What was singapore called

Later, the city was known as Temasek "Sea Town" , when the first settlements were established from AD During the 14th century, this small but strategically-located island earned a new name. According to legend, Sang Nila Utama, a Prince from Palembang the capital of Srivijaya , was out on a hunting trip when he caught sight of an animal he had never seen before.

The city was then ruled by the five kings of ancient Singapura. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, the natural meeting point of sea routes, the city flourished as a trading post for vessels such as Chinese junks, Arab dhows, Portuguese battleships, and Buginese schooners. Modern Singapore was founded in the 19th century, thanks to politics, trade and a man known as Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. During this time, the British empire was eyeing a port of call in this region to base its merchant fleet, and to forestall any advance made by the Dutch.

Give us feedback. Read Next View. Naumi Hotel SG Clean. Lloyd's Inn SG Clean. Sports Hostel SG Clean. Thanksgiving Serviced Residence. The Daulat SG Clean. Singa is the Malay version of the Sanskrit simha , which means lion , and pura is of Sanskrit origin and means city or town. The name owes its origin to the Singaporean legend that a Sumatran prince, Sang Nila Utama, founded this Lion City when he saw what he thought was a lion on the shores of the island — although we know today that it was probably a tiger, given that lions have never been found in Singapore.

Still, the lion iconography has embedded itself in Singapore culture and manifests itself in symbols like the Merlion and the Singapore football team the Lions, as well as numerous insignia and phrases.

An even earlier written record of Singapore dates back to the second century, with references in Greek astronomical texts by Claudius to a place he called Sabana , where Singapore is situated. Chinese, Malays and Indians comprise the three official ethnic groups in the country. By the late 19th century, the British overloads of Singapore had extended their influence throughout the Malay peninsula and the port of Singapore acquired a rich hinterland of resources.

The aftermath sparked an outpouring of anti-colonial and nationalist sentiments. After the merger with Malaysia and the subsequent separation, the former colonial port of Singapore become a leader in global financing and trading in the s. Today, it continues to wittingly maneuver its way in the world of international trade, just as it had done in the 19th century, and a large part of that success is owed to the country's pro-industrialisation policies and excellence-oriented multi-ethnic people.

Hawksford offer services which make moving to Singapore straight-forward. You may find these Singapore business guides useful in helping you make your decision:. With almost 5. Find out more about the People of Singapore online in our guide here.