Business Daily Singapore at 60: Raffles and the Republic
Aug 6, 2025
Explore the opulence and history of the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Hear tales from a resident historian about famous guests like Somerset Maugham. Dive into the complexities of celebrating the colonial past while marking 60 years of independence. Discover how Singapore's transformation into a global financial hub intertwines with its colonial legacy. And reflect on the ongoing conversation about how history and tourism shape the nation's identity.
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Leslie Danker's First Raffles Experience
- Leslie Danker began his career at Raffles Hotel by having his first beer there after school.
- His admiration for the hotel's architecture inspired him to join the hotel staff.
Somerset Maugham's Raffles Connection
- Somerset Maugham stayed at Raffles Hotel three times in the same suite.
- He wrote much of his work in the garden, blending fact and fiction in his writings.
Raffles as Colonial Nostalgia
- The Raffles Hotel symbolizes a romanticized colonial life in Singapore.
- This nostalgic portrayal contrasts with more critical contemporary views on colonialism.