In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles arrived on the island of Singapore and swiftly recognized its immense strategic potential as a trading port. The British were looking to establish a refueling station for their ships traveling to and from China, and Singapore, with its ideal location along the Strait of Malacca, offered an advantageous position. After negotiating with local rulers, Raffles proclaimed the establishment of a British trading post, signaling the beginning of British colonization on the island. However, shortly after laying the groundwork, Raffles had to leave Singapore to attend to other colonial matters, handing over authority to William Farquhar.

Willam Farquhar, who had previously served as Raffles' aide-de-camp, was appointed the first resident and commandant of Singapore. Raffles provided him with guidance on managing relations with local Malay sultans and ensuring that the settlement would thrive through trade. Farquhar was positioned to implement the policies Raffles envisioned for the growth and development of the new port. While Raffles remained an influential figure in the colony’s future from afar, it was under Farquhar's immediate supervision that crucial decisions regarding governance and economic initiatives began, marking the initial days of Singapore as a commercial hub.

During this period, the foundations for Singapore’s architecture, trade infrastructure, and social organization were set in motion. Raffles' policies encouraged a free trade environment, which attracted merchants and settlers from various backgrounds, effectively creating a multicultural society. The cooperation between Raffles and Farquhar established a framework for Singapore's governance that would be built upon in the subsequent years, further solidifying its importance in the regional trade networks.