Thank you for visiting this page. It features upcoming and past events, e.g. talks, sharing sessions, lectures and seminars, conferences, awards, and book readings.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We are planning events for 2026. In the meantime, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Take care and keep well.
PAST EVENTS
A Tradition of Peranakan Jewellery with Shawn Seah and Francis Ngau, at Asian Artistry (29 November 2025)
I was honoured to converse with Francis Ngau’s family about their ancestor, heritage jeweller Ngeow Cher Seong. I also shared stories about community leader Seah Liang Seah and philanthropist Tan Tock Seng. Upon reflection, the biggest privilege I had today was spending time with my buddy Jimmy and members of his wonderful family.
Our Amazing Heroes! A Storytelling Session, at the Singapore Discovery Centre (23 November 2025)
I was thrilled to be a small part of the inaugural Defence Collective Festival! On a Sunday afternoon, I brought to life the stories of three war heroes from my children’s book series Our Amazing Heroes. Around 40 attended this free public talk at the Singapore Discovery Centre, and I am hopeful that they have discovered something new about Singapore! Special thanks to Defence Collective Singapore for the kind invitation.
“Name Dropping: The Legacy of Singapore’s Street Names”, Singapore Writers Festival 2025, at The Arts House at The Old Parliament (15 November 2025)
As part of a panel discussion on “Name Dropping: The Legacy of Singapore’s Street Names”, I talked about my family history, including the stories of Seah Eu Chin and Tan Seng Poh. The Screening Room was packed, with 75 Singapore Writers Festival attendees enjoying the sharing by Professors Victor Savage and Brenda Yeoh. Special thanks to Wesley Leon Aroozoo for moderating the session.
“The Little Red Dot: Struggle, Survival, and the Singapore Story”, at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview (8 November 2025)
I was honoured to be invited by the Australasian College of Legal Medicine (ACLM) to deliver the after-dinner speech at the ACLM 2025 Awards Dinner, on Saturday, 8 November 2025, at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview. I shared about the Alexandra Hospital Massacre, the Fall of Singapore, and how our young nation fought against the odds. It was my privilege to speak to a diverse and accomplished audience of around 90 attendees from around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. My heartfelt thanks to ACLM for the kind invitation and congratulations on organising such a successful event.
International Conference on Labor Studies, at Centennial Memorial Hall, Korea University (23 October 2025)
I was privileged to be invited to Korea University’s International Conference on Labor Studies. 2025 marks the 120th anniversary of Korea University, the 30th anniversary of the Graduate School of Labor Studies, and the 60th anniversary of the Research Institute on Labor and Employment. I shared that in a Just Transition to a world of AI, no worker should be left behind. Workers can be ready through reskilling and upskilling, while companies can redesign jobs and transform themselves to reap AI’s benefits while uplifting their workers. And this is possible because of Singapore’s strong tripartism. I enjoyed exchanging perspectives with, and learning from, academics and researchers from around the world, including the US, Germany, Japan, Korea, and the International Labour Organization.
“Skills in an AI-Powered World of Work”, at Downtown East (15 October 2025)
I was privileged to be invited to speak with 20 participants at an International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITC ILO) workshop. Participants came from many countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines. I shared how the Labour Movement helps workers thrive in a world of AI by ensuring a Just Transition; supporting business transformation and job redesign; and upskilling and reskilling Singapore’s workforce. No worker should be left behind, because Every Worker Matters.
Memories from Aukang and Punggol: Tales from the River and Road, at Cheng San Public Library (13 September 2025)
I was honoured to be invited by Cheng San Public Library to speak about “Memories from Aukang and Punggol: Tales from the River and Road”. At the Activity Room, I talked about historical Aukang and Kangkar, and narrated stories from My Father’s Kampung to about 20 attendees. After the sharing, I had an engaging dialogue, answering questions about the Punggol Zoo and the Japanese Cemetery Park. Special thanks to Cheng San Public Library for the kind invitation and I look forward to the library’s refresh and re-opening in 2027!
