Alexander Sym Small facts for kids

Sir Alexander Sym Small (3 November 1887 – 13 August 1944) was an important colonial administrator. This means he was a government official who helped manage territories that were part of the British Empire. He worked for the Malayan Civil Service, which was the government service for British Malaya. He spent most of his career in the Federated Malay States (FMS) and Straits Settlements (SS). He eventually became the Colonial Secretary of the Straits Settlements before he retired in 1940.

Sir Alexander Sym Small: A Life of Service

Early Life and Education

Alexander Sym Small was born on November 3, 1887. His hometown was Motherwell, in Scotland. He went to Dalziel High School for his early education. Later, he studied at Glasgow University. He earned degrees in law, science (BSc), and arts (M.A.) in 1908.

In his personal life, Small married Hazel Stubbs on January 4, 1922. Hazel was the eldest daughter of Mr. Sydney Stubbs.

Starting His Career in Malaya

Small began his career in January 1911. He joined the Malayan Civil Service as a "cadet." A cadet was like a trainee official. His first job was Acting Assistant Secretary to the British Resident of Selangor. A British Resident was a high-ranking British official.

Important Roles in Government

Small took on many different roles. In 1912, he was the Acting District Officer in Kuala Langat. A District Officer managed a specific area. The next year, he was Acting Secretary to the British Resident of Negri Sembilan.

In 1918, he worked in Johore. He served as Acting Assistant Adviser in Endau and Muar. Advisers helped local rulers. In 1921, he was Acting Assistant Director of Education. He also temporarily worked as Commissioner of Customs in Johore.

From 1923 to 1926, he was Acting Treasurer for the Federated Malay States. He was also State Treasurer for Selangor. A Treasurer manages government money. In late 1926, he became the Town Planning Administrator in Kuala Lumpur. In March 1927, he was Financial Commissioner and Auditor in Johore.

Between 1929 and 1930, he was Acting Treasurer for the Straits Settlements. He also became the Financial Adviser and Treasurer for the Federated Malay States. From June 1932 to 1935, he was the Treasurer for the Straits Settlements.

Leading the Straits Settlements

In December 1935, Sir Alexander Sym Small received a very important job. He became the Colonial Secretary of the Straits Settlements. He took over from Sir Andrew Caldecott. Caldecott was moving on to become the new Governor of Hong Kong.

As Colonial Secretary, Small sometimes had to act as the "Officer Administrating the Government." This happened when the Governor was away. It meant he was temporarily in charge of the government. In 1940, Small retired from his position. He handed over the role to Mr. Stanley Wilson Jones.

Helping During Wartime

After retiring, Small moved to Australia. He settled near Perth. He was about to travel to India for a new role. He was going to represent the Colonies on the Eastern Supplies Council in New Delhi. But then, World War II's Pacific war began.

Despite being in a safe place, he chose to return to Singapore. He arrived on December 22, 1941. He wanted to help defend Singapore, where he had spent his working life. He stayed in Singapore until January 1942. Then, he left for India.

In Australia, he continued to help. He was an honorary director for the Red Cross Society. He worked for the Bureau for Wounded, Missing and Prisoners of War. He was also a vice-president of the Malayan and Far Eastern Association of Western Australia.

Awards and Recognition

Sir Alexander Sym Small received two major honors. In 1937, he was given the Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG). This award recognizes service to the British Empire. In 1939, he was made a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE). This honor meant he could use the title "Sir."