An interview with Dr. David Chng Khin Yong research studies on inscriptions and foreign language archives

In recent years, inscribed materials have become commonly used in the academic fields of Singapore and Malaysia, while foreign language archives remain less utilized by scholars. Even though Dr. Chng has pioneered new paths in the study of the Chinese history of Singapore and Malaysia by using foreign archives and has produced many groundbreaking academic achievements, this approach struggles to attract younger scholars due to the time and financial investment required. My interview with Dr. Chng stemmed from my doctoral research, seeking his expertise on the London Missionary Society and American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions archives. Unlike scholars who predominantly rely on exhausted Chinese historical materials, Dr. Chng's use of foreign archives has opened new paths in the Chinese history of Singapore, educational history, and Kapitan studies. His works as “Collected Essays on Chinese in Nineteenth Century Singapore” reflect his early successes in archival research. Later, he delved into missionary studies, Christianity history, new Chinese words, and translation history. The interview highlights Dr. Chng's academic journey, starting from his use of technology for historical research at the Australian National University, to the arduous process of searching for inscriptions in cemeteries and repeated visits to foreign countries for archival research. These fruitful experiences are intended to inspire young scholars to effectively utilize primary sources to expand their respective fields. Keywords : Inscriptions, foreign language archives, Chinese history of Singapore and Malacca, missionary studies, history of translation