This souvenir medal was issued as part of the International Colonial, Maritime and Flemish Art Exhibition of 1913, or better known as the Antwerp Expo, organized by the Belgian government to commemorate the centernary of its independence. As with in other colonial exhibitions, the British Empire took the opportunity not only to exhibit its own maritime and art achievements, including models of its historic merchant ships and steamships, but it also exhibited highlights from its colonial holdings. Malaya for example was represented through an exhibit on rubber plantations, whereas Singapore as part of the Straits Settlements was represented in terms of the resources obtainable at these ports. Generally in the event of such international expos, the Raffles Museum would have been involved in the selection and collection of such exhibits to be sent over to the respective destinations.
