A talk by Peter Borschberg: Jacques de Coutre in Southeast Asia, 1593-1603

PUBLISHED January 24th, 2014 04:36 am | UPDATED May 9th, 2018 03:13 am

“In 1593, a young Fleming from Bruges named Jacques de Coutre arrived at Melaka. For the next eight years, Melaka would be his home, and from there he travelled extensively throughout the region. In almost three decades in Asia, Jacques made and lost fortunes, and embarked on two overland voyages from Goa to Europe.

Being the first annotated English translation of Jacques de Coutre’s writings,The Memoirs and Memorials of Jacques de Coutre: Security, Trade and Society in 16th and 17th-century Southeast Asia is a fascinating look into the societies De Coutre encountered that today makes up Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines. Lavishly illustrated with numerous maps and drawings of the period, the book is accessible and engaging.

To get a peek into life in 16th and 17th-century Southeast Asia, head down to the Asian Civilizations Museum (ACM) on 29th January 2014, to attend an informative yet compelling one-hour lecture by Peter Borschberg, an excellent storyteller who will bring to life the exotic tales of de Coutre.”

Date: 29 January 2014

: 7-8.30pm

Venue: Ngee Ann Auditorium (Basement), Asian Civilisations Museum