Our Amazing Pioneers, at Jurong Primary School (18 August 2025)
I enjoyed sharing stories from Our Amazing Pioneers with about 1,000 students to celebrate SG60. The pupils were engaged, and my last assembly talk for 2025 ended on a high. My heartfelt thanks to Jurong Primary School for the kind invitation and Readers’ House for all the encouragement and support!
“Grandfather Stories: A Singaporean’s Personal Journey”, Arts in the Alley, at KeSa House (16 August 2025)
I was invited to be a part of 8M’s “Arts in the Alley”. Member of Parliament Mr Foo Cexiang graced my event at KeSa House (55 Keong Saik Road). Pairing with Museum of Food (and their keropok), I shared my author’s journey and told stories of Our Amazing Pioneers, Seah Eu Chin and Tan Seng Poh. Family stories remind us where we come from, who we are, and the values that guide us. I hope the young and the young at heart learnt something new. Happy SG60 to my fellow Singaporeans!
Our Amazing Pioneers, at Jing Shan Primary School (15 August 2025)
On 15 August 2025, I told stories of Our Amazing Pioneers to hundreds of young pupils at Jing Shan Primary School. After the morning assembly talk, one of the teachers told me that Ngeow Cher Seong’s story resonated with her. I’m glad the stories are making a difference. I greatly appreciate Readers’ House and Jing Shan Primary School teachers, not just for the kind invitation, but for nurturing and educating these young children.
Our Amazing Pioneers, at Punggol View Primary School (6 August 2025)
On 6 August 2025, I engaged the primary school children of Punggol View, with half of them interacting with me face-to-face and the other half listening to my stories online. I love engaging curious minds, asking them questions, and involving them in the stories of Singapore’s early settlers. Special thanks to Punggol View Primary School for the invitation and Readers’ House for the great support as always!
Our Amazing Pioneers, at Waterway Primary School (5 and 6 August 2025)
I was delighted to mark SG60 with many school children. On 5 August, I recited stories to around 1,000 students at their morning assembly (with fighter jets roaring overhead every now and then). The next day, I enjoyed answering questions and autographing books for enthusiastic, young readers. Special thanks to Waterway Primary School for the kind invitation and Readers’ House for all the encouragement and support!
Our Amazing Pioneers (Commemorating SG60 Assembly Talk), at North View Primary School (28 July 2025)
I was delighted to share historical stories with around 1,000 pupils at their morning assembly. I hope the children will be inspired to learn more about the pioneers who came before us and their enduring values like never giving up, working closely with people of different races, and giving back to society. After all, SG60 is the perfect time to think about how we can build our Singapore together. Special thanks to North View Primary School for the enthusiastic invitation and Readers’ House (as always) for the great support!
Our Amazing Pioneers (Commemorating SG60 Assembly Talk), at Blangah Rise Primary School (1 July 2025)
I was privileged to share stories with around 500 primary school pupils at morning assembly. They listened attentively to stories of my ancestor Seah Eu Chin; community leader Syed Omar Aljunied; and heritage jeweller Ngeow Cher Seong. From these family history stories, the pupils learnt more about those who came before them and the values that drove them. Special thanks to Blangah Rise Primary School for the kind invitation and Readers’ House for the kind support!
“Fact Attack! Making Non-Fiction Fun and Fascinating” at the Singapore Children’s Book Festival 2025, at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (22 June 2025)
At the Singapore Children’s Book Festival 2025, I moderated a panel discussion on making non-fiction fun and fascinating. I enjoyed chatting with award-winning author Ng Yi-Sheng and illustrator David Liew on a Sunday afternoon at NAFA Campus 2 Room 3-05 (Level 3), as well as the 18 people who attended or helped out. I also enjoyed the engaging questions and comments. Special thanks to the Singapore Book Publishers Association and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts.
A Family Tradition of Jewellery, with Francis Ngau, at the Peranakan Museum (15 June 2025)
On Sunday, 15 June, 10.30am to 12pm, I teamed up with heritage jeweller Baba Francis Ngau for “A Family Tradition of Jewellery”. We explored the rich legacy of Peranakan jewellery and the story of Francis’ ancestor, jeweller Ngeow Cher Seong. We spent a meaningful Sunday morning with an engaged group of 17 people who came to learn more, ask good questions, and reflect on our history and heritage.
