing by Chin Xin Jue

Reporter: Good day, Sir Stamford Raffles! Or should I say, good day, Sir Stamford 'Rebel' Raffles?

Raffles: Oh, dear. Is that what they're calling me now?

Reporter: Well, you did establish a trading post in Singapore when the Dutch were dominating the region. That's quite rebellious, wouldn't you say?

Raffles: I suppose it is, in a way. But let's not forget, I had the East India Company's backing. It wasn't exactly a one-man show.

Reporter: True, but it was still a bold move. What made you choose Singapore?

Raffles: Well, I was looking at the map one day, and my finger slipped. It landed on Singapore, and I thought, "Why not?"

Reporter: Really?

Raffles: (Laughs) No, not really. Singapore had a superb location. It was the perfect spot for a new port. It had a deep harbor, fresh water supplies, and was located along the main trade route between India and China.

Reporter: And the rest, as they say, is history. But tell us, Sir Raffles, were there any challenges?

Raffles: Oh, plenty! For starters, the local mosquitoes seemed to have a particular liking for British blood. And don't get me started on the humidity. I had to change my shirt thrice a day!

Reporter: That sounds... uncomfortable. But it was worth it in the end, wasn't it?

Raffles: Absolutely. Look at Singapore now - a bustling metropolis, a melting pot of cultures, and a key player in global trade. I couldn't be prouder.

Reporter: Thank you for your time, Sir Raffles. Any parting words for our readers?

Raffles: Yes, indeed. To all the young minds out there, remember this - history isn't just about the past. It's about understanding how we got here and where we're going. So keep learning, keep questioning, and who knows? Maybe one day, you'll be part of making history too.

Based on the above interview , what can you infer about the reasons why Singapore was chosen as a port?

1. Convenient and strategic location along the India-China trade route. Singapore would have been a popular stop-over point for traders as they need not have to travel long distances to their destinations.

What can you infer about the Raffles?

He was a visionary leader who was able to see the potential benefits of establishing a port in Singapore due to its deep harbour, strategic location and fresh water.