Ronald MacPherson (14 July 1817 – 6 December 1869)[2] was a military officer, architect and colonial administrator in Singapore.

[2] In India, he learnt Arabic and Hindustani, studied engineering and helped to prepare the Madras Gunnery Tables, which European artillery companies consulted for many years.

[2][5][6] MacPherson started his career in Colonial Service as Executive Engineer and Superintendent of Convicts at Penang in 1849.

[2] MacPherson was appointed as the first Captain Commandant in 1854–1856 and later Honorary Colonel in 1864 of the Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps.

[5] MacPherson was appointed as the Resident Councillor of Malacca (1858), Penang and Singapore (1860)[1] until 1867 when the British government agreed to establish the Straits Settlements as a distinct Crown Colony as the merchant community and the middle class began agitating against being ruled from British India.