About the Book
“Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles: His Life in Singapore, 1819–1823” by Gerald Chew explores the most defining period of Singapore’s early history. The book uncovers Raffles’s diplomatic strategies, visionary decisions, and the political and social contexts that shaped the foundation of a fast-growing maritime settlement.
Through thorough research and clear narrative, this work highlights how free trade policies, relationships with local rulers, and structured town planning established a vibrant trading port. Gerald Chew also presents the more personal side of Raffles, including his chronic health struggles and domestic life on Bukit Larangan (Fort Canning), where he lived with his family during this crucial period.
What You Will Discover
• Raffles’s diplomatic strategy behind the 1819 Treaty
• How Singapore’s population grew from under 1,000 to about 5,000 within months
• The origins of Singapore’s free-trade identity
• Raffles’s early town plan and its long-term impact
• The founding of Raffles Institution and his educational contributions
• His botanical vision for Fort Canning as a centre for useful plants, experimentation, and public learning
• His personal challenges, including headaches later discovered to be caused by a brain tumour
• His family life and home on the hill
• His role in establishing governance, security, and political stability
Featured Excerpt
Dear Readers,
Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles’s foundational strategy for establishing a British settlement in Singapore in early 1819 hinged on timing on the one hand, opportunity and Malay dynastic succession, convention and politics on the other hand, to stifle and circumnavigate any potential Dutch claim to sovereignty. How he did all this in a relatively short time, after setting foot on Singapore soil, is something we will examine and discuss.
The text of the treaty signed in 1819 emphasized mutual friendship with local rulers and the development of free trade. It stipulated that British merchants would be allowed to reside and trade freely in Singapore, and that the British East India Company would protect the Sultan and Temenggong from external threats. The British presence installed by Raffles provided a semblance of governance, stability and a sense of security for the Sultan and Temenggong.
Warm regards,
Gerald Chew
Why This Book Matters
This book is valuable for readers who seek to understand not only the history of Singapore but also the leadership, strategic thinking, and vision that guided the development of a small trading post into a global hub. The ideas and principles reflected in Raffles’s actions align with the mission of TSR 1819 and Raffles Business Academy to develop future leaders grounded in history, culture, and strategic insight.
About the Author
Gerald Chew is a Singapore-based Advocate and Solicitor with a law firm in Singapore, corporate advisor, and writer with an enduring interest in colonial and Southeast Asian history. Educated as a barrister at Middle Temple in London, England and admitted to the Singapore Bar in 1989, Gerald has spent over 30 years at the intersection of corporate law, governance, and public affairs.
Beyond his legal work, Gerald brings a historian’s eye for detail and a researcher’s discipline to his writing. He has studied the life and legacy of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, exploring both the colonial foundations of Singapore and the complex interplay of personalities, treaties, and political interests that shaped Singapore’s early development. His background in law, particularly in areas involving public policy, media regulation, and intellectual property offers a unique perspective on the institutional and legal frameworks that Sir Stamford Raffles helped establish.
Gerald’s writing combines analysis with a narrative style. His approach is informed by archival research, engagement with scholarly sources, and a commitment to presenting a balanced account that acknowledges both the achievements and controversies surrounding Sir Stamford’s legacy. His book on Raffles is not only a tribute to one of Singapore’s founding figures but also a reflection on how legal, political, and cultural legacies continue to influence contemporary Singapore. He would like his writing to bring notable figures and events to life. Through this work, Gerald aims to contribute meaningfully to the conversation on identity, history, heritage, culture and governance.