Parameswara was a 15th-century Malay ruler and the founder of the Malacca Sultanate, a significant trading empire in Southeast Asia. He originally came from Sumatra and established Malacca around 1400, taking advantage of its strategic location along the maritime trade routes. His leadership helped transform Malacca into a thriving port city, attracting merchants from various regions. Under Parameswara's rule, Malacca became a center for Islam in the region, as he converted to the religion and encouraged its spread among his subjects. His legacy is marked by the establishment of a prosperous and influential sultanate that played a crucial role in the history of Southeast Asia.