Punching Home Lessons about Southeast Asia through Martial Arts

IN BRIEF | 10 min read

• From honing basic silat techniques to dabbling in the various styles of martial arts practised in Southeast Asia - such as kung fu and baguazhang from China as well as the Japanese sword-fighting art of kendo - students discover the region's cultures and history in unconventional ways, in a course conducted by Dr Mohamed Effendy (NUS Southeast Asian Studies).

With their arms stretched out and feet apart, the students practise the sikap pasang - Malay for "ready stance". At their trainer's command, they squat and stretch one leg out in unison, performing the sapu dalam, or inside leg sweep.

Students also learnt the langkah perguruan, consisting of strikes and footwork, along with moves such as langkah pedang (the art of the sword), langkah golok (the art of the machete), as well as many different styles of pokolan (kicks and punches).

These youth are not part of a silat club, but students of the Martial Arts in Southeast Asia course in the middle of a supervised silat lesson held on campus. It is just one of many hands-on martial arts sessions they enjoy throughout the course.

Typically, each session begins with a short introduction to a particular martial art, before a professional trainer demonstrates basic techniques. Students then pair up to practise their moves, before learning about the philosophy behind the martial art.

Dr Mohamed Effendy Abdul Hamid, who launched the course in 2015, says such hands-on lessons enable students to learn better by experiencing things for themselves.

"We aim to ignite students' understanding of the region in less conventional ways," said the lecturer in the Department of Southeast Asian Studies at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). "The best way is to practise the cultures embedded in the region, and martial arts can be a window to understanding Southeast Asian cultures."

Students experience "the warrior spirit, especially resilience" when they practise these martial arts. "This spirit is emblematic of the Southeast Asian spirit itself," added the martial arts buff, who began reading books about different ancient battles and war philosophies during rest periods while on patrol in the coast guard while serving National Service.

Lessons from the Region and Beyond
Although the course aims to educate students about the region's cultures, it also taps into martial arts from all over the world, such as kung fu and baguazhang from China, and the Japanese sword-fighting art of kendo which Dr Effendy is trained in.

Dabbling in a wide variety of martial arts helps students grasp an essential truth - Southeast Asia has always been connected to the rest of the world. "Studying martial arts in the region, you can see that we have a long history of exposure to trade and connections with other communities," he explained.

"For example, Japanese, Malaysian and Filipino martial arts all have a strong emphasis on spirit and ethics during fighting. People in Southeast Asia encounter people from other regions, see how they fight, then adapt things to their own fighting style. This is what we call localisation."

Another clear example of this "cross-pollination" is how silat warriors greet their opponents with their fists against their palms, a traditional Chinese martial art greeting.

"I had a friend, a kung fu master, who saw a video of silat being practised in Sulawesi, Indonesia, and he told me that silat looks like a martial art with Chinese hands and Malay feet," Dr Effendy shared. "To me this is a good example of historical exchanges that enriches cultures in the region," he quipped.

Combat and Core Values
These perspectives on the region's history brought to life through the martial art forms practised by its people has been illuminating for students.

"We learned through Prof's class (that) many martial arts had their origins in actual warfare or combat. So certain martial arts may be perhaps more adapted to certain types of combat," said Bryan Cambo, a Year 1 undergraduate at FASS, who intends to major in Southeast Asian Studies. He cited, for instance, how certain forms of silat are geared towards one-on-one combat and employ the karambit as a tool in battle, reflecting how combat was carried out in earlier times.

Gergana Biserova Atanasova, a Year 3 exchange student majoring in Cognitive Science from Denmark's Aarhus University, recalls a particular manoeuvre from the demonstration by local silat group, Pencak Silat Bawean Dheun, which involved throwing sand at an opponent to deceive them.

She later learnt that the technique arose from the sandy terrain on which the martial art form is traditionally practised. "I think you can learn a lot from the martial arts just from looking at the movements they teach you at these very basic training sessions."

Aside from discovering the historical and cultural contexts behind the various martial art forms, students also learn about the individual philosophies underpinning the different styles.

During the class exploring kendo, they gained insights into its core values such as courage, humility and perseverance while trying their hand at basic footwork and strikes with the shinai, a bamboo training sword, under the guidance of the NUS Kendo Kai student club and JSK or Joushinkan, a local kendo group based in Tiong Bahru Community Centre led by Peter Ong sensei.

Terence Chong, the captain of the NUS Kendo Kai student club and a Year 3 Computer Science undergraduate, said he hoped the exposure to kendo would instil a sense of confidence in his fellow students. "What we try to convey in our lessons is to be confident in your strikes because without confidence it will hold you back in kendo. In my opinion, this can (also) be applied to everyday life."

Dr Effendy, too, has learnt a few things while delving into the world of regional martial arts with his students. They realised, for example, that women play a very important role in the development of martial arts in Southeast Asia.

"There is a strong tradition of female practitioners in the region. In northern Vietnam, when the Chinese invaded in C.E. 39-43 the Trung sisters fiercely fought back," he noted. "Apart from northern Vietnam, other examples of women warriors exist such as prajurit estri, or female soldiers and warriors in the Javanese court of Sultan Agung (1613-1645 C.E.) of Mataram. Even in Aceh, women warriors played an important role in the struggle for independence from the 19^th to 20^th centuries."

"The evidence tells us that, compared with other regions, more women practised martial arts and played an indispensable role in defending their communities in Southeast Asia."

This tradition is reflected in the demographic of the course - it draws about an equal mix of males and females in each class of 30. "Sometimes the ladies are even more enthusiastic than the guys," he said with a laugh.

Going beyond convention

The course, which runs every second semester of each academic year, is open to students from all faculties. There are no seated final examinations, but Dr Effendy expects the students to think outside the box.

"I tell my students that they can stick to the traditional essay for their final project submission, but I strongly encourage them to go for more unconventional formats - music videos, documentaries, even paintings," he said.

His aim is to let them have fun, which he believes helps them better appreciate the learning process. "After each class, and this module, I want students to walk away feeling fulfilled, that they have learnt something new about themselves and the subject," he added.

His students' work has been enlightening. He fondly recalls a video documentary by a former student, Mr Khoo Yi Feng, which detailed how domestic workers in Singapore used their days off to learn taekwondo. Some turned this new skill into a viable means of living when they worked as taekwondo trainers upon returning home.

"This documentary was so memorable that I still keep in contact with this student," he recounted.

Khoo, a manager at the National Council of Social Service and a mental health advocate, recently received the prestigious NUS 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni Award. The accolade is awarded to alumni below 40 who have made significant contributions in their fields of work.

To Dr Effendy, a good gauge of whether students are really learning is their level of engagement in class. "If students are asking questions, discussing with one another and participating, that indicates they are enjoying themselves and learning," he noted.

The most important indicator, however, is whether students explore the topic beyond what is taught in class and seek out information on their own.

This, to Dr Effendy, is the ideal learning approach. "A victorious and effective learner of martial arts is someone who is self-motivated, independent, and unafraid of pursuing new knowledge in new ways," he said. "I hope every one of my students will grow to embody this spirit of a fighter in their learning."

This story first appeared in NUSNews on 16 May 2024.

Notes from KL: The Chasm Between the Richest and the Poorest in Malaysia is Not as Far as the Comparison between Ethnic Groups

IN BRIEF | 10 min read

• Column on Suria News Online by Dr Serina Rahman, Lecturer from NUS Southeast Asian Studies.

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This story first appeared in Suria News Online and NUSNews on 20 May 2024.

