Prewar Migration to Singapore

There were many factors that drove the massive migration of Chinese immigrants to Nanyang (Southeast Asia), including natural disasters and man-made calamities. Some of the reasons were related to the aggressive economic invasion from the westerners, who weakened the country’s agricultural foundation and forced many bankrupt self-sustaining farmers to venture out of their homeland.In addition to the push factor of China's deteriorating agricultural situation, there was the pull factor of British colonialism in Asia and the many economic opportunities created by it. The new British settlements needed vast numbers of labourers mostly to develop land, mine for tin, build settlements, pave roads and build harbours. Many Chinese worked in mines, plantations, or became coolies, shopkeepers, apprentices, carpenters or ran small businesses.Emergence Of Clan AssociationsWhen the sea-faring immigrants from South and East China arrived at the new territories in Southeast Asia, they did not receive any assistance or protection from the local authorities or the colonial government. They not only faced a hard life, but they were also unable to seek personal protection. The fellow compatriots relied on one another and were united as one. The importance of blood ties and native descent laid the foundation for clan associations and triggered the formation of these kinship groups.