Our Amazing Pioneers, at the Peranakan Museum (14 June 2025)
On 14 June 2025, I shared inspiring stories from my children’s book series, Our Amazing Pioneers. I am grateful to the 20 people who came down on a Saturday morning to listen to stories about Singapore’s early settlers. I narrated the stories of Seah Liang Seah, Ngeow Cher Seong, and Tan Tock Seng. Special thanks must go to the Peranakan Association Singapore, National Heritage Board, and Peranakan Museum for my opportunity to be a part of the Community Voices Programme.
Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) 2025, at the National Library (24 May 2025)
On 24 May 2025, I spoke about “Discovering Singapore’s History: Adapting War Narratives into Meaningful and Engaging Children’s Stories”, at AFCC 2025. Around 25 people attended the session, including educators, librarians, and my publisher and editor. I appreciated the warmth and friendly conversation with my talented moderator, David Liew. I enjoyed the engaging conversation with the attendees about history and making war stories meaningful!
Our Amazing Pioneers, at Ngee Ann Primary School (6 May 2025)
At an assembly talk, I spoke with around 1,000 Ngee Ann Primary School pupils about my personal journey as a writer and speaker. I also shared with them about Our Amazing Pioneers and Our Amazing Heroes. My special connection with this school is that my great-great-great grandfather Seah Eu Chin co-founded the Ngee Ann Kongsi, which set up this school. Founded in 1940, the school celebrates 85 years of history in 2025. Special thanks to the school library team for inviting me!
‘Culture Club’ with Melanie Oliveiro, on CNA938 (21 April 2025)
On 21 April 2025, Melanie Oliveiro spoke with Executive Director (Singapore Book Council) William Phuan, children’s author Lianne Ong, and me! We talked about the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) 2025 and its theme of “Discovery”. To listen to the interview, please visit “Doing it for the Kids: AFCC 2025“.
Meet OUR AMAZING PIONEERS, at Book Bar (22 March 2025)
I was invited by the Peranakan Association Singapore to share stories of my great-great granduncle Seah Liang Seah and jeweller Ngeow Cher Seong at Book Bar (57 Duxton Road). I also talked a bit about my children’s book series, Our Amazing Heroes. I am grateful for the 13 people who attended, and hope Singaporeans can continue to support local authors and bookstores! Special thanks to Stella Wee and Alex Chua for the kind invitation.
Talk at M.Y World @ Tampines North (18 March 2025)
I enjoyed speaking to 25 little ones at M.Y World at Tampines North! I told them about my journey as a writer and public speaker. I also introduced them to the inspiring story of Tan Tock Seng, a kind-hearted pioneer! I was really heartened that they were very polite, attentive, and deeply engaged.
Our Amazing Heroes, at the National Library (16 February 2025)
I spent a delightful afternoon sharing stories from Our Amazing Heroes, illustrated by talented Patrick Yee. The stories of Captain Ho Weng Toh, Dr Ee Peng Liang, and Mrs Elizabeth Choy inspire us to be courageous, compassionate, and kind, especially in the face of challenges. I am especially grateful to the 50 kind, supportive, and encouraging people who attended my book launch. Special thanks to Genealogy Society Singapore; the National Library; and the Singapore Seah Clan Association for the support.
Sharing at the College of Alice and Peter Tan (CAPT) (11 February 2025)
I spent my evening sharing stories with 20 CAPT undergraduates, covering topics like the Teochews and Catholics who lived at Aukang; the kampung spirit; and apparent trade-offs between economic development and heritage preservation. I was delightfully surprised that a student traced his own family history all the way back to China; another was keen on heritage volunteerism; and another was a former neighbour of mine. Special thanks to Dr Toh Tai Chong for kindly inviting me to speak to such engaged, intelligent students.
The Eye and The Tiger, at 7 Adam Park (19 January 2025)
I was thrilled to be invited to OH! Open House’s Art Walk at 7 Adam Park! “The Eye and The Tiger”, an immersive art exhibition with a guided tour, explored themes like colonialism and how the tiger, a symbol of Southeast Asian cultures, could challenge this legacy. It was heartening to see how OH! Open House creates meaningful experiences by integrating heritage with the arts, and I greatly appreciated this eye-opening experience.
