| Raffles Place is reputed as the mercantile hub of | | | | Raffles Quay soon was transformed into an |
| Singapore and is home to many key buildings and | | | | established commercial area as mercantile buildings |
| daring sky scrapers. The founder of this | | | | disseminated with the vicinity. |
| commercial area was Sir Stamford Raffles who is | | | | Raffles Place is home to Robinson's and John Little |
| known as the founder of "modern Singapore". | | | | which are two of the oldest surviving department |
| The area on which the district was built had to be | | | | stores. The venue was the target of the |
| reclaimed as it was a marsh area next to the | | | | Japanese bombs in 1941 but continued grow |
| river thus was the first reclamation project in | | | | amidst such devastating setbacks. The banking |
| Singapore. | | | | industry in Singapore flourished in the 20th |
| Known as Commercial Square at that time, the | | | | century and many local banks emerged, |
| area was simply a green area but soon | | | | competing with globally acclaimed financial |
| experienced development as the economy of | | | | institutions. |
| Singapore grew. The development paved way for | | | | Today some of the oldest banks and firms are |
| an invasion of a multitude of office premises, | | | | still found at this historical venue. An array of |
| banks and many leading establishments. The name | | | | hotels in Singapore makes this wonderful place a |
| change occurred in 1858 and new areas were | | | | great vacation destination for young and old alike. |
| added to the area such as Raffles Quay which | | | | It's a must place for any Singapore traveler. |
| was home to well-known retail stores and banks. | | | | |