The Kingdom of Singapura, an Indianised Malay Hindu-Buddhist realm, was believed to be founded on Singapore's main island, Pulau Ujong (then known as Temasek), around 1299 and lasted until between 1396 and 1398.^[4] Established by Sang Nila Utama, whose father, Sang Sapurba, is regarded as a semi-divine ancestor of many Malay monarchs, the kingdom's existence, especially its early years, is debated among historians. While many consider only its last ruler, Parameswara (or Sri Iskandar Shah), to be historically verified,^[5] archaeological findings at Fort Canning Hill and the Singapore River confirm the presence of a flourishing settlement and trade port in the 14th century.^[6]

During the 13th and 14th centuries, Singapura evolved from a modest trading post to a vibrant hub of international trade, connecting the Malay Archipelago, India, and the Yuan Dynasty. However, its strategic location made it a target, with both the Ayuthaya from the north and Majapahit from the south laying claims. The kingdom faced multiple invasions, ultimately being sacked by either the Majapahit according to Malay records or the Siamese as per Portuguese sources.^[7] Following this downfall, the last monarch, Parameswara, relocated to the Malay Peninsula's west coast, founding the Malacca Sultanate in 1400.