During the colonial period, the Peranakan Chinese played a vital role in the economics and cultural spheres of the Malay-Indonesian port cities. The cultural and literary contributions led by Peranakan writers represent the intellectual expressions of their community.

In response to the evolving times, including shifts in women’s roles in education and the economy, the Peranakan community recognised the pressing need for reform. Many were involved in translation works, involving Malay, English, and Mandarin, and played a pivotal role in introducing Chinese cultural corpus and Western ideas into Malay. These efforts marked significant milestones in the region's intellectual history.

Join us in appreciating the Peranakan’s intellectual contributions and their role as key cultural intermediaries in a hybridised region.

This event is part of the new Roots & Reflection series.

The Roots & Reflections workshop series explores the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian history and cultural heritage, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared and diverse heritage and evolving cultural identities, as documented in NUS Libraries' historical collections.