This lecture series is organized by the National Library Board Singapore, in collaboration with the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, Department of History and Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore.
ABSTRACT
Between 1296 and 1320, a port capable of forming diplomatic relations with China was established in Singapore. From that time, Singapore was coveted by its Southeast Asian neighbours such as Xian, a Siamese group and the Majapahit kingdom. Singapore’s early history provides an interesting example of a polity that maintained a special identity for 300 years in the face of constant threats to its existence, and in the process, highlight the island’s significant connections to historical developments in Southeast Asia.
SPEAKER
John N. Miksic is a Professor of Southeast Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore. He also founded the Archaeology Unit at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. His book Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea won the inaugural Singapore History Book Prize in 2018.
CHAIRPERSON
Maitrii Aung-Thwin is an Associate Professor of Myanmar/Southeast Asian history at the National University of Singapore and editor of the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies.
REGISTRATION
Free admission. Please register your interest to attend at this link: https://www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary2/e/histories-series-singapore-and-the-mandalas-of-14th-century-southeast-asia-29017660
HISTORIES SERIES
This series highlights research on historical and related matters in Singapore and Southeast Asia, creating an appreciation of the role of humanities and social sciences research in contemporary society.
