• In 1826, the British formed the Straits Settlements (Singapore, Penang and Malacca). The Chinese born during this period who received British education or came under the British influence sought to differentiate themselves from the new Chinese migrants and started calling themselves “Straits Chinese” or “Straits-born Chinese”.
• In 1900, they established the Straits Chinese British Association to demonstrate their loyalty to the British nationally and politically, declaring that they should enjoy the same rights as British citizens. They also called themselves or were referred to as the “Queen’s Chinese”.

Sir Song Ong Siang was a star among the Straits Chinese community. He was the first Asian to be knighted, and was also a lawyer, a member of parliament, religious leader and historian. (Lianhe Wanbao, 28/7/2017)

土生华人 (Malaysia, Indonesia), 侨生(Malaysia, Indonesia in the early years)

• Strictly speaking, there is a difference between Straits Chinese and Babas. Babas refer to the descendants of interracial marriages between the early Chinese migrants and local, indigenous women. On the other hand, some locally born Chinese who received British education and see themselves as British subjects were also named Straits Chinese. After Singapore gained independence, the term “Straits Chinese” became a historical term. The Straits Chinese British Association was also renamed the Peranakan Association.