The inspiration came from a conversation between my mother, Noribah Mohd Sirat, and my late grandmother, Hajjah Maimunah Salleh. They spoke of the seafaring adventures of my ancestor, Daeng Mohd Daeng Sa’aban, and the entrepreneurial spirit of my forebears, which ignited a new determination within me to succeed in life.
This curiosity quickly transformed into a deeper exploration of my heritage, leading me to uncover the rich narratives of the Bugis community in Singapore.
After conducting historical research, receiving warm invitations from friends in South Sulawesi, and giving it careful thought, I decided to travel to Makassar to witness the Bugis heritage firsthand.
What began as a spark of curiosity—triggered by studying manuscripts at Hasanuddin University in Makassar, South Sulawesi, under the guidance of Professor Nurhayati Rahman Matammeng —evolved into an even deeper journey of discovery about my roots.
This journey unveiled the glorious history of the Bugis community in Singapore, a tale brimming with maritime trade and cultural exchanges.
My research also took me to the British Museum and the British Library in London, where I studied old maps that illustrated the early voyages of Bugis sailors—resilient maritime explorers who navigated the waters of Southeast Asia and beyond.
Recently, I was invited by Datuk Muhammad Natsir to Sambas, Pontianak, in West Kalimantan to share the success stories of the Bugis community in Singapore.
During my talk, I highlighted efforts to revive Bugis heritage in Singapore and explored the rich maritime connections between Singapore, Kalimantan, and the wider Nusantara region.
I often meet friends across the Causeway, particularly those who share a deep passion for Bugis heritage. One of my frequent stops is at the home of Abd Hadi Ambok Ingtang in Pontian Kechil, Johor. His house is more than just a residence—it stands as a grand Bugis museum.
Abdul Hadi generously shares his knowledge about Bugis heritage, spanning traditional clothing, cuisine, customs, laws, and the architecture of traditional Bugis homes like his own.
My encounter with Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, now the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, further deepened my understanding of Bugis history in Singapore, which once thrived in Telok Blangah—a key trading hub for the Bugis community until the British arrived in the early 18th century.
In the early stages of my research into the Bugis origins in Singapore, I visited Pulau Penyengat in Tanjung Pinang. This island is renowned as a key center in the Malay world, particularly in the history of the Bugis, who played a significant role in shaping the region.
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