via Tatler Asia, 24 April 2024: Kennie Ting, Director of the Asian Civilisations Museum, explores the rich heritage of Asia through its port cities in his latest book, The Great Port Cities of Asia (note: Amazon affiliate link). Spanning two millennia and covering 60 cities across maritime Asia and the Indian Ocean, the book delves into the cultural connectivity of these hubs. Ting’s narrative, influenced by his extensive curatorial experience, presents a look at how port cities have shaped modern Asian identities and cultural landscapes.
Kennie Ting has always been curious about his roots, often wondering what it means to be Singaporean. This inherent curiosity has guided him throughout his career and informed his curation of exhibitions as director of the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) and the Peranakan Museum.
Known for his deep passion for Asian history and heritage—his previous projects include Singapore 1819, a comprehensive account of Singapore’s cultural history, and The Romance of the Grand Tour: 100 Years of Travel in South East Asia—Ting’s latest endeavour is an evocative tale of the significance of port cities and their cultural connectivity. The Great Port Cities of Asia spans a sweeping period of two millennia, calling at 60 port cities along the coasts and rivers of China, Southeast and Central China, the Middle East and Africa.
Source: Interview: Kennie Ting on his latest book ‘The Great Port Cities of Asia’ | Tatler Asia