NEW PUBLICATION: Escaping Kakania Eastern European Travels in Colonial Southeast Asia

Exploring Kendo: A Hands-On Journey into Japanese Martial Arts Culture in SE3233

SE3233: Martial Arts in Southeast Asia and the Dynamic World of Kendo!

Today's session in SE3233 saw students learning about Kendo, a Japanese martial art that has captivated Southeast Asia and the region's communities since at least the 1950s (and possibly even earlier!). We explored the reasons behind its enduring popularity, discussing influences like movies ("Shogun" and "The Last Samurai"), music, and even anime.

But SE3233 goes beyond theory! Students weren't just passive observers. Under the guidance of Mr. Peter Ong, sensei (teacher) of both the NUS Kendo Kai and Joushinkan kendo clubs, and his students, the class learned about the essential equipment - the shinai (bamboo sword) and bogu (armor). The session even included demonstrations of sparring techniques, followed by the thrilling opportunity for students to practice basic strikes with the shinai on each other and the instructors. They even donned the bogu themselves, experiencing firsthand what it feels to be a practitioner of Kendo.

This immersive experience wasn't just about learning a martial art; it was about experiencing the rich culture and discipline that Kendo embodies. Students gained a deeper understanding of the appeal of Japanese martial arts in Southeast Asia, fostering a newfound appreciation for this dynamic tradition.

Please click here to see additional photos from the class event: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.905477068250100&type=3

Claiming the Right to Nasi Lemak, Laksa and now Roti Kaya

IN BRIEF | 4 min read

• A Op-Ed in Suria News Online by Dr Serina Rahman, Lecturer from NUS Southeast Asian Studies.

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These stories first appeared in Suria News Online and NUSNews on 22 March 2024.

Dr Faizah Zakaria Receives John A. Lent Prize for Exceptional Scholarly Paper at AAS 2024 Conference

Immersed in the World of Pencak Silat Bawean Dheun: SE3233 Students Experience Martial Arts Mastery!

Dr Serina Rahman's NGO, Kelab Alami, Wins The Hornbill Award 2023 for Conservation Efforts

View the Award Presentation here: https://youtu.be/sgCJAf8tnk8?si=AKBgSuhYrT_J_jJ4

Dr Serina Rahman's non-governmental organization (NGO), Kelab Alami, has been honored with The Hornbill Award 2023. The Hornbill Award, established in 2021, spotlights conservation efforts aimed at preserving and managing biodiversity and natural resources in the face of pressing environmental challenges.

Dr Serina Rahman, in light of this achievement, discusses strategies to tackle the diverse challenges posed by climate change on Malaysian artisanal fishing communities. These communities play a pivotal role in maintaining livelihoods, preserving heritage, and ensuring seafood sustainability.

Emphasizing community empowerment and sustainable initiatives, Dr Serina advocates for seagrass conservation and advocacy programs as effective measures to protect both the environment and the livelihoods of fishermen. By focusing on enhancing income opportunities and preserving traditional practices, Dr Serina aims to secure economic viability while safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.

Assistant Professor (Southeast Asia: Digital Studies, STS, Economics and/or Religious Studies)

Job Requirements and Responsibilities

Application Process

• Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your qualifications and plans would contribute to the long-term development and enhancement of the Department of Southeast Asian Studies (maximum 2 pages)
• Up to date Curriculum vitae
• Concise statement of your research trajectory thus far and publication plans (maximum 2 pages)
• Concise statement of your teaching experience and interests, as well as possible courses you are able to offer that would enrich the teaching of the Department (maximum 2 pages)
• Evidence of teaching experience (course reviews, sample syllabi, teaching awards)
• A list of three referees, including the applicant’s main PhD supervisor/advisor (names, contact details and applicant’s relationship to them). Only referees of shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit reference letters.

Application Timeline

Other Information

Contact for Enquiries

Singapore and Johor: Deep bonds inspire new wellsprings of growth

Experiential Learning in Action: Sailing from Batam to Bangka

IN BRIEF | 8 min read

• As part of the Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative, students visited local communities to glean an in-depth, first-hand understanding of the Indonesian way of life.

A 14-day voyage through Indonesia's Riau Islands Province to the island of Bangka in December took a group of NUS students on an adventure to get a glimpse of life in remote communities, learn about the region's economic industries, and explore environmental conservation initiatives up close - all while mastering the art of seafaring.

As part of the Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative (SFI), offered by NUS residential units to improve students' understanding of Singapore's neighbours in Southeast Asia, the SFI2014-Introducing Indonesia course was run in Semester 1 of Academic Year 2023/2024 as an introduction to Indonesian culture and politics via a six-week crash course in Bahasa Indonesia.

To complement the course, King Edward VII Hall (KEVII) organised the voyage in collaboration with Tembusu College. This experiential learning component focused on three crucial economic sectors of this region: mining, fisheries, and tourism. Maximising the students' exposure to remote communities and maritime resources, the voyage explored the industries' complex relationships with each other and how they impact the region's communities through the perspective of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The team drew on the logistical experience from 19 previous voyages aboard sailing ships conducted by the NUS Seafarers since 2017. 12 KEVII students and six Tembusu students set sail from Batam, the most populous island of the Riau Islands Province, on 10 December 2023, accompanied by KEVII Residential Fellows Associate Professor Martin Henz and Dr Wu Jinlu, Tembusu College Residential Fellow Mr Shamraz Anver, Ms Sarah Chong of the Department of Southeast Asian Studies at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and NUS Seafarer alumnus Li Xi Yuan (Class of 2024, Computer Engineering).

The two sailing ships, the Four Friends and the Rona, made stops along the way to the islands of Buluh, Bintan, Benan, Sebangka, Benoh, Gojong, Singkep, Pekacang, and Cebia, before arriving at Bangka, the largest island of the province Bangka and Belitung, on 21 December.

Benefitting from extensive collaborations established on previous NUS Seafarers voyages in this region, the team invited Mr Fazham Fadlil, fondly known as Pak Sam, aboard the 1998-built schooner Four Friends, where he introduced the students to the unique culture of his native island of Buluh, situated a stone's throw west of Batam. Pak Sam also led an onshore excursion to the site of a refugee camp from the Vietnam War era on the island of Galang, south of Batam, where students were immersed in the rich history of the location that has withstood the test of time.

The voyagers were also joined by students and staff from Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji (UMRAH), a university in Tanjung Pinang, who organised a visit to a fish farm near Pengujan on Bintan island where the group learnt about the economic and cultural importance of fishing as a means of livelihood in the region.

On the east coast of Bintan in Kawal, they also heard from two UMRAH students, Sintana Tri Yuniar and Dedi Kurniawan, about their university's mangrove restoration efforts in the area. Sandy runoff from a large bauxite mine situated in the immediate vicinity of these extensive mangrove forests, kelp forests and coral reefs have endangered these vulnerable ecosystems, explained Mr Elyas Purwanto, a manager at the LooLa Adventure Resort. The resort is one of two eco-resorts coexisting with the mine and the local fishing communities near Kawal.

Sailing downwind from Buluh and Bintan, the two vessels reunited near the fishing and resort island of Benan. There, the students were taught to snorkel by Captain Warren Blake, owner of the Four Friends, and participated in a tour of the Benan Island Resort where they learned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local tourism businesses and the efforts by the resort to reach out to new customers.

On the next stop, at Pulau Sebangka, the team explored a mangrove estuary by kayak, toured an artisanal charcoal factory, and visited a fishing community.

