Place names tell us much about a country — its history, its landscape, its people, its aspirations, its self-image, The study of place names called toponymics unlocks the stories that are in every street name and landmark.

In Singapore, the existence of various races, cultures and languages, as well as its history of colonization, immigration and nationalism has given rise to a complex history of place names. But how did these places get their names?

Expanded by over 100 pages, this revised and expanded 4th edition of the book incorporates additional information, from archival research as well as interviews that have come to light since the last edition. Also included are many new entries that have presented themselves as Singapore’s built environment undergoes redevelopment.

About the Author

Victor R Savage is a visiting fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU). He was previously with the Department of Geography, National University of Singapore (NUS), and was also Director of the Office of Alumni Relations at NUS. Brenda S A Yeoh is an academic with the Department of Geography at the National University of Singapore. Among her many appointments was Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She also sits on various government boards and committees and had previously chaired the Heritage Advisory Panel (HAP), National Heritage Board.