Penang on the World Stage

In Penang on the World Stage, we see the founding of Penang as a British trading port in 1786 not as a coincidence, but rather the result of regional and world events of the late 18th century.

The above chronology provides an overview into the period when Penang, as a British trading post, was born. It happened at a time when a weak Kingdom of Kedah was threatened by Siam, which in turn was menaced by Burma.

The dominance of the Dutch in the East Indies and the increasing presence of France, enemies of the British, in Asia, made it necessary for the British to find a sit where they can refuel and have their ships repaired. Although this appears to be a pleasant necessity, the British did not act upon it until along came an opportunist in the form of Captain Francis Light.