Sailing onwards, the voyagers got the opportunity for a homestay on Pulau Benoh, which specialises in offering recreational fishing to domestic and international tourists, as well as more coastal kayaking and snorkelling activities on Gojong island, located east of Pulau Benoh.

A visit to Dabo, a market town on Singkep in the southern Riau Islands, also gave the students a striking impression of the Chinese diaspora of the region and provided opportunities to recover from the physical demands of sailing at two popular local attractions in the Singkep hillsides: the cool waterfall of Batu Ampar and the hot springs of Wisata Pemandian.

After 12 hours of sailing downwind from Dabo in the strengthening North monsoon, the ships reached Pulau Cebia, the only inhabited island of the Tujuh islands. The village on Cebia, with a population of 535, is one of the region's remotest communities. The elected village leader gave the team a tour of the island, introduced them to his family and explained the challenges of living on such an isolated archipelago. The team learned of the necessity of largely self-sustained life in such remote locations and the opportunities and challenges the community is facing in their attempts to attract tourism.

The visit to their final destination, Bangka, saw students explore a local industry dominated by mining activities. The team started with a visit to a tin museum, where Mr Suwito Wu, their guide and a leader of the Mentok Chinese diaspora, introduced them to the owner of a vast open-pit tin mine. As they toured through the grounds of the mine where the owner lives with his family, the students learnt about the mining process, which uses large amounts of rainwater to separate the tin ore from the reddish sand.

 

On the final day of the academic programme, the team crossed northern Bangka in vans to reach the coastal town of Sungailiat in the northeast. Their host, Mr Sandy Pratama from Universitas Bangka Belitung (UBB), led them on a tour of an area in which extensive offshore industrial mining, as well as artisanal tin mining, coexist alongside commercial and subsistence fishing and international and domestic tourism. The visit to UBB at Pangkalpinang, the capital of the Bangka and Belitung province, complemented the students' understanding of the complex interactions and competing demands of these economic sectors.

The KEVII and Tembusu team returned to Singapore on 23 Dec 2023 with their memories, notebooks and cameras filled with impressions, photos and video footage, rich resources for the post-trip thematic reports, travelogues, and videos that constitute the academic deliverables of the experiential learning component of the SFI course.

Watch the voyagers' experiential learning adventures here.

This story by Associate Professor Martin Henz, NUS School of Computing and Resident Fellow at NUS King Edward VII Hall first appeared in NUSNews on 5 February 2024.

Malaysia Must Act More Swiftly to Conserve Environment and Build Resilient Communities

IN BRIEF | 10 min read

• An Op-Ed in Suria News Online by Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies).

Click through image below to read this piece.

This article first appeared in Suria News Online and on NUSNews on 4 February 2024.

Singapore and Johor: Deep Bonds Inspire New Wellsprings of Growth

IN BRIEF | 10 min read

• An Op-Ed in The Straits Times by Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies).

Click through image below to read this piece.

This article first appeared in The Straits Times and on NUSNews on 2 February 2024.

Exploring Arts and Culture in Yogyakarta: A Transformative Fieldtrip Experience for SE2214 Students

During the September mid-semester recess, a group of students travelled for a week-long fieldtrip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, as part of SE2214, “Beyond the Frame: Arts and Lives in Southeast Asia,” taught by Jan Mrazek (Department of Southeast Asian Studies), an expert on Southeast Asian and particularly Javanese arts, as well as a practicing performer of traditional music and theatre.

The Yogyakarta area is the site of ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples (the World Heritage sites Borobudur and Prambanan are among the most famous, but there are many more), and it is a vibrant centre of both traditional and contemporary arts. Situated between the imposing volcano Mount Merapi and the Southern Ocean, the city is centred on the massive kraton, the palace, which serves as the residence of the ruling sultan as well as a space of various living traditional arts and culture.

On the fieldtrip, the emphasis was not only on visiting cultural sites, but also meeting and learning from various “artsy” people and on experiential learning. We also worked with a group of students from the local university, who participated in some of our activities. Our students got to know the city and the people; they visited the temples, batik shops, the palace, museums, art galleries, artists' studios, and a community cultural/art centre. They also attended performances. During these activities, they were meeting both "traditional" and "contemporary" artists, curators, community arts activists, and other people involved with the arts.

Among the highlights were a number of workshops, where the students had a chance to get an hands-on experience of making Javanese batik and shadow puppets, and of learning Javanese dance, with a brief performance at a community arts centre. Before the trip -- during the first half of the semester -- they had studied playing Javanese gamelan music, using the SE Asian Studies’ own set of instruments; and in Yogyakarta, they accompanied a short performance of the shadow puppet theatre, which was open to public and broadcast live “to the whole world.” There was of course free time to enjoy the day- and night-life, sample local  and localized cuisine (such as the amazing chilli-chocolate ice cream), as well as to work in small groups on research projects, which emphasized reflection on first-hand experience and creativity in presentations. Embark on a visual journey! Click Here to explore more captivating moments from our unforgettable fieldtrip. 🌍📸

Inclusive Sustainability Immersion in Mukim Tanjung Kupang, Johor Malaysia.

As part of the unique options offered by the MA in Contemporary Southeast Asia, a matching module to the Gamelan Masterclass is the 2-course credit Field Trip that takes place in the second semester.

This field trip takes postgraduate students to a string of fishing villages in the western Tebrau Strait, between Singapore and Malaysia, where they will meet and engage with the community of Mukim Tanjung Kupang. This is an unparalleled opportunity to get to the ground to learn about changes that this community has had to undergo as a result of development and climate change impacts in their neighbourhood. It is, however, just one example of myriad communities across Southeast Asia facing the same dilemma.

This case study, however, is made accessible to students through this immersion, which is also a unique opportunity to get deep amongst Malaysian rural locals and their lives and livelihoods far from the regular tourist trails.

The fishing community in this sub-district is bound on all sides by escalating development. This comes in the form of urbanisation in the form of luxury residential and business development projects, and industrialisation such as factories and the Port of Tg Pelepas. There is also an impact on their natural habitats as a result of coastal development along the Tebrau Strait, both on the Malaysian and Singapore coasts.

The field trip allows students to see first-hand the impacts of climate change and development on rural communities, as well as maritime transnational landscapes and fluid borders.

Students will get first-hand experience at life in a fishing village and attempt to use some of the equipment (nets/traps) to catch their meals, as well as begin to understand how these communities that supply seafood to the rest of Malaysia (and beyond) suffer from dire economic situations themselves.

As an introduction to the local natural habitats, they will visit a seagrass meadow and mangrove forest, both at risk of being lost to coastal development, and learn of their importance to the community and the environment as a whole. In contrast to these natural areas, they will also be brought to Forest City – a majority-Chinese owned luxury and mixed-use development that landed on this community in 2015.

The visit to the local community will also include cultural aspects such as an introduction to local Chinese history (including information on the Japanese massacre of residents during World War II), and a traditional dance form called zapin that originated in these villages. They will also get to eat locally harvested seafood with the fishermen and other villagers in their home.

While this excursion will push students’ boundaries in the mud, seagrass and natural elements, the outcome will be extremely rewarding. Past students’ testimonials provide proof that it is an opportunity not to be missed.

Forest City is Awakening, with New Settlers of an Unexpected Kind

IN BRIEF | 10 min read

• Op-Ed in The Straits Times by Dr Serina Rahman, NUS Southeast Asian Studies.

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This article first appeared on The Straits Times and NUSNews on 28 December 2023.