Book Display at The Arts House (2 November 2024)
The National Institute of Education organised an English Language & Literature Seminar at The Arts House on 2 November 2024. World Scientific held a book display there, and teachers engaged with local writers. I enjoyed meeting teachers and supportive fellow writers like Lianne Ong, Janice Khoo, and Sarah Ang. And I also enjoyed talking about my “grandfather’s roads”.
Preview of My Community Festival, at Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng (19 October 2024)
I was invited to attend previews of My Community Festival 2024, held from 1 to 17 November 2024. I chose to attend a guided tour of Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng, a Chinese cultural organisation and columbarium in Bishan. I enjoyed exploring the Heritage Gallery and came across a reference to Seah Liang Seah! Along with Boey Ah Sam and others, Seah Liang Seah was appointed to the Chinese Advisory Board in 1890. I am glad the stories of our pioneers are being told and retold.
Guest Lecture at the National University of Singapore (3 September 2024)
On 3 September 2024, I enjoyed giving a guest lecture to 24 undergraduate students on my family’s history and my personal journey. I was also delighted to catch up with Associate Professor Wong Sin Kiong. Along my journey, I have been lucky to meet many kind individuals like him who have been encouraging and supportive.
National Day Special Exhibition, ‘Yours Sincerely’, at the Singapore Discovery Centre (August 2024)
I was delighted to learn that I am a small part of the National Day Special Exhibition, ‘Yours Sincerely’, at the Singapore Discovery Centre. Through Our Amazing Pioneers, I hope to make Singapore’s past accessible to young Singaporeans. By learning more about how our pioneers came together to build Singapore, may our children be inspired to continue building Singapore Together, As One United People. Happy National Day, Singapore!
Panel Discussion on Day 1 of the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival, at the Pod, National Library Building (27 July 2024)
I was a panel speaker at the 3rd edition of the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival! More than 100 people attended the fully-subscribed event, graced by Minister Edwin Tong. At this literary festival, I shared about my children’s book series, Our Amazing Pioneers, including the inspiring stories of jeweller Ngeow Cher Seong and community leader Seah Liang Seah, who was co-founder and Vice President of the Straits Chinese British Association (SCBA). I appreciate the kind invitation by the Peranakan Association Singapore. Thank you.
English Language Week, at Greenridge Primary School (12 April 2024)
Princesses, wizards, and robots appeared in front of me! They were curious pupils dressed as storybook characters. I’m glad that they were keen to learn about Our Amazing Pioneers. I was also happy to see a “Sing Lit” section featuring local authors. It is heartening that young children are exposed to writing by Singaporean authors. (Special thanks to Readers’ House.)
Storytelling at Greenridge Primary School (9 April 2024)
I was delighted to spend my morning with 520 amazing young pupils from Greenridge Primary School! I had fun reading from Our Amazing Pioneers. After that, the pupils asked many unusual questions and I loved answering them. While I edutained them at this assembly talk, I hope that reading will ignite a passion for learning in them, that may one day blossom into a love for writing.
Sharing at the College of Alice and Peter Tan (CAPT) (6 February 2024)
I shared stories with 30 CAPT undergraduates reading UTC2406 / UTS2404 Cities and Nature. In this closed-door session, I spoke about the transformation of historical Aukang and Punggol, in aspects like culture, heritage, and religion. Special thanks to Dr Toh Tai Chong for kindly inviting me to share about history and heritage.
Our Amazing Pioneers, at Tiong Bahru CC (14 January 2024)
On 14 January 2024, I visited Tiong Bahru CC to share stories of Seah Eu Chin, Tan Seng Poh, and Syed Omar Aljunied. Around 25 participants attended the talk. I was delighted to return to this venue, because it is close to my heart. Tiong Bahru CC sits on Eu Chin Street. The CC was also the second place I launched my first book, back in 2018. Special thanks to the People’s Association and Walter Sia for organising this event.
