• In 1826, the British formed the Straits Settlements (comprising Singapore, Penang and Melaka). The Chinese born during this period who received British education or came under 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 promote alignment with the British in national and political matters, and advocated that they should enjoy the same rights as British subjects. They also called themselves or were referred to as the “King’s/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; historical usage)

• 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 indigenous women. On the other hand, some locally born Chinese who received British education and obtained the status of a British subject were also referred to as 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.