USP alum Shawn Seah (Economics + USP, Class of 2010) has successfully launched his second book titled “Leader and Legislator—Seah Liang Seah” at The Peranakan Museum on 23 March 2019. This book is a sequel to his debut book, “Seah Eu Chin: His Life and Times”, which was published in 2017.

Supported by the National Heritage Board, Our Singapore Fund, and the Singapore Bicentennial, this book tells the story of the man behind Liang Seah Street in Bugis. Shawn has been actively sharing his book as well as interesting stories on Singapore’s history, heritage and culture, at book engagement sessions.

So, what motivated Shawn, currently working as a civil servant, to publish a book on his ancestors? In an email interview, Shawn said, “I wrote Seah Eu Chin: His Life and Times and Leader and Legislator—Seah Liang Seah because I have always been deeply interested in learning more about the stories of the people behind the streets named Eu Chin Street, Liang Seah Street, Peck Seah Street, and Seah Street. The Bukit Brown cemetery saga in 2011 and the discovery of my ancestor Seah Eu Chin's tomb in 2012 provided an even stronger motivation for me to trace my roots and delve deeper into history, heritage, and identity.”

On his hopes for the book, he expressed, “By documenting the contributions and achievements of Teochew pioneer Seah Eu Chin and his prominent son Seah Liang Seah, I can contribute to the preservation of our history and heritage, and hopefully spark off thinking, reflection, and conversations about Singapore's history. Along this journey, I have come to meet many more members of my extended family, and made friends with people in the heritage community who are passionate about Singapore. Also, through conversations during my book engagement sessions, I have heard multiple perspectives on identity, culture, and heritage, and many precious personal stories which will help enrich our Singapore Story.”

He shared that USP has always encouraged multi-disciplinary thinking; critical, clear, and effective writing; and deep reflection. Having spent an intellectually-stimulating four years in the programme has definitely helped him in the research and writing of both books, which cover diverse themes ranging from economic history to issues of culture and identity.

We congratulate Shawn for his commendable efforts in promoting and raising awareness of Singapore’s history through this book!

You may purchase this book at Kinokuniya, Grassroots Book Room, Select Books, and selected museum bookstores.

Photos: Shawn Seah