‘Culture Club’ in ‘Life&Style’ with Melanie Oliveiro, on CNA938 (4 December 2023)
On 4 December 2023, Melanie Oliveiro spoke with me on Our Amazing Pioneers. I was delighted to share my love of reading, writing, and speaking about family history and Singapore Stories with her! As a heritage enthusiast, I am always happy to talk about my ancestor Seah Eu Chin and other pioneers of Singapore, like Tan Seng Poh and Syed Omar Aljunied. I hope that their stories of hard work, resilience, and giving back to society can inspire our next generation. (Special thanks to Melanie, CNA938, and World Scientific for this feature.) To listen to the interview, please visit “The stories of Our Amazing Pioneers“.
Storytelling with Shawn Seah at the Singapore Writers Festival, at Imagination Room at the National Library (19 November 2023)
At the National Library’s Imagination Room, I recited stories from Our Amazing Pioneers, covering Teochew leader Seah Eu Chin; Hakka jeweller Ngeow Cher Seong; and charitable Arab Syed Omar Aljunied. While the crowd was small, they had a lot of heart: around 20 grandparents, parents, and children and I had fun laughing together on a pleasant afternoon. A big thank you to the Singapore Writers Festival; the National Library; and World Scientific for inviting me.
Aukang and Punggol in a World at War, Punggol Regional Library (19 November 2023)
At the Punggol Regional Library on 19 November 2023 at 11am, I shared stories from Punggol during World War II. Around 45 people attended my talk, including a filming crew from the National Library. This talk covered topics like the Japanese Cemetery Park at Hougang, massacres at Punggol, the death of a poet, and the destruction of the Punggol Zoo. Such stories from World War II, wars in Europe and the Middle East, and ongoing geopolitical tensions remind us that peace cannot be taken for granted. We hope the day never comes where we must fight, but if it does, we must ourselves defend our home. It will be down to us and no one else. And that is why we need a strong Singapore Armed Forces. In an uncertain world, a strong defence ensures that we are able to chart our own way. And freedom to make our own decisions, set our own directions, and aspire to our own dreams is priceless.
NUS Alumni Awards, at Conrad Singapore Orchard (2 November 2023)
I was honoured to be recognised as Outstanding Young Alumni in recognition of my contributions to local history and heritage. I am grateful to the National University of Singapore, and kind and encouraging professors; the heritage community, especially the Singapore Seah Clan Association and my readers; and my family and friends. I often say that local writers cannot thrive without community support, and this is true. I hope to continue inspiring my fellow Singaporeans to explore their roots, learn their family stories, and be more aware of Singapore’s history. By knowing where we come from, and who we are, we have a good chance of remaining rooted, centred, and united as one people as we move forward, together.
Singapore Seah Clan Association Anniversary Celebration (28 October 2023)
I was happy to celebrate another Singapore Seah Clan Association (SSCA) anniversary with my family and friends. SSCA turns 73 this year, and there will hopefully be many more years to come. This year is also special because it marks 200 years since my ancestor Teochew pioneer Seah Eu Chin first landed in Singapore. As we journey into the future, we still remember those who came before us.
Book Monsters Season 2: Our Amazing Pioneers, on Kiss92 (8 September 2023)
I was delighted to have Nat Koh from Kiss92 read Seah Eu Chin: The King of Gambier and Pepper, one of the books in my children’s book series, Our Amazing Pioneers! Special thanks to Kiss92, EtonHouse, and WS Education.
Our Amazing Pioneers at Asian Artistry, Changi Jewel (August 2023)
Asian Artistry Fine Jewellery at Changi Jewel promoted Our Amazing Pioneers, including the amazing story of Ngeow Cher Seong’s rise from ordinary immigrant to prominent jeweller. Learn the true story of how he and his family survived WWII and learnt new skills, from silversmithing to goldsmithing. Special thanks to Francis Ngau, descendant of Ngeow Cher Seong, as well as WS Education.