Whitewashing of Malay Supremacy in Malaysia’s Progressive Intellectual Culture

IN BRIEF | 15 min read

• Column in Suria News Online by Ms Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, a PhD candidate from NUS Southeast Asian Studies.⁠

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This article first appeared in Suria News Online on 10 December 2023 and NUSNews on 11 December 2023.

Launch of New Book on Southeast Asia’s Local and National Cultures by University Professor Wang Gungwu

IN BRIEF | 9 min watch

• Coverage of the launch of the latest book by Professor Wang Gungwu (NUS History and Chairman of the East Asian Institute) on Southeast Asia's local and national cultures.⁠

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This article first appeared in NUS News and The Straits Times on 6 December 2023.

NOTE FROM KL: Southeast Asia at Risk of Being Severely Affected by Climate Change; COP28 Must Act Immediately

IN BRIEF | 9 min watch

• An Op-Ed by Dr Serina Rahman, Lecturer from NUS Southeast Asian Studies in Suria News Online on 4 December 2023.⁠

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This article first appeared in NUS News and Suria News Online on 4 December 2023.

Learning about Southeast Asian History and Culture through Balinese Dance

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• Students from SE2224: Unmasked: An Introduction to Traditional Dance in Southeast Asia performed "Sutasoma: The Journey", a mesmerising rendition of the Balinese literary classic. This marks a pioneering showcase of the tale in the Topeng Prembon genre.

It was a feast for the senses from the moment the performance began. Buoyed by the melodious, almost hypnotic, Balinese gamelan music, actors - some wearing beautifully carved masks - moved and sang in a wonderful blend of Old Javanese, Balinese, Bahasa Indonesia and English as they took centrestage to perform "Sutasoma: The Journey" - a 14th-century Javanese poem depicting Buddhist prince Sutasoma's journey towards enlightenment and the obstacles he encounters along the way with his eclectic group of friends: a tiger, a dragon and a flesh-eating elephant-headed demon.Directed and produced by NUS Southeast Asian Studies' Associate Professor Irving Johnson, this Balinese dance drama showcases a timeless story woven around the theme of kindness and compassion for all living things. The performance is the fruitful cap to the SE2224 course he teaches at the Department of Southeast Asian Studies. The show was notably the first time that the story of Sutasoma was performed as Topeng Prembon - a Balinese dramatic dance presentation that involves masked and unmasked actors.

Titled "SE2224: Unmasked! An Introduction to Traditional Dance in Southeast Asia", the non-examinable course introduces students to classical Southeast Asian dance with a particular emphasis on masked dance traditions. Through the analysis of scholarly texts, videos and hands-on sessions, students are taught how to appreciate classical dance traditions in the region from a variety of angles, such as dramaturgical principles, music, aesthetics, ritual significance and change. Students will also have to participate in an organised field trip and perform in a staged performance at the end of the course. Open to all NUS students, the course is available in the first semester of each academic year.

"In SE2224, we dissect the meaning of 'tradition' and study dance in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Take Singapore for example. We discuss how occasions like Chingay, the People's Association and the National Arts Council are instrumental in constructing new 'traditions'. We also examine how the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a bloc impacts dance traditions in the region," said Assoc Prof Johnson, who is himself a Balinese dancer and Thai mural painter.

He added, "This year, Bali was the case study for learning about dance in Southeast Asia. Topeng Prembon was the genre of Balinese dance we chose for Sutasoma."

A Field Trip to Better Appreciate Balinese Culture, History and Dance Traditions
For a full immersion into Balinese dance traditions, Assoc Prof Johnson brought all 14 SE2224 students for an experiential seven-day field trip to Bali. They took dance lessons every morning from local teachers, visited religious, cultural and historical sites such as the 1,000-year-old temple in the village of Batuan, and the old palace at Klungkung where they saw first-hand the paintings of the story of Sutasoma to better appreciate Balinese dance and the drama they were performing.

In addition, the group participated in a tutorial on Balinese dance traditions by lecturers from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Denpasar, Bali's arts university, met with mask and costume makers, and artists, and even performed in full dress at a local dance event on the last night of their stay.

Assoc Prof Johnson explained, "The whole point was to show the students a side of Bali they would never see or experience as tourists, and to show them how dance is so important to the way the Balinese understand themselves. The trip gave them an invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in the lives and beliefs of the Balinese."

Chai Jia Xin, a third-year NUS Nursing student observed, "After watching several Balinese performances during the trip, I discovered that their style of art feels more intimate. Unlike seats in a theatre, the audience is seated on the ground with nothing physically separating the performers and the audience. The gamelan musicians also laughed at jokes or spoke to each other while the show was ongoing. It was an eye-opening and wonderful experience."

Offering another perspective, FASS fourth-year student Timothy Timuari shared, "Almost all of us have no experience in traditional dance. I chose to take SE2224 because it exposed me to ethnography. By fully immersing myself in a Balinese village with the folks there, I experienced so much about Balinese culture and learnt quite a bit about life. This is not something that readings can teach."

A Unique Course that Offers Important Lessons

The sound of appreciative applause from a 280-strong audience rang loud and clear as Sutasoma came to a moving close. From the stands, it was apparent that the student performers as well as the rest of the cast enjoyed themselves throughout the three-hour spectacle. Indeed, the production was a truly collaborative one as it not only involved alumni from the Department of Southeast Asian Studies but also professional dancers and musicians from the Balinese dance and music community in Singapore and Bali.

This cross-cultural experience was not lost on anthropology exchange student Pablo López Basurco who played the role of the elephant-headed demon or Gajah Waktra. "If you'd asked me in August, I would never have thought I would travel to Bali to learn how to dance and perform in Singapore. I study in the Netherlands and I could never imagine a project like this taking place there. This is truly a unique experience."

Assoc Prof Johnson shared, "With this class, I wanted to show students that dance is just as relevant a subject as any of the other disciplines. To dance is to be human and the SE2224 course not only teaches us important things about our bodies, our mind and our community. It also teaches us about happiness, respect and patience. These are precious lessons that my students will carry with them long after their university days."

NUS Alumni Awards 2023: Celebrating Outstanding Changemakers and Trailblazers

IN BRIEF | 8 min read

• NUS honoured the achievements of 21 outstanding alumni and three alumni teams comprising another 14 alumni, at the prestigious NUS Alumni Awards 2023.

Twenty-one individual alumni and three alumni teams, comprising another 14 individuals, were honoured at the NUS Alumni Awards 2023 on 2 November.

Now in its 10th edition, the biennial NUS Alumni Awards recognise alumni who have distinguished themselves through significant and impactful contributions to their alma mater, society and the world.

Speaking at the celebratory event, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye noted that the award recipients have, “not only found success in their respective fields, but elevated what it means to be an alumnus or alumna of our institution: their achievements have enriched our culture, advanced our science, deepened our humanity, and bettered our society”. Read Prof Tan's speech here.

Eminent Alumni Award
The Eminent Alumni Award was conferred on Mdm Halimah Yacob, former President of the Republic of Singapore, for her achievements in public service, as well as her exemplary service to the University as the former Chancellor of NUS from 2017 to 2023. Mdm Halimah Yacob
Mdm Halimah graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Singapore and obtained her Master of Laws from NUS in 2001. She spent 33 years with the labour movement, rising to become Deputy Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). In 1999, she became the first Singaporean elected to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), where she served for 12 years, representing workers globally. She entered politics in 2001, serving as a Member of Parliament until 2017. In a career filled with firsts, she became the first woman appointed Speaker of Parliament in 2013; and the first woman to be elected President of Singapore in 2017, a role she held until 2023. For her service, she was conferred the Order of Temasek (With High Distinction), the nation’s highest civilian honour, this year.

As Chancellor of the University, Mdm Halimah conferred close to 76,000 undergraduate, master’s, doctorate and honorary degrees over six years, and presided over the Main Commencement ceremonies for graduates and honorary graduates. She also graced various NUS events, including NUSSU Rag & Flag Day 2018, NUS Bizad Charity Run 2020, the Bukit Timah Homecomings of 2018 and 2022, the Institute of Policy Studies’ Women’s Conference in 2021, and the 52nd UM-NUS Inter-University Tunku Chancellor Golf Tournament in 2023.

Delivering the citation for Mdm Halimah’s conferment, Prof Tan commended Mdm Halimah as an “inspiring leader” and “trailblazing alumna”, noting her “unwavering dedication to advancing the lives of individuals and communities, particularly the underprivileged”. Read the citation here.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Eminent Alumni Award from my alma mater. NUS has played a formative role in my life, shaping not only my academic development but the values I have carried throughout my career,” said Mdm Halimah.

Watch this tribute video on Mdm Halimah’s contributions to the University and Singapore.

Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Eight NUS alumni were conferred the Distinguished Alumni Service Award for their achievements in their chosen fields, as well as their excellent volunteer service to NUS, its predecessor institutions and/or the community.

These award recipients were:

• Professor Kishore Mahbubani (NUS Philosophy '71), Distinguished Fellow at NUS Asia Research Institute
• Mr Kok Heng Leun, founder of the Drama Box theatre group
• Ms Janet Lim Yuen Kheng (NUS Sociology, 75), former Assistant High Commissioner (Operations) at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• Justice Andrew Phang Boon Leong, Senior Judge of the Supreme Court of Singapore
• Mr Ravi Menon (NUS Economics '87), Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore
• Mr Brian Tan Kai Piang, Regional President of Applied Materials Southeast Asia
• Mr Wong Kan Seng (NUS History and English '70), former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore
• Mr Yatiman Bin Yusof (NUS Geography and Malay Studies '72), High Commissioner of Singapore to Kenya and Malay language champion

Outstanding Young Alumni Award Recipients
Twelve young NUS alumni were honoured for their achievements and outstanding contributions to their chosen fields.

These award recipients were:

• Dr Aishwarya Bandla, Regional R&D Manager at Paxman Coolers
• Ms Akanksha Batura Pai, Head of Strategy and Growth at Sinoda Shipping Agency
• Dr Rena Dharmawan, Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School
• Mr Faris Bin Ridzuan (NUS Sociology '15), academic tutor at the National University of Singapore
• Dr Izzuddin Bin Mohd Aris, Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute
• Mr Khoo Yi Feng (NUS Southeast Asian Studies and Psychology '17, Social Work (postgraduate diploma) '20), social worker and mental health advocate
• Mr Kwok Ka Ming Andre, founder of Good City Foundation
• Mr Samson Leo, Chief Legal Officer of Fazz
• Mr Raghuram Natarajan, Chief Executive Officer of Blueleaf Energy
• Mr Seah Li Song Shawn (NUS Economics '10), local history author
• Dr Shravan Verma, Co-founder of Speedoc
• Ms Frances Tho Siao Ting, Vice President of Sales at Numerix

Team (Alumni) Award Recipients

The Team (Alumni) Award recognises the outstanding achievements of alumni teams who have collectively distinguished themselves in their chosen fields.

Three awards recipients were:

• Co-founders of Growthbeans: Ms Shamantha Yan Shiya (NUS Sociology '09) and Ms Shane Yan Shiyan (NUS Psychology '09)
• Co-founders of Janio Asia: Mr Ng Jun Kai and Mr Nathaniel Asher Yim
• REACH (Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in Community mental Health) Team, Institute of Mental Health: Ms Esther Chew Yuki (FASS '14), Dr Daniel Fung Shuen Sheng, Mr Ho Weng Siong (FASS '16), Ms Li Jiaying Grace, Mr Ong Guo Xiong Jeffrey (FASS '09), Ms Ong Tze-I Cheryl (FASS '08), Ms Sim Si Lin (FASS '12), Ms Tan Ke Jia (FASS '03), Mr Tan Zheng Xin, Jason (FASS '08) and Ms Kelly Yeo (FASS '07)

Read more about the NUS Alumni Awards 2023 recipients here and here.

SEA Alumnus Mr Khoo Yi Feng awarded Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Mr Khoo Yi Feng (second row, far left). Photo Credit: NUS Alumni

Collaboration on the preservation, digitisation, and translation of the Daeng Paduppa manuscript by NUS Libraries and Universitas Muslim Indonesia (UMI).

Exploring Southeast Asian manuscripts is a fascinating journey through a rich tapestry steeped in history and culture. On 5 October 2023, Universitas Muslim Indonesia (UMI, Makassar) and NUS Libraries signed an agreement to establish a framework for sharing resources and expertise and to launch a collaboration for interdisciplinary studies and academic innovation through the preservation,  digitization, and open access to Bugis-Makassar manuscripts. Within this framework, UMI donated the original Daeng Paduppa Manuscript to NUS Libraries. In partnership with researchers from the Jusuf Kalla Research Center for Bugis-Makassar Cultural Studies at UMI, Dr Mohammed Effendy, who initiated the agreement between UMI and NUS Libraries, will lead the translation of the Daeng Paduppa Manuscript from Bugis language to Indonesian language, and from Indonesian language to English language. This collaboration will deepen our understanding of Singapore's historical, cultural and economic links within Southeast Asia and with the Bugis-Makassar communities of Sulawesi in particular.

The Effect of the High Court of Malaysia’s Decision to Release Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• Commentary in Suria News Online by Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, a PhD candidate from NUS Southeast Asian Studies.

Click through image below to read this piece.

This article first appeared in Suria News Online and NUSNews on 21 September 2023.

NEW PUBLICATION: Ummah Yet Proletariat : Islam, Marxism, and the Making of the Indonesian Republic

Ummah Yet Proletariat Islam, Marxism, and the Making of the Indonesian Republic

From 1965 to 1966, at least 500,000 Indonesians were killed in military-directed violence that targeted suspected Communists. Muslim politicians justified the killings, arguing that Marxism posed an existential threat to all religions. Since then, the demonization of Marxism, as well as the presumed irreconcilability of Islam and Marxism, has permeated Indonesian society. Today, the Indonesian military and Islamic political parties regularly invoke the spectre of Marxism as an enduring threat that would destroy the republic if left unchecked.

In Ummah Yet Proletariat, Lin Hongxuan explores the relationship between Islam and Marxism in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) and Indonesia from the publication of the first Communist periodical in 1915 to the beginning of the 1965-66 massacres. Lin demonstrates how, in contrast to state-driven narratives, Muslim identity and Marxist analytical frameworks coexisted in Indonesian minds, as well as how individuals' Islamic faith shaped their openness to Marxist ideas. Examining Indonesian-language print culture, including newspapers, books, pamphlets, memoirs, letters, novels, plays, and poetry, Lin shows how deeply embedded confluences of Islam and Marxism were in the Indonesian nationalist project. He argues that these confluences were the result of Indonesian participation in networks of intellectual exchange across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, of Indonesians "translating" the world to Indonesia in an ambitious project of creative adaptation.

Lin Hongxuan is Assistant Professor in the Department of Southeast Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore. In 2022, he was a Visiting Fellow at the Saw Swee Hock Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, London School of Economics and Political Science. A scholar of Indonesian history, his work has been published in Southeast Asian Studies, Studia Islamika, Positions: Asia Critique, and New Mandala.

Sutasoma: The Journey - A Balinese dance performance

The Department of Southeast Asian Studies at NUS is pleased to announce a performance of a Balinese spectacular dance drama on 17 November 2023.

The story of Sutasoma is a Buddhist poem that was composed in 14^th century Java. It tells of the wanderings of Sutasoma and his strange group of friends: a tiger, a dragon and a flesh eating elephant-headed demon. The story revolves around the theme of loving kindness and compassion for all living things while showcasing the idea of Unity in Diversity. To Indonesians, Sutasoma is the source of the country’s national ideology.

In this dance drama, students from SE2224, a class in the Department of Southeast Asian Studies taught by Associate Professor Irving Johnson, will be joined by a team of 15 dancers and musicians from Bali, as well as other NUS students and faculty who have a passion for all things theatrical. The NUS students developed their skills in Balinese acting and dancing while on a one-week fieldtrip to the island in September. This grand production is a one-time only Premier, having never been performed. Come prepared to be dazzled by splendid costumes, amazing dancing, fantastic beasts and hypnotic music as we bring a slice of Bali to NUS!

Tickets at $20 can be reserved from Associate Professor Irving Johnson at 98785874.

Journeying through Maritime Southeast Asia on the NUS Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative

IN BRIEF | 8 min read

• As part of the new Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative, students from various NUS halls, residential colleges and houses went on experiential study trips to countries in the region.

With a population of almost 640 million people, Southeast Asia (SEA) is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world. To further explore this region, students from various NUS halls, residential colleges and houses embarked on inaugural experiential study trips to neighbouring SEA countries, spanning 10 weeks from May to July this year, as part of the new Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative (SFI) under the auspices of the Office of the Provost and NUS Global.

Focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), SFI aims to expose students to real issues and challenges faced by Southeast Asian communities, while fostering a deeper appreciation of the diverse cultures, histories and complexities in the region.

“SFI blends classroom teaching and a carefully curated study trip in the targeted country to help students gain insights into the history, culture, peoples, and potential of Southeast Asian countries,” explained NUS Associate Provost (Special Projects) Associate Professor Melvin Yap, who is also Chief of SFI.

Reflecting on the intent of the SFI, Associate Vice President (Global Relations) Associate Professor Reuben Wong added, “We hope that through SFI, NUS students will build long-term friendships and connections, appreciate the challenges and opportunities in the region; and that many more NUS graduates will work and live in SEA countries.”

Tapping on the academic expertise of the NUS Southeast Asian Studies and Malay Studies departments, students were given a broad introduction to a selected country of study through informative lectures and tutorials, before heading to their destinations with their fellow resident-mates. For the pilot launch, NUS residential units organised 12 unique overseas field trips to SEA, each narrowing in on specific SDGs and exploring the challenges faced by their chosen destination of travel.

This is the first of a two-part series on the SFI study trips, where students share their insights into the Maritime Southeast Asia region, which is made up of the world’s two largest archipelagos situated between the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, and the Western Pacific.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Malang, Indonesia
Sixteen residents of Pioneer House (PH) were whisked away on a seven-day trip, in May, to Malang, Indonesia, to learn about sustainable agricultural practices. Led by PH Resident Fellow, Dr Andi Sudjana Putra and three other NUS staff, the group interacted with staff and students from Universitas Brawijaya, gaining a deeper understanding of the culture and customs in Malang, as well as the sustainability issues in the city. They also visited Ngroto, a village in Malang, and Bumiaji, an adjacent village outside Malang, where they were introduced to sustainable and organic farming practices, as well as innovative ways to cultivate crops while preserving the ecosystem and promoting biodiversity.

Gideon Tay, a first-year student from NUS Business School recounted that his time at Bumiaji Farm was an immersive, eye-opening experience that allowed him and his fellow students to establish a genuine connection with the land. “As we worked alongside the farmers, we felt a sense of camaraderie and admiration for their commitment to nurturing the earth. The experience went beyond education and was invigorating and transformative,” said Gideon.

“By actively participating in their activities like planting seeds, tending to the crops, and observing the farmers' techniques, we gained practical knowledge and an understanding of the importance of sustainable farming practices,” he added.

Gideon's testimony highlighted the transformative power of hands-on experiences in sustainable agriculture, which is vital in fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world and an understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and the environment.

To find out more about SFI at PH, click here.

Sustainability and Education in Bali, Indonesia
For the 23 students who took up the SFI course offered at LightHouse (LH), their discovery of the meaning of education and sustainability, amidst Indonesia’s booming tourism industry, was an enriching experience.

With concrete learning outcomes in mind, LH Resident Fellow Dr Lynette Tan who led the study trip explained, “I wanted our students to be equipped with skills to solve real-life issues faced by our partner organisations and universities. At the same time, it was an opportunity for them to learn to develop and apply a framework to evaluate the sustainability of solutions proposed.”

Dr Tan also made sure to include experiential learning throughout the itinerary, by incorporating forest visits and meetings with Junglo and Green School, organisations which focus on forest regeneration via the Miyawaki Method to regrow ecosystems.

At a half-day workshop organised by Bali’s Udayana University and Plastic Bank, a social enterprise seeking to stop ocean plastic by allowing coastal communities to exchange plastic waste as currency for necessities, the students examined the SDG Goals on Quality Education and Sustainable Cities. The event was complemented with lively group discussions on Bali’s challenges given their economy’s heavy reliance on tourism.

At another visit, to the International Institute of Tourism and Business (IPB), students learnt about the principles of Tri Hita Karana, which refers to the interconnectedness of ‘God, Community and Environment’, and how this influences sustainable tourism in Bali. IPB thoughtfully curated a series of activities which gave the students a taste of Balinese culture, hospitality and dining.

LH students also spent two days at Generasi Bali (Gerasa), where they learnt about sustainable education from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that helps the marginalised in the local community. After meeting with and hearing the stories of the beneficiaries supported by Gerasa, the students then discussed and proposed ideas to increase the awareness and impact of the meaningful work done by the organisation.

L Keerthnah Lectchumanan, a Year 2 student from the Faculty of Science, had no regrets signing up for the programme. “I’m so glad that I took the opportunity to join the inaugural LightHouse SFI. What I learned on this trip cannot be taught within a classroom. My conversations with the locals gave me a Balinese perspective on education and sustainability. I really appreciate Dr Tan for taking care of us so well, and am grateful for the support from NUS and LH in making this trip possible for us.”

To find out more about SFI at LH, click here.

Leadership at the Fringe in Lombok and Pulau Sumba, Indonesia
Across two study trips in May and July, 41 students from Residential College 4 (RC4) discovered the captivating rural locales of Lombok and Pulau Sumba islands located in eastern Indonesia. Led by RC4 Fellows, Associate Professor Tan Lai Yong and Senior Lecturer Li Jingping, the trip sought to explore leadership at the fringe, with a focus on two UN SDGs – food security (Zero Hunger) and climate change (Climate Action).

The SFI programme provided an invaluable platform for staff and students to engage with local partners involved in sustainable development efforts across SEA. “The study trips deepened our understanding of the interconnected issues of food security and climate change in the Indonesian context,” said Assoc Prof Tan.

One such example was their early morning trip to Tanjung Luar village in Lombok, a bustling coastal hub. It was there that they heard first-hand from the local fishermen of the challenges of rising sea levels, unpredictable storms and escalating petrol costs. Thereafter, they ventured to a fish farm to better understand their challenges, and the viability of fish farming as compared to open-sea fishing.

Moving further inland, the students met with farmers and community volunteers from Desa Gangga, whose dedication to tree-planting brought about economic benefits and reduced soil erosion along riverbanks. When the first delegation from RC4 visited in May, they had planted approximately 100 trees; and barely two months later in July, the next group of RC4 students were able to witness the fruits of their labour!

Such close interactions with the local communities left indelible memories for participants, igniting a passion in many of them to actively contribute to positive change and finding innovative solutions. Having two study trips back-to-back also allowed for greater continuity in terms of RC4’s engagement with the local communities.

“This trip has been incredibly fulfilling, packed with learning and filled with experiences. Not only have I learned much about food security and food production, I have also gained an intense appreciation for Indonesia and its diverse culture and people,” remarked Dion Chua Yee Kin, a freshman from the College of Design and Engineering. “I will definitely return to Indonesia not just to experience its incredible culture and the warm hospitality of the locals, but also hopefully to contribute to helping push the sustainability frontier of its food production systems.”

Watch the team’s journey to Lombok and Pulau Sumba below.

Conservation Matters in Pahang, Malaysia
There is beauty in out-of-classrooms learnings. With this in mind, Ridge View Residential College (RVRC) Fellow Dr Patricia Lorenz led 17 students to Pahang, Malaysia to explore facets of conservation. Despite the sweltering heat, the study trip allowed students to take a closer look at biodiversity loss, threats to the ecosystem, the role of indigenous peoples and ecotourism in conservation areas.

Venturing into the forest trails of the Sungai Yu Ecological Corridor, Taman Negara, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) research centre at Fraser’s Hill, RVRC students went on day treks and night drives to get a taste of the region’s diverse wildlife. At UKM, the team got up close and personal with wildlife through activities like a frog night walk and dragonfly walk.

To better understand the intention behind the various conservation efforts, the team also met with Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers and Ecotourism and Conservation Society Malaysia – two main community partners in Pahang dedicated to conservation and working with the local indigenous Bateq communities.

Freshman Ngoi Kai Sheng from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences spoke candidly of his initial intention to sign up for the combination of outdoor experiences – the hikes, landmarks and scenery. The experience, however, made him gain an appreciation of the value of conservation.

“I discovered so much beyond what I was familiar with, from visiting the Orang Asli villages, to experiencing night life in the dark of the palm tree plantations, to engaging the eloquent representative from Fraser's Hill Nature & Heritage Association,” he shared.

“The biodiversity and cultural heritage we risk losing for ‘development’ is shattering,” he said. “Conservation is not some far-fetched ideal,” even if people may compartmentalise and disassociate themselves from the realities of environmental destruction, he observed. “Development, on the other hand, will always come at the price of precious life.”

To find out more about the SFI at RVRC, click here.

This story – the first instalment of a two-part series on the NUS Southeast Asia Friendship) – first appeared in NUSnews on 22 August 2023.

UK band's controversial kiss achieved something few have in Malaysia

Against the backdrop of Malaysia's state elections, the controversy sparked by British band The 1975’s lead singer Matty Healy's on-stage antics at Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival has unveiled a multitude of perspectives and implications that extend beyond the realm of music.

In her commentary published in Channel NewsAsia (August 2023), Dr Serina Abdul Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) delves into the impact of the incident on Malaysian society, its connection to political narratives, and its reverberations within the LGBTQ community. She unravels the layers of meaning behind the incident, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of local contexts when engaging in advocacy efforts and artistic expressions.

While The 1975 had performed in Singapore shortly before their controversy, the Good Vibes Festival in Malaysia drew great crowds from Singapore with its varied line-up of artists. However, lead singer Matty Healy's unprompted tirade against Malaysian laws, followed by a same-sex kiss while on stage, led to the immediate cancellation of the highly anticipated festival. The incident stirred a mix of reactions, with some applauding the act while others disapproved. It also became a political talking point as politicians seized the opportunity to shape the narrative, particularly with imminent state elections. Interestingly, Dr Rahman points out that Healy's actions briefly united Malaysians from different political backgrounds in their criticism of his behaviour, a feat which few have managed.

However, the incident's aftermath unveiled deeper concerns. Conservative religious groups criticized it as a sign of moral decay, while others lamented the resultant economic fallout from the cancellation of the festival that negatively affected vendors and local bands. As Dr Rahman asserts, Healy's actions more significantly took a toll on Malaysia's LGBTQ community. In a country where homosexuality remains illegal, his behaviour gave ammunition to anti-LGBTQ sentiments and jeopardized years of work by local LGBTQ advocates who had been cautiously collaborating with authorities within societal constraints.

Dr Rahman concludes by suggesting that this incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between art, politics, and cultural norms. It underscores the importance of understanding and respecting local contexts when advocating for change. As the nation navigates these waters, it becomes clear that the aftermath of Healy's actions extends beyond festival cancellations to deeply impact social dynamics and advocacy efforts.

Read the article here.

Will Azmin Ali be Able to Rise Again or will the Selangor PRN Mark the End of his Political Career?

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• An Op-Ed in Suria News Online by Dr Serina Rahman, Lecturer at NUS Southeast Asian Studies.
  

Click through image below to read this piece.

This article first appeared on CNA Online and on NUSNews on 10 August 2023.

UK Band’s Controversial Kiss Achieved Something Few Have in Malaysia

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• The British band, The 1975, may have thought their same-sex kiss on stage during a Good Vibes Festival performance was a statement against the government of Malaysia, but in fact it only hurts members of the LGBTQ community living by the country's laws, according to Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies).
  

Click through image below to read this piece.

This article first appeared in CNA Online and on NUSNews on 1 August 2023.

Charting New Experiences: The Anambas Odyssey Continues for the NUS Seafarers

IN BRIEF | 15 min read

• As their journey continues in this second instalment of the two-part series, the voyagers learn more about the local industries and explore the urban sights of the archipelago.

“The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew,

The furrow followed free;

We were the first that ever burst

Into that silent sea.”

– Coleridge, “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”

They may not have been the first to traverse that stretch of ocean, but for many of the students embarking on the 12-day voyage with the NUS Seafarers to Indonesia’s Anambas Islands, the experience of sailing was a first that opened their eyes to the thrill of being out at sea.

Read about the voyagers’ experiences picking up nautical skills, visiting local communities, and exploring the marine biodiversity in Part 1 here.

As their journey continues in this second instalment of the two-part series, NUS News tags along to chronicle the voyagers’ adventures learning about the local industries and exploring the urban sights of the archipelago.

The green economy: Investigating the ecotourism industry

Sailing onwards, the voyagers got a comprehensive view of an increasingly dominant form of economic activity in the region—ecotourism. They visited Bawah Reserve, an eco-island resort located in the southern islands, to learn how ecotourism, a relatively new, up-and-coming niche in tourism, offers a more sustainable alternative to the high levels of consumption associated with luxury tourism.

Receiving a behind-the-scenes tour of the efforts made towards Bawah Reserve’s eco-philosophy, the voyagers were acquainted with features such as lodgings constructed using bamboo and locally sourced natural building materials, a permaculture garden that supplies fruits, crops and herbs to the kitchens, solar panels that keep the island running on a greener source of energy, and a waste management programme predicated on a recycling policy, with the profits going to local communities in Batam. A marine conservation area with coral nurseries also protects the natural habitats of the sea turtles, eagle rays, and blacktip reef sharks that frequent its waters.

By offering nature-based tourist attractions and activities such as hiking, snorkelling, and paddleboarding, the resort not only creates jobs for locals and raises awareness of sustainability issues, but incentivises local populations to become environmental stewards in order to attract tourist dollars, a win-win situation that marries the twin goals of economy and sustainability.

They also had the opportunity to visit an ecotourism establishment at the other end of the spectrum, Ecosymbiosis, in Sagudampur. Run by founder Antje Spors and her daughters, with the help of the Orang Laut people and some local employees, the survival ecotourism concept aims to bring visitors back in harmony with nature, to lead a sustainable, minimalist hunter-gatherer existence integrated seamlessly into the wider ecosystem.

The voyagers experienced the model of zero-trace, non-pollutive tourism, witnessing a self-sufficient way of life in close connection with nature—from the rearing of chickens, ducks and rabbits as livestock, and groundwater wells that tap on the island’s natural water resources, to solar panels that supply electricity at night, and composting toilets that repurpose human waste as fertiliser for the crops and indigenous fruit trees on the island. They also got their hands dirty creating charcoal from rabbit manure and coconut husks, and learnt the art and science of living off the land.

“One of my greatest takeaways from this experience was witnessing the dedicated efforts of these individuals and communities in their pursuit of sustainable living,” Tong Xinyao, a Year 1 Computer Science major, said. “Through small but meaningful steps, such as responsibly managing waste and reducing consumption, we can actively protect and preserve the environment.”

Partaking in an Urban Cultural Experience
After ten gruelling days at sea, the voyagers made their final landfall at Tarempa City, the vibrant, fast-growing capital of the Anambas Regency on Siantan Island, steeped in heritage and industry.

Going onshore at the crack of dawn, the buzz of trade and traffic carried on the morning breeze, they explored the bustling streets, negotiating the omnipresent motorcycles plying the roads and visiting the numerous provision shops, street hawkers, and other small businesses along the way.

Immersing themselves in the sights, smells, and sounds of Tarempa City, they dug into hearty local dishes like Indonesian mie bakso and Indomie goreng at traditional eateries, and witnessed the local fishing economy in operation at a lively morning fish market selling seafood like squid, red snapper, grouper, and tuna.

The cultural experience also included a comprehensive tour of the newly built Masjid Agung Baitul Ma’mur mosque overlooking Tarempa Bay, a central facet of religious life for the Muslim demographic in Tarempa City.

Besides elucidating its religious and cultural significance to the region, the imam delivered a sonorous rendition of the azan, the Islamic call to congregational prayer. The voyagers also learnt about the symbolism behind the mosque’s striking architectural features, such as the distinctive green dome and golden doors reminiscent of the Al Masjid an Nabawi in Medina, Saudi Arabia, one of the most important mosques in the Islamic tradition.

In good company: An enduring community of learners

For the crew, the journey itself, as well as the human connections made along the way, was as valuable as the various destinations. Living in the moment, the voyagers gained a profound sense of peace and mindfulness, getting in tune with their surroundings and each other.

“We didn’t use our phones as much and instead relied on our senses, and each other to live,” Ethan Leong, a Year 4 major in Psychology, said. “We woke to the dew of the morning and the morning sun at dawn. We slept to the waves and the moon rising over the horizon, and saw the stars move around the night sky. We slowed down enough to listen.”

“Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, we were presented with a rare opportunity to embrace an alternative way of existence,” Xinyao echoed.

The company also enhanced the entire experience—what started out as a ragtag band of strangers from all walks of life quickly coalesced into a tightknit community that cared for and brought out the best in one another, bound by a sense of rapport, camaraderie, and trust in each other.

“Our efforts in cultivating a safe and pleasant space to share our ideas were rewarded as everyone began to truly enjoy themselves, sharing opinions, helping others and creating memorable moments together,” Muhammad Harriz Adry Bin Ridzuan, a Year 4 major in Mechanical Engineering, reminisced.

Even more remarkable was the immense value that every individual brought to the table, enriching the whole. Possessing diverse skillsets, talents, and interests, each member of the crew quickly found a niche in which to contribute, from a Nursing student who volunteered as Chief Safety Officer and the 73-year-old artist-in-residence who gave the voyagers art lessons onboard, to an NUS sailor who taught the novices the ropes and a Southeast Asian Studies minor who took it upon himself to share fascinating nuggets of information about local Indonesian art, architecture, religion, and culture.

“Living on a sailing boat together for ten days fostered a greater understanding and cultural consciousness among us, with our diverse backgrounds in nationality, religion, academic pursuits and life stages bringing unique perspectives to our discussions,” Xinyao shared.

“Through daily interactions and shared challenges, we developed a deeper appreciation for one another’s backgrounds and beliefs, gaining insight into different cultures and learning to navigate cultural differences with respect and understanding. I am delighted that I had the opportunity to learn some Bahasa Melayu and about Southeast Asian cultures from my friends!” she added.

Reflecting on the rich experiences on the voyage that have broadened his worldview, as well as how he has grown both as an individual and as part of a community, Harriz said, “Even now, weeks after the trip, the crew has left a mark on me. Of all the experiences I have had in NUS, this was the one that left something indelible and made me feel so much more well-rounded and ready to approach anything out there in the world.”

The voyage may have come to a close, but for the intrepid voyagers, it is the sum of all these memories and experiences, unmoored from the trappings of a frenetic urban existence, that they will carry with them for a lifetime.

This second instalment of a two-part series on the NUS Seafarers “Understanding Anambas” STEER voyage and first appeared in NUSnews on 24 July 2023. Read more about the NUS Seafarers, or check out their YouTube channel!

NOTE FROM KL: PRN this Time is Not Just About Political Stability, Economic Recovery and Lower Cost of Living

IN BRIEF | 7 min read

• A Commentary by Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) on Suria News Online.

Click through image below to read this piece.

This article first appeared on Suria News Online on 16 July 2023 and in NUSNews on 17 July 2023.

NUS Seafarers Take to Sea Once Again on Voyages to Indonesia’s Anambas Islands

IN BRIEF | 15 min read

• The NUS Seafarers headed out to the Anambas Islands in Indonesia on two voyages in April and May, exploring diverse communities, enterprises, and environments scattered across the archipelago.

A second wind filled the sails of the schooner Four Friends for the first time in three years since the COVID-19 pandemic, as it glided through turquoise waters teeming with marine life.

Supported by the NUS Global Relations Office’s Study Trips For Engagement & EnRichment (STEER), which immerses students in diverse cultural and socio-economic environments of fast-evolving regions through experiential site visits, the NUS Seafarers took to the sea once more on two voyages to the Anambas Islands in Indonesia.

The NUS Seafarers is a close-knit community united by a love of nautical adventure, venturing out to the seas and communities of Southeast Asia aboard traditional sailing vessels with zero carbon footprint since 2017.

Led by Captain Warren Blake and Associate Professor Martin Henz of the Department of Computer Science at NUS Computing, the momentous revival of the NUS Seafarers saw the two groups of voyagers sail, hike, abseil, kayak, and snorkel their way across the Anambas archipelago over the course of 12 days each from 29 April to 10 May and 9 to 20 May, exploring its rich culture, history, economy, and natural environment from the unique perspective of a seafarer.

“NUS Seafarers voyages are holistic experiences that combine communal living, structured and ad hoc learning projects, and adventure learning. The vessel serves as a safe learning space from which learning journeys are planned and executed and where reflection and documentation take place,” Assoc Prof Henz, who is also a Residential Fellow at King Edward VII Hall, explained. “It is fascinating to observe how communities of learners spontaneously form on these voyages