Singapore was colonized by the British well before World War I, with British control established in 1824 following the Anglo-Dutch Treaty.
Singapore was colonised by the British during pre WW1

FactVerify
Source: factverify.com
Key Evidence
Singapore was formally ceded to Britain in 1824 and became part of the Straits Settlements in 1826, establishing it as a British colony long before World War I.
en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.orgHistory of Singapore
britannica.combritannica.comSingapore - British Colony, Trade Hub, Modern City Historical timelines confirm continuous British colonial administration through the pre-WWI era.
en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.orgColony of Singapore
What the Evidence Shows
The claim that Singapore was colonized by the British during the pre-World War I period is accurate. Historical records show that Singapore became a British possession officially in 1824 after the Anglo-Dutch Treaty, which divided spheres of influence in the Malay archipelago between Britain and the Netherlands.en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.orgHistory of Singapore Prior to this, in 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles established a British trading post on the island, marking the beginning of British influence.
By 1826, Singapore was grouped with Penang and Malacca to form the Straits Settlements under British administration.britannica.combritannica.comSingapore - British Colony, Trade Hub, Modern City This colonial status continued through the 19th century and into the early 20th century, well before World War I began in 1914.
en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.orgColony of Singapore The British governed Singapore as a Crown colony until Japanese occupation during World War II.
Therefore, the timeframe and colonial status described in the claim are historically supported without significant dispute.