Kangkar: a Fishing Story, at the Punggol Regional Library (30 July 2023)
On Sunday morning, I was at the Punggol Regional Library. I talked about the history of Kangkar fishing village. I shared kampung stories, including anecdotes about the hustle and bustle of the fishing port and market; little animals caught for food; and even a haunted house. I had a wonderful time listening to several participants’ personal stories, like anecdotes about a legendary Catholic religious instruction auntie (Tor Lee Kou), Kow Ong Yah, and the Kampung Spirit. Thank you NLB and the 50 kind people who attended the talk.
Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival, at the Singapore Seah Clan Association (17 June 2023)
I was delighted to speak to 30 people at the clan association’s Dragon Boat Festival celebrations on 17 June 2023. I talked about why I wrote the children’s book series, Our Amazing Pioneers, and why we must remember those who came before us. And I spent a gentle afternoon catching up with family and friends.
Our Amazing Pioneers! at the Asian Civilisations Museum (28 May 2023)
On 28 May 2023, I was a small part of the Singapore HeritageFest 2023! I shared stories about Seah Eu Chin, Seah Liang Seah, and Ngeow Cher Seong. Researching and writing about our amazing pioneers has been an incredible journey, only possible with kind, generous, and continued support from many people. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the National Heritage Board, WS Education, my friend Francis Ngau of Asian Artistry Fine Jewellery, my family and volunteers, and, above all, the 55 participants who attended and made today’s talk a great success.
Kampung Memories from Aukang, at Punggol Regional Library (14 May 2023)
On 14 May 2023, I shared stories at the Punggol Regional Library. I had fun sharing stories like how my grandfather set out to “defeat the Empire”; how my father was warned that if he did not study hard, he would “become a night soil carrier”; and other kampung stories. It was heartwarming to hear participants’ personal experiences. Special thanks to the National Library Board for the kind invitation, and the 50 people who attended the talk.
Our Amazing Pioneers at Punggol Regional Library (30 April 2023)
A big thank you to the 45 kind participants (and four volunteers!) who made the trip down to Punggol Regional Library for the launch of Our Amazing Pioneers! I shared stories of pioneers Seah Eu Chin, Seah Liang Seah, and Syed Omar Aljunied. We explored how they came to Singapore, settled down, and contributed to society. Their stories form part of our larger Singapore Story. I hope to inspire children and their families to learn more about Singapore’s history. Today’s successful free public talk was only possible with the kindness of the National Library Board, WS Education, my family, and volunteers.
Books on Sale at Rumah Kim Choo (from September 2022)
I have always been captivated by the charm, culture, and colours at Rumah Kim Choo. (It is located at 111 East Coast Road, near i12 Katong.) If you would like to learn more about one of the co-founders of the Straits Chinese British Association (SCBA), hint: some of my books are available there! Special thanks must go to Edmond Wong of Rumah Kim Choo for supporting the community and local writers like myself.
Guest Lecture at the National University of Singapore, Lecture Theatre 53 (12 September 2022)
On 12 September 2022, I delivered a guest lecture to over 60 undergraduate students on Seah Eu Chin, Seah Liang Seah, and my journey to learn more about them. The students were engaged. They asked many questions, including whether I received any money from Seah Liang Seah’s unusual will and if there was a difference between policies that Singapore-born Seah Liang Seah championed compared to China-born Whampoa. I also enjoyed a nice catch up with my friend, Associate Professor Wong Sin Kiong. I greatly appreciate his kind invitation and look forward to sharing more stories in future.
National Library Board (NLB)’s Archives Invites (21 June 2022)
On 21 June 2022, at 6.30pm over Zoom, I spoke to 160 participants about my family history and my personal journey of searching for my roots. I would like to thank everyone who joined me on Zoom as well as NLB for this opportunity. And I would strongly encourage more members of the public to explore NLB’s resources to find out more about Singapore’s history.
Your Singapore Weekend with Susan Ng and Justine Moss (19 June 2022)
I appeared on CNA938 at 7.45am on 19 June to share titbits ahead of my NLB Archives Invites talk on 21 June 2022. I am grateful to the CNA938 producers and presenters, as well as NLB, for the invitation. NLB supports partners and members of the community, like myself, in our efforts to nurture a stronger appreciation of Singapore. I also encourage people to explore NLB’s resources to find out more about Singapore’s history and how it has shaped our national identity.
