Published by: National Archives of Singapore (NAS)

This book is different from other books on Singapore history in its long sighted view of Singapore’s past. Where all other books start Singapore’s history with Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival in 1819, this book argues that Singapore’s history started 500 years earlier, with the arrival of Seri Teri Buana from Palembang and his sighting of a Lion on this island. The book attempts a reinterpretation of that event, which has been dismissed as a myth, within the context of the archaeological evidence recovered since 1984 from excavations on and around Fort Canning. The archaeological evidence now confirms the existence of an early Emporium on Singapore in the 14th century which the book argues owed its prosperity to an earlier cycle of globalized trade underpinned by a Chinese market under the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Singapore, this book contends, was not a “sleepy fishing village” prior to Raffles’ arrival, but a thriving harbour and port under the Johor-Riau sultanate. The book reconstructs Raffles’ arrival at Singapore and all that followed in the long cycles of the maritime history of the Melaka Straits. The book situates Singapore’s current concerns about its status as a Global City in the current post-Cold War cycle of globalization in the larger and longer cycles of earlier globalization with the intent of providing a corrective perspective to the myopic view of Singapore after 1965.

Retail price $38 before GST.

For orders, please contact Eileen Ng at eileen_ng@nhb.gov.sg / DID: 63327973

Published by: National Archives of Singapore (NAS)

The publication is a compilation of the papers presented at the International Conference on Records and Archives, “Power of Collective Memories and Evidence”, organised by NAS on 17 and 18 July 2008 in Singapore and cover the following topics:

	the interplay between the roles of records, archives, and the construction of individual and collective memories
	policy, procedures and infrastructure in developing a trusted record keeping system
	digital preservation strategies
	the latest policies, standards and practices in good record keeping and preservation from practising archivists.

For queries, please contact Eileen Ng at eileen_ng@nhb.gov.sg / DID: 63327973

Published by: National Archives of Singapore (NAS)

The old Ford Motor Factory opened its doors once again on 16 February 2006, to a new lease of life as Memories at Old Ford Factory (“Memories”). Now a national monument befitting of its name, Memories houses our nation's collective memories in its archives repositories, while also capturing the personal memories of a people caught under the Japanese Occupation in a permanent exhibition - “Syonan Years: Singapore Under Japanese Rule, 1942 - 1945”.

This guide to Memories at Old Ford Factory reveals behind-the-scenes stories of the building's beginnings, its significance leading to the start of the Japanese Occupation in Singapore, to its transformation from a car assembly plant to the present day exhibition gallery, audio-visual theatre and archives repositories. Along the way, as research for the exhibition content revealed a nation's resilience in times of war and scarcity, see how important lessons learnt from history on resource management, adaptability, self-sufficiency and innovativeness were incorporated in the building's design and daily operations.

Look out for key Japanese Occupation artefacts displayed in the gallery and learn the significance of various features incorporated into the landscaping at Memories. Also make use of our recommended itinerary to explore Memories thoroughly for a unique, comprehensive and interactive approach to understanding the darkest years of Singapore's history.

The National Archives of Singapore is offering an exclusive promotion for readers who purchase a copy at only S$22.45 (inclusive of GST) from Memories at Old Ford Factory at 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road or our Reception counter at 1 Canning Rise or Reflections at Bukit Chandu at 31K Pepys Road.

Receive a 20% discount voucher for selected merchandise at Memories when you purchase a copy!
Normal retail price $37.45, inclusive of GST.

For queries, please contact Eileen Ng at eileen_ng@nhb.gov.sg / DID: 63327973

Published by: National Archives of Singapore (NAS)

10 men. 10 years. They represent a crucial period where critical decisions and actions were made that helped shape the destiny of Singapore to this day. This catalogue complements and documents the travelling exhibition of the same title, which was launched on 28 July 2007, and records the many poignant stories on the contributions by the First Cabinet and Singapore's first decade of nation building. The catalogue is organised thematically into 5 parts - starting with a brief historical overview on key political milestones followed by four broad themes covering foreign relations and defence, economic development, public health and social harmony. Box stories such as on Constitution of Singapore, State Symbols, Water Supply, Family Planning Policy and Proclamation of Singapore give added interest. The lessons from these 10 years will inspire us in years to come and better appreciate where Singapore stands today.

Catalogue is in English and Chinese language.
Retail price $26.75. Special discount price to schools at $16.05. All prices include GST.

For queries, please contact Eileen Ng at eileen_ng@nhb.gov.sg / DID: 63327973

Published by: National Archives of Singapore (NAS)

"Memories and Reflections" is a comprehensive step-by-step guide on conducting oral history. Researched and written by the alumni and current staff of the Oral History Centre, the manual takes the reader through preparation for the interview, the recording process and goes 'behind the scene', to show how the recorded information is processed and preserved.

The unique feature of the 2007 edition is the inclusion of many oral history extracts to illustrate the various aspects of oral history methodology including the 'do's and 'don'ts' of interviewing, and how oral history dissemination is done via the various media.

This manual provides a quick reference for new comers to the field of oral history. For oral history practitioners, this publication will be a useful resource guide on areas concerning project management, collection documentation and preservation.

Retail price $18.90, inclusive of GST.

For queries, please contact Eileen Ng at eileen_ng@nhb.gov.sg / DID: 63327973

Published by: National Archives of Singapore (NAS)

Commonly associated with bloodshed, torture and hardship, the Japanese Occupation is no doubt the darkest period in Singapore's modern history. Lesser known to many, however, the Occupation was not always all gloom and despair as people found moments of relief through various forms of entertainment and the celebration of festivals and weddings. Amidst the agony of going hungry and fear for the Kempeitai, glimpses of people's hope and their fighting spirit to survive also shone through on many occasions.

The National Archives of Singapore, with its extensive collection of oral history interviews and historical photographs acquired over the years, has put together an exhibition - Syonan Years: Singapore Under Japanese Rule (1942 - 1945), at the old Ford Factory, now known as Memories at Old Ford Factory, telling the story of what daily life was like during the Occupation. Anchored primarily on oral history accounts that were collected since 1980s, the exhibition depicts the changes and their impact of the Occupation on daily life, and people's reactions to them. Now, these stories accompanied by historical photographs and images from the exhibition are made available in a Chinese edition of the Exhibition Catalogue. Look back at these stories and discover the many lessons behind them. Learn about the creativity, entrepreneurship and perseverance displayed by people then as they found ways and means to adapt and survive despite harsh conditions.

Receive a complimentary set of Memories at Old Ford Factory postcards (worth $5) with every purchase of the catalogue.
Hurry! While stocks last only.

Retail price $26.50, inclusive of GST.

For queries, please contact Eileen Ng at eileen_ng@nhb.gov.sg / DID: 63327973

'Reminiscences of the Straits Settlements through Postcards' A New Publication


The images in this compilation were featured in the exhibition, Reminiscences of the Straits Settlements through Postcards, a collaboration between the National Archives of Malaysia and the National Archives of Singapore. More than 150 postcards take the reader back to life in Penang, Singapore and Malacca at the turn of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The images are a fascinating record of a shared lifestyle and a good reminder of the close historical links between the two nations.


This beautiful hardcover edition is a must-have for history buffs and avid collectors of historical postcards.

Retail price $37.80, inclusive of GST.

For queries, please email eileen_ng@nhb.gov.sg