John Crawfurd

John Crawfurd (1783–1868) was a British diplomat, colonial administrator, and scholar known for his work in Southeast Asia. He served as the British resident (agent) in Singapore and played a key role in establishing British influence there. Crawfurd also led diplomatic missions to Siam (Thailand) and Indonesia, advocating for trade and British interests. He was interested in Asian languages and cultures, contributing to scholarly understanding of the region. His work helped shape British expansion in Southeast Asia during the 19th century, blending diplomacy, administration, and scholarly pursuits.