Singapore Seah Clan Association (29 May 2022)
On 29 May 2022, I was at the Singapore Seah Clan Association (SSCA) to share stories from My Father’s Kampung to about 30 clan members. I was delighted to find that about around a third of them lived or had lived in Aukang, with several still living in Hougang today. They were able to relate to, and resonate with, life in early Singapore. Some even recounted their own lived experiences. I am grateful to David, Walter, and Jeremy for inviting me and giving me an opportunity to speak to our fellow clan members.
The Baba Nyonya Literary Festival (Day 2: 20 March 2022)
On Sunday (20 March 2022), I attended Day 2 of the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival, organised by the Peranakan Association Singapore. My favourite panel comprised Robert Yeo, Josephine Chia, and Walter Woon. I moderated the panel as they shared about Routes: A Singaporean Memoir 1940–75; When a Flower Dies; and The Devil’s Circle respectively, as well as grappled with questions of identity, culture, and ethnicity. Although it was wonderful moderating my panel, it was also a delight to listen to the other panels’ tales of jewellery, kebayas, and family history. I caught up with friends and also made new friends, including Norman Cho, who wrote The Bejewelled Lives of the Peranakans.
Sharing @ NHB’s Heritage Grant Clinic (16 February 2022)
I was delighted to share lessons learnt and provide practical project tips from my Heritage Participation Grant experience to around 90 potential grant applicants. Special thanks to NHB for inviting me to share, and I look forward to seeing more heritage projects in future!
Speaking with (i) Students from Hwa Chong Institution and (ii) Undergraduates from the College of Alice and Peter Tan (CAPT) (26 January 2022)
In the afternoon over Zoom, President of Keng Teck Whay Mr Ronney Tan Koon Siang and I spoke with around 30 Hwa Chong Institution students from the Bicultural Studies Programme. We covered issues like the evolution of the Peranakan (and Singapore) identity. Thank you Hwa Chong Institution for inviting President and me to share our views.
In the evening, I had the privilege to speak with around 40 CAPT students reading the module UTC2406/UTS2404 Cities and Nature. I spoke about the impact of economic development on historical Aukang, particularly in the areas of culture, heritage, and religion. Many thanks must go to Dr Toh Tai Chong for kindly inviting me to share my views.
Singapore Book Awards 2021 (24 September 2021)
On 24 September 2021, I attended my first Singapore Book Awards. I’m delighted to be a finalist for the Best Non-Fiction Title and top 10 for Readers’ Choice. To be able to attend this hybrid event in person was a privilege. Very thankful for my family, friends, and volunteers; the National Heritage Board; my publisher World Scientific; Montfort Alumni and Singapore Seah Clan Association; and a supportive community. Could only have done this because of all of you. Thank you!
“Seah Liang Seah: King of the Streets” (25 July 2021)
In collaboration with the Peranakan Association Singapore, I spoke on Seah Liang Seah’s life and times on Sunday, 25 July 2021, at 3pm over Zoom. Among Seah’s many accomplishments was the co-founding of the Straits Chinese British Association (SCBA) in 1900, which eventually became the Peranakan Association. Over 100 people tuned in to Zoom talk, and many more on Facebook Live. Thank you to those who tuned in, as well as the team at the Peranakan Association Singapore for organising this event.
“Searching for One’s Roots in Singapore: A Talk by Author Shawn Seah” (12 December 2020)
On 12 December 2020, at 3pm over Zoom, I spoke about my personal journey in documenting my family history. Thank you to everyone who tuned in to my sharing and had a good laugh at my Mandarin! I would also like to thank Genealogy Society Singapore (GSS) for this collaboration with World Scientific. Through this sharing, I hope to have inspired many to learn more about local and family history, just as I did. I was happy to spark conversations with many of the 53 people who attended the talk. I believe that through understanding stories of local pioneers, and what makes Singapore unique, we can better understand who we are as one people.
