PERSPECTIVES, SINGAPORE HISTORY

Celebrating Heritage and Historical Storytelling

My humble reflections on my experiences at the 3rd Edition of the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival

Shawn Seah speaking as part of the first panel of the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival, 3rd edition, 2024. Photograph taken by Shawn’s team.

The 3rd Edition of the Peranakan Association Singapore’s Baba Nyonya Literary Festival took place on 27 and 28 July 2024.

I was a panel speaker on Day 1, on the first panel.

As a Singaporean author, being a very small part of this festival was an incredible experience.

I am always honoured and delighted to speak at the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival (although, I have to say, I spent the night before my panel worrying and fretting about what I was going to say, do, and wear).

In fact, this round was my third time; I spoke at the inaugural festival in 2019 as well as served as a panel moderator in 2022.

This event brought together history, heritage, literature, and culture in a colourful tapestry that honoured the legacy of the Peranakan (local-born) community. The excitement was palpable the moment the festival opened. Minister Edwin Tong, who graced the event, added prestige and recognition to the Peranakan Association Singapore’s event.

For me, my goals were rather more modest and scoped: this festival was a platform to share about my children’s book series, *Our Amazing Pioneers*.

Shawn Seah sharing about Our Amazing Pioneers. Photograph taken by Shawn’s team.

My children’s book series covers amazing pioneers, like Teochew merchant Seah Eu Chin; Baba philanthropist Tan Tock Seng; Arab leader Syed Omar Aljunied; and many more.

This series is close to my heart because it aims to make history come alive for primary school pupils. Seeing young faces light up with curiosity and excitement is personally rewarding.

I also believe we must reach out to our young and educate them on the importance of learning about our history. I believe it is important to know where we come from, who we are, and what values and principles define us.

And when, as an author, you “translate” your books for adults into easily accessible materials for children, and reach out to them, you do feel a sense of deep meaning.

One of my personal highlights of the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival was the opportunity to share about my family history.

My Family History

One of the Seah family forefathers, Seah Liang Seah, was a prominent figure in Singapore’s history. He was a co-founder and Vice-President of the Straits Chinese British Association (SCBA), which eventually evolved into today’s Peranakan Association Singapore. He was also the first Singapore-born Chinese member of the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements.

Unlike other Chinese who saw themselves as sojourners and longed to return to China, for better or for worse, Seah Liang Seah was rooted in Singapore. He was born on this island in 1850; he passed away on the same island in 1925.

Talking about Seah Liang Seah’s contributions and legacy filled me with pride. His story is a testament to the resilience and community spirit that defined Singapore’s early pioneers.

But it wasn’t just about my family’s stories.

Shawn Seah sharing about Ngeow Cher Seong’s story. Photograph by Shawn’s team.

I also had the chance to share stories of other remarkable pioneers, like Ngeow Cher Seong.

These individuals played pivotal roles in shaping Singapore’s history, and their stories are filled with lessons of perseverance, innovation, and community spirit.

Sharing these stories with our children is crucial because it helps them understand where we come from and the values that have built our society.

Ngeow Cher Seong’s Story

Before the Second World War, Ngeow Cher Seong came to Singapore and made a living in silversmithing.

However, the Japanese invasion and occupation of Singapore caused him to lose almost everything.

Despite the challenges, he managed to start afresh and even set up a chain of goldsmiths, working closely with the Indian community to do so.

Today, some of his descendants carry on in his footsteps — bringing with them a rich legacy of Peranakan and Indian jewellery.

As you can see, these stories are not just historical accounts; they are narratives about resilience, compassion, and the power of community. They inspire young minds to appreciate the past and carry forward the legacy of our pioneers.

Thank You to the Organisers of the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival

The Baba Nyonya Literary Festival was a good reminder of the importance of preserving our stories and sharing them with the next generation.

Literary festivals like this play a crucial role in fostering a love for history and literature. They provide a platform for authors, historians, and heritage enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the richness of our cultural tapestry.

In the end, sharing our stories is about connecting with our roots, understanding where we come from and who we are. It is about understanding the values that define us. Our Amazing Pioneers aims to do just that — make history come alive for young minds and foster a deeper appreciation for our shared history.

Let’s continue to celebrate and promote such literary festivals, for they are the keepers of our stories and the torchbearers of our legacy.

Thank you for reading!

Cheers, Shawn Seah