Shashi Jayakumar & Olimpiu G Urcan 
SINGAPORE CHESS: A HISTORY, 1945-1990 
A History, 1945–1990

This book is the definitive volume on the history of chess in Singapore. Covering 1945–1990, it covers the post-war emergence of a truly ‘local’ chess scene out of the colonial period, then taking the story up to the modern era. Contained within these pages are tributes to the modern founding fathers of Singapore chess. Also chronicled within are the careers of Singapore’s top players and their achievements. This includes fine team performances (belying Singapore’s seeming status in the chess world as a tiny red dot) and spectacular individual successes on the international stage.

In documenting chess development in Singapore for the period in question, this book also provides glimpses of a wider social history. Personal stories (based on fresh interviews) are provided that give a sense of the chessplaying milieu of the time. Stalwarts in the chess scene, featured in this book, went on to be notable figures in the wider social and political landscape.

A selection of 139 annotated games played by top Singapore-based players and Singapore masters between 1949 and 1990 is matched by a rich collection of more than 200 rare illustrations. This volume is a wonderful resource for chess aficionados, interested amateurs, collectors and historians.

Rebirth, 1945–1955

Caption: Two early chess pioneers in Singapore and Malaya; Dr. Lim Kok Ann worked side by side with Dr. Yeoh. Bok Choon in the late 1940s–early 1950s to revitalise the Singapore chess scene.









Changes, 1956–1967

Caption: Top Singapore players in the 1960s: in the center, Giam Choo Kwee and Tan Lian Ann; extreme left: Choong Liong On (Lim Kok Ann Collection, Courtesy of Choong Liong On).









Rising Youth, 1987–1990