Kopi Talk: Literary Pioneers of Aukang (6 December 2020)
I spent a nice Sunday afternoon talking about my book, My Father’s Kampung, and the stories of several literary pioneers from Aukang. My guest speakers were my mentor Robert Yeo, as well as Director of Poetry Festival Singapore Eric Valles. Robert shared excerpts from his autobiography as he was a former Aukang resident, covering topics such as his challenges in learning Chinese, an inspiring Serangoon English School principal, and the kampung spirit. Eric spoke about pre-independence Singapore poets Teo Poh Leng and Teo Kah Leng, and read out extracts of their poetry. A big thank you to Robert, Eric, and World Scientific for helping me organise this wonderful event!
Talk to Volunteers from The Peranakan Museum (14 November 2020)
I spent a delightful Saturday afternoon on 14 November 2020 online with around 70 volunteers from The Peranakan Museum. I am grateful to the museum volunteers for giving me the opportunity to share about Seah family history and Seah Liang Seah’s prominent Peranakan contemporaries, and my personal journey in documenting my family history. Those who attended the Zoom talk found it meaningful and asked many questions on Peranakan identity. This event brought back fond personal memories of my first time speaking at The Peranakan Museum (in Ixora Room) back in August 2017, which was my first public talk on local history. Many museum volunteers and docents attended that first talk, and encouraged me. A journey of a thousand miles does start from a single step. I will always remember the generous support from many kind people who helped start me on this journey.
Bicultural Studies Programme with Hwa Chong Institution (7 November 2020)
On 7 November 2020 (Saturday), I spoke with Hwa Chong Institution students about Singapore pioneers Seah Eu Chin and Seah Liang Seah from 9am to 10.30am. A total of 25 students and teachers attended the talk.
Profits, Power, and Parties: Stories of the Original Crazy Rich Asians (23 October 2020)
On Friday, 23 October 2020 at 7pm, I talked about “Profits, Power, and Parties: Stories of the Original Crazy Rich Asians” in a joint Friends of the Museum – Asian Civilisations Museum (FOM-ACM) event. More than a hundred participants attended the online talk. I would like to thank the many kind people who took the time to attend the talk, where I spoke on Seah Eu Chin and Seah Liang Seah. I would also like to thank both FOM and ACM for inviting me, and coordinating this successful Zoom talk.
Kopi Talk: Aukang and Montfort, Its Historic Education Hub (19 September 2020)
On 19 September 2020, I launched My Father’s Kampung: A History of Aukang and Punggol at 3pm. This e-launch was kindly co-organised by World Scientific and Montfort Alumni and conducted over Zoom. I was privileged to have two guest speakers, Ng Kok Song and Brother Dominic Yeo-Koh, prominent Montfort alumni and former residents of Aukang. The sharing focused on Montfort, the Church of the Nativity, and Kangkar (a fishing village in Aukang), as well as the kampung spirit, and attracted slightly over a hundred people. I would like to thank everyone who attended my first Zoom sharing session (and first Facebook live session). And special thanks to Mr Ng and Brother Dominic for the meaningful sharing.
Singapore Heritage Festival 2020 – “Grandfather Stories” by Shawn Seah
The year 2020 marked 70 years of the official founding of the Singapore Seah Clan Association (SSCA). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the planned celebratory cultural and food activities, including my talk on Seah family history, were cancelled. Luckily, the National Heritage Board organised the first digital Singapore Heritage Festival. SSCA and I were delighted to be a small, little part of this inaugural digital festival. In a photoessay entitled “Grandfather Stories”, I reflected on the importance of “grandfather stories”.
Sharing Stories with Volunteers (17 January 2020)
Friends of the Museum (FOM) invited me to give a talk to their volunteers at URA Centre, near Peck Seah Street. I shared stories of Chinese pioneers in Singapore—Seah Eu Chin, Seah Liang Seah, and their contemporaries such as Sir Song Ong Siang and Tan Jiak Kim, the grandson of Peranakan philanthropist Tan Kim Seng. Dedicated museum volunteers are unsung heroes who devote their time and effort to promote history and heritage in Singapore. Thank you.
To get a glimpse into events held before 2020, please visit this Events page instead or A Big Thank You. As always, thank you for your kind support. I greatly appreciate it.
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Copyright © 2020 by Shawn Seah Li Song
Updated 29 November 2025
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Shawn Seah Li Song 
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