History of MalaysiaI. Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located on strategic sea-lane that exposes it to

global trade and foreign culture.II. The Portuguese were the first European colonial powers to establish themselves on the

Malay Peninsula and Southeast Asia, capturing Malacca in 1511, followed by the Dutch in 1641.

III. The Malayan Communist Party took up arms against the British multi-racial Federation of Malaya in 1957.

History of Baba and NyonyaI. Peranakan", "Baba-Nyonya" and "Straits-born Chinese" are terms used for the

descendants of the early Chinese immigrants to the Nusantara region who inter-married with local folks.

II. The word "Peranakan" is also commonly used to describe Indonesian Chinese back in those day

History: How did this unique culture first emerged?I. In the 15th century, the city states of the Malay Peninsula often paid tribute to

various kingdoms such as the kingdoms of China and Siam.II. . The Peranakan retained most of their ethnic and religious origins (ancestor

worship), but assimilated the language and culture of the Malays. They developed a unique culture and distinct foods.

III. By the middle of the 20th century, most Peranakan were English educated, as a result of the British colonization of Malaya, and the natural propensity of these people who were able to easily embrace new cultures.

IV. The Peranakan communities there by became very influential in Malacca and Singapore and were known also as the King's Chinese due to their perceived loyalty to the British Crown.

How the society at that time has contributed to what Malaysia is today

I. The 'business sense and acumen' that inherent in the immigrant Chinese who came and married local folks.

II. Melaka was also colonized by the Portuguese and Dutchmen once upon a time in history.

III. Suffice to say that today, Malacca, Penang & Singapore remain the 3 distinct locations where the Peranakan heritage is firmly established, preserved and appreciated.