Life isn't divided up into neat disciplinary boxes. Learning about the world shouldn't be boxed in either.
Why limit learning to just one box? At the Department of Southeast Asian Studies, we break free from narrow disciplinary boundaries and offer a dynamic, subject-oriented curriculum. Our truly interdisciplinary approach blends diverse perspectives and methodologies from the humanities and social sciences, all deeply rooted in local experiences and knowledge. For students seeking a more holistic way to explore the world, this is where your journey begins.
News
Beyond Belief: Why Magic Matters in Modern SEA
Living in Southeast Asia and being Southeast Asian often entails an implicit understanding and awareness of magic in some form. But the crucial question to ask is: what IS magic?
Is This Home, Truly?
This story first appeared on NUS Cares Our Stories on February 2026 . SE3216: Migration, Diaspora and Refugees in Southeast Asia was taught by Dr Simon Rowedder in Semester 1 AY25/26. Is This Home, Truly? NUR Insyirah Binte Aidil, Faculty of Science Hello! I’m Insyirah, a Year 3 Environmental Studies major in the Faculty of Science, …
Learning to walk like an elephant Reflections on an NUS College Impact Experience project
An elephant caretaker’s advice guided a group of NUS College students in their quest to create impact for a Thai community, reminding them to embrace humility and curiosity in their approach.
Urbanising islands: A critical history of Singapore’s offshore islands
Did you know that Singapore boasts up to 54 surrounding islands, many of which were established through land reclamation post-independence? While most of these islands remain untouched, some play crucial roles in the city-state’s development. Given their relative obscurity and historical significance to most Singaporeans, ‘Urbanising Islands: A Critical History of Singapore’s Offshore Islands’, a …
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To Singapore for the buzz. To Johor for vast skies, open seas
Discover a thoughtful reflection on the contrasting charms of Singapore and Johor, written by our lecturer Dr Serina Rahman. She shares personal insights on the buzz of city life versus the calm of open skies and wide-open spaces across the Causeway. A meaningful read for those curious about both places and the lives lived between …
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Celebrating Singapore Studies: Sixty Years of Nationhood | Looking Back, Moving Forward Video Series – Episode 5: Innovation at the Intersections
As part of our ‘Celebrating Singapore Studies: Sixty Years of Nationhood’ campaign for SG60, we present the ‘Looking Back, Moving Forward’ video series — inviting reflection on how Singapore’s past shapes its future. Through the work of NUS FASS researchers, the series uncovers the complexities behind the nation’s celebrated ‘success story’, bringing to light the …