Part 1/16:

The Forgotten Roots of Singapore’s Plantation History: A Journey Through Time

Singapore’s modern landscape is often associated with gleaming skyscrapers, bustling streets, and vibrant urban life. However, beneath the surface lies a compelling history of plantations, alien crops, and the ecological transformations that shaped the island. For nearly two centuries, Singapore was a burgeoning hub of exotic crops—rubber, pineapple, vanilla, coffee, sugar, cotton, and rice—each influencing the economy, culture, and environment in profound ways. This longform article explores the rich history of Singapore's plantations, the stories of early Chinese entrepreneurs, the ecological consequences of plantation agriculture, and the legacy that endures in our landscape today.