Thomas Stamford Raffles

Thomas Stamford Raffles was a British statesman and founder of Singapore, an important port in Southeast Asia. Born in 1781, he served as a colonial administrator and played a key role in establishing British influence in the region during the early 19th century. Raffles is credited with developing Singapore into a major trading hub by promoting trade, urban planning, and development. His efforts significantly shaped the modern city's foundation, balancing economic growth with efforts to preserve local culture. Raffles remains a notable figure in colonial history for his contributions to Southeast Asia’s development and British imperial expansion.