Historical research
Exploring Zheng He’s voyages and the Maritime Silk Road through scholarship and the exchange of historical knowledge.
ESTABLISHED 2003 · SINGAPORE
Maritime heritage. Meaningful connections.
The International Zheng He Society brings history, education and cultural dialogue into conversation—from Singapore to the wider world.
RESEARCH · EDUCATION · CULTURAL EXCHANGEROOTED IN SINGAPORE
ABOUT THE SOCIETY
A shared history.
An ongoing dialogue.
Founded in Singapore in 2003 by Dr Tan Ta Sen and Dr Leo Suryadinata, the Society explores the legacy of Zheng He and the Maritime Silk Road through research, education and cultural exchange.
We invite scholars, institutions and communities to look at the past together—and consider the connections it can inspire today.
Our story and purposeOUR AREAS OF FOCUS
Understanding the past.
Connecting the present.
Heritage education
Making maritime history accessible and helping different generations connect with a shared cultural heritage.
Cultural exchange
Bringing perspectives into conversation across Singapore, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the wider world.
A SINGAPORE PERSPECTIVE
An international outlook.
Maritime history tells a story of encounters: people, knowledge and culture moving across oceans. That spirit of exchange is the starting point for the Society’s purpose.
Start a conversationSELECTED MILESTONES
A journey since 2003.
The Society is founded
Dr Tan Ta Sen and Dr Leo Suryadinata founded the International Zheng He Society in Singapore to advance Zheng He studies and cultural exchange.
Bringing perspectives together
The Society co-organised an international Zheng He symposium with the Malacca Museums Corporation.
Twenty years of connection
A twentieth-anniversary forum in Singapore explored Zheng He’s legacy and Maritime Silk Road culture.