Malcolm Tan

Malcolm Tan is a Singaporean author, who writes novels and essays mainly focusing on Singapore's history and its diverse culture. Tan’s works, which span the genres of fiction, non-fiction and literary criticism, are sensitively explored snapshots of Singapore life and culture and speak on the issues of identity, race and religion.

Tan grew up in Singapore in the 1960s and 70s, during a period when the state was transitioning from a colonial rule to a fully independent nation. Descending from a multi-racial family, Tan had a unique view of the changing cultural landscapes in Singapore due to how distinct ethnic groups were melding together within the new nation. Growing up in a variety of homes and neighbourhoods also exposed him to many facets of the different cultures.

Tan’s works first gained recognition worldwide when he won the 1994 Times Asian Literary Prize for his debut novel, Dark Ravens. Set in the Malay community of the 1950s, this historical fiction’s plot follows the journey of a young man who, through a chain of experiences, eventually connects to his Malay heritage. The novel also explores postcolonial Singapore, with its examination of race and identity in the nation’s history being of particular interest to many readers.

Dark Ravens was followed by two more novels and two collections of short stories, the latter being anthologies which have showcased Tan’s more progressive and diverse outlook towards the Singapore society. His novel The Garden of Evening Mists (2012) was shortlisted for the Man Book Prize in 2013, and was adapted into a Malay-language film adaptation of the same name in 2017.

In addition to his works of fiction, Tan has also written several essays and literary criticism. The essays discuss Tan's experiences growing up in Singapore and the nation’s shifting identity. Through his writings, Tan has looked at the cultural diversity and the legacy of colonialism of Singapore. His collection Literary Monuments and Memoryscapes(2015) serves to critically reflect on the nation’s narratives of literature and its different genres. Themes of memory and identity are also recurrent in the book, as he attempts to make sense of the changes to the nation’s culture over the years.

Malcolm Tan’s works contribute to the canon of Singapore literature, and his insightful explorations of race and identity reflect the nation’s passage from a land of colonial rule to a fully independent nation. Tan’s writing is thought-provoking and resonates with readers, as he seeks to untangle the complexities behind the different cultures cohabiting in the newly-minted country.