About the Programme:

Professionally, many of Sir Stamford Raffles’s initiatives and actions were driven by strategy, duty and purpose. From the moment that Raffles set foot on Singapore soil, Raffles negotiated with local rulers to secure British rights, set up a trading port in Singapore, conceptualised and implemented the Town Plan of 1822, established the Botanic Gardens on Fort Canning hill, founded Raffles Institution and donated 2000 Spanish dollars for its inception. These amongst other initiatives laid the foundation for further growth in Singapore. Join the Author in celebrating Sir Stamford’s life and contribution to Singapore.

About the Speaker:

Gerald Chew is a Singapore-based lawyer, corporate advisor, and writer with an enduring interest in colonial and Southeast Asian history. Gerald was educated as a Barrister at Middle Temple in London, England and admitted to the Singapore Bar.

He studied the life and legacy of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, exploring the colonial foundations of Singapore and the interplay of personalities, treaties, and forces that shaped Singapore’s early development. He offers a unique perspective on strategy, history and the institutions Sir Stamford established.

His book on Raffles is a tribute to Singapore’s founding figure and a reflection on how legal, political, and cultural legacies continue to influence Singapore. Gerald aims to contribute meaningfully to the conversation on identity, history, heritage, culture and governance

This programme is organised in conjunction with Singapore HeritageFest 2026. 

Photography and Videography Notice
Please note that photos and/or videos of this programme and its participants may be taken.
By participating in this programme, you agree that NLB may take photographs and/or videos of you (or your child as applicable) and use the images and/or videos including to archive, exhibit and publish them for publicity or any other NLB purposes.

Wheelchair-friendly Routes and Social Stories
To access our wheelchair friendly routes (bus and MRT) and social stories, please visit https://go.gov.sg/wheelchair-friendly-routes-social-stories and select the respective library to access the information.