1.       A New Century, A New Voyage Visiting the Zheng He（郑和） 

        Seven Voyages to the Western Seas exhibition in Singapore's Tzu Chi Jing Si Tang in March 2000, I was reminded of this epic chapter in China's maritime history, dating back to the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty. 

        Zheng He's voyages, spanning 28 years from 1405, involved a fleet of over 200 ships and 27,000 personnel. They visited 55 ports in over 30 countries. The fleet was meticulously organized, with specialized vessels for transporting treasures, defense, food, and water. This demonstrates the brilliance of China's maritime history. Standing before the majestic model of Zheng He's fleet, I felt a surge of pride mixed with a sense of wonder. 

2.       Did Zheng He Visit Singapore? 

        As a Singaporean, I naturally wondered if Zheng He's grand diplomatic and trading fleet had ever touched our shores. 

                Geographically, Singapore sits at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, connecting the South China Sea to the Strait of Malacca. It seems almost inevitable that Zheng He's fleet would have passed through this strategic location on its westward journeys. My heart yearned for evidence of his presence on this small island. Historical records show that Zheng He used Mount Sam Po in Malacca as a base. There, his fleet would rest, wait for favorable winds, engage in “tribute trade” with local merchants, and meet with the Sultan of Malacca. 

        In Java, Zheng He introduced Chinese medicine, fishing, farming, and construction techniques. He even played a role in the spread of Islam in Indonesia, a country then transitioning from Buddhism and Hinduism. 

        Historical records indicate that Zheng He visited Malacca six times during his seven voyages, and Java six times as well. Tourists in Malacca will find the Sam Po Well and Sam Po Temple. In Java, there is a commercial city named after Zheng He, Sam Poo Kong, and a temple, Sam Poo Kong Cave. But sadly, there is no trace of Zheng He's presence in Singapore. Intrigued, I delved into historical texts. Sang Nila Utama, a member of the Srivijaya royal family, named our island “Lion City,” and its colonization dates back to the 13th century. By the late 13th century, the island was invaded by the Majapahit Kingdom, forcing King Raja Iskandar Shah to flee to the Malay Peninsula, ending the short-lived Singapura Dynasty. The island fell silent once more. In the mid-14th century, Yuan Dynasty records describe Temasek (Singapore's former name) as a pirate haven. 

        In the 14th century, Parameswara, a descendant of the Srivijaya royal family, arrived in Singapore. He killed the local chieftain who paid tribute to Siam, prompting Siam to send troops from Pahang (or North Kedah) to retaliate. Defeated, Parameswara fled north to Muar, then to Malacca, where he established the powerful Malacca Sultanate. 

        In its early years, the Malacca Sultanate sought to escape Siamese interference and sent envoys to China. In 1405, Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty bestowed upon Parameswara the title of King of Malacca. The Malacca Sultanate, along with Siam, became a tributary state of China. Parameswara himself visited China in 1411. After his death in 1414, Mega Iskandar Shah traveled to China to report his passing, followed by another trip in 1419. In 1424 and 1433, Sri Maharaja, who succeeded him as King of Malacca, also paid tribute to China. These historical events demonstrate the frequent interactions between China and Malacca. 

        Zheng He chose to anchor in Malacca not only because of its strategic location at the Strait of Malacca but also due to the historical, political, and economic realities of the time. It's understandable that he bypassed Singapore, a small island lacking infrastructure, a thriving market, basic supplies, and security. A grand diplomat wouldn't linger in such an unassuming place. 

3.       Zheng He Finally Arrives in Singapore! 

        Zheng He's “Eighth Voyage to the Western Seas” took place in 1998, when he sailed to Lisbon, Portugal, for the International Year of the Ocean exhibition. In late 1999, he toured Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Johor Bahru. Finally, in February 2000, he arrived in Singapore. History demands humility. While Singapore, in the early 15th century, missed the opportunity to witness Zheng He's magnificent fleet due to its historical circumstances, today, Singaporeans can finally hold their heads high. We should be grateful that our home is no longer the pirate haven described in Yuan Dynasty records. We owe thanks to our ancestors for their tireless efforts on this land. 

        Interestingly, Zheng He's current voyage does not include plans to visit Indonesia or Java, and his trip to Malacca was fraught with challenges. The situation in Indonesia hasn't stabilized, and even though Zheng He is a Muslim, his passport still lists his nationality as Chinese, making a visit inconvenient. Compared to his month-long stay in Singapore, Zheng He's visit to Malacca lasted only five days. Could it be that Malacca, like Singapore in the past, is facing its own shortcomings and challenges? 

        We hope Zheng He's voyage continues to be triumphant. With the ambition of his earlier voyages, his exceptional wisdom, his desire for good neighborliness, his diplomatic skill, and his inclusiveness, may he dispel misunderstandings and prejudices.