The term Straits Chinese refers to the descendents of the early Chinese immigrants who had made Peninsular Malaysia, including Singapore, their new home. More commonly known as Peranakans, the history of the Straits Chinese can be traced back to the 15th century when Chinese merchants first arrived in Malacca. Over the centuries, the Chinese immigrants adjusted to their new environment so well that they began to integrate local influences into their own culture, creating a new identity of their own. Today, the Peranakans are known for their heritage that is both Chinese in origin and at the same time fused with Malay elements.
