Our History
From Idea to Institution
Early Beginnings, 1927 – 1940
Foundations and Early Vision
The roots of the Sikh Missionary effort in Singapore grew alongside the early Sikh migration to Malaya, as families sought both economic opportunity and a sense of belonging in a new land.
The work of the Sikh Missionary in Singapore must be understood and explored in tandem with the arrival of the Sikh diaspora in Singapore. A former British colony, Singapore or Malaya as it was then called was seen as a land of economic opportunities by many from all over the globe. In addition to this push factor, Sikh migration to Malaya was also characterised by the colonial utilization of Sikhs in the Police Force and other law enforcement institutions. While there have been different phases and patterns of Sikh migration to the island, the experience of re-settlement in a foreign land presented its own unique set of challenges for all those making the journey.
A pertinent challenge remained the maintenance of distinctive cultural and religious markers of identity amidst a new environment. As with other ethnic communities, the retention of distinctive cultural and religious traits by the Sikhs acted as a stabilising mechanism in coping with uncertainties associated with re-settlement. To allay such concerns and provide a network of support to new Sikh migrants and the growing Sikh community, the Singapore Sikh Missionary Tract Society was established. According to unofficial records, a group of dedicated professionals met as far back as 1927 to brainstorm the possibility of a Sikh missionary organisation.
Founding and Prolific Growth
In what was purely an incubation of ideas, the reality of a missionary organisation of sorts began to materialise in the early 1930s. By March 1932, an interim Singapore Sikh Missionary Tract Society had been formed. The institution not only served to strengthen ties of kinship and social support but also helped Sikhs to grow in the faith by nourishing them with spiritual food, which took the form of tracts, lectures and sermons.
Founded in 1940 and formally registered on 9th March of that year, the Sikh Missionary Society Malaya which was originally known as the Singapore Sikh Missionary Tract Society emerged as a pioneering institution dedicated to the spiritual and cultural upliftment of the Sikh community in South-east Asia.
The society was spearheaded by Bhag Singh, a respected English teacher and accomplished Sikh musician. His vision was to create a platform that would spread knowledge of Sikhism, promote the teachings of Gurbani and ensure that Sikh children had access to Punjabi education. The society’s headquarters were established at 175 Queen Street, Singapore, a hub for its early outreach efforts.
Post-War Revival and Community Engagement
Despite the disruptions caused by World War II, the society was reactivated in 1946 under the name of Sikh Missionary Society Malaya. Its post-war revival marked a period of prolific activity. Between 1946 and 1965, the society published over 100,000 copies of tracts in Punjabi, English, Tamil and even Chinese. These publications featured works by renowned Sikh scholars such as Professor Teja Singh, Professor Puran Singh and Dr. Ganda Singh, which were distributed widely across Malaya.
Beside publishing, the society played a vital role in community engagement. It organised public lectures, dispatched preachers across Malaya and conducted Punjabi language classes to help young Sikhs connect with their heritage and scriptures. These efforts helped foster a strong sense of identity and religious awareness among Sikhs in the region.
In addition, the Society established a small library in 1946 and supported students with educational aid. It also welcomed visiting preachers like Giani Phuman Singh from India, who conducted missionary tours and the first sameians (religious retreats) in Singapore and Malaya. Through these initiatives, the Society became the cornerstone of Sikh educational and spiritual life in pre- and post-war decades.
An Enduring Legacy
To sustain its mission, the Society invested in community properties including a 9,000 sq. ft plot of land gifted by Mr. M.J. Nassim in the 1940s and later an apartment block at 88 Sophia Road, and within Singapore’s city centre providing steady income for outreach and education.
Although activities slowed after the passing of founder, Bhag Singh in 1960, the Society’s impact endured. It laid the groundwork for Sikh youth and educational organisations across Malaysia and Singapore, inspiring generations to preserve Sikh identity, language and values in a changing world.
Today, the Sikh Missionary Society Malaya, now known as Sikh Missionary Singapore, stands as a symbol of foresight, faith and community service, a lasting tribute to the pioneers who brought Gurmat to the heart of South-east Asia.
