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Dive into 1960s Singapore through a child's eyes: witty tales of colonial life, family antics, and a lost world.

Set in 1960s British Colonial Singapore, this warm, witty memoir offers a rare and humorous child’s-eye view of life in a world that no longer exists — where strict regimental upbringing met the mischief and wonder of growing up. Hawkins, who now lives in Kuala Lumpur, was part of the 4% of non-British families living under the unique shadow of colonial privilege. Her father, a Detective Chief Inspector in the Colonial Police (and later the Republic of Singapore Police Force), was both protector and puzzle to her — a man of duty with no shortage of dramatic tales to satisfy her endless childhood curiosity.

Through quirky, self-contained stories, Rowena offers a richly personal glimpse into a bygone era — not a formal history, but a series of affectionate, often laugh-out-loud recollections that reflect on what it meant to grow up in the margins of colonial rule. Think Gweilo by Martin Booth, but from a local, young girl's perspective — a blend of high jinks, discipline, and cultural nuance that speaks to expats, diplomats, and history lovers alike.
“The author’s attention to colourful details makes the book’s characters come alive. She shares her personal experience and knowledge, allowing you to feel like you are right there!”
—Y.M. Tunku Dato’ Seri (Dr) Iskandar bin Tunku Abdullah, Group Executive Chairman, Melewar Group Berhad, Malaysia

“What a beautiful, sophisticated memoir; well written with style, wit and humour, not to mention the attention to detail of an eight-year-old girl growing up in colonial Singapore in the 1960s. Truly inspirational.”
—Blenda Andrade, former Singapore resident

“Brings back many memories of my years growing up in the Taiping estate. Good feel of touching on relative experiences.”
—Felix Fernandez, Managing Director, HAWK Vehicle Leasing, Malaysia
Rowena Hawkins was born in Singapore in the Year of the Monkey to privileged parents, direct line descendants of exiled Sultans from the Dutch-colonised East Indies Archipelago. Educated mainly in Singapore at two prestigious Mission Schools, she first pursued a modelling career and became Miss Singapore, representing Singapore in an international beauty pageant.

She later worked with the Red Cross Society and the UNHCR to resettle 14,000
Indochinese refugees temporarily placed on Pulau Bidong, off the east coast of Malaysia. In 1986, she moved to Hong Kong, obtained an MBA in Corporate Law and Industrial Psychology and took on various management roles. Since 2015, she has been living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Authors

My Father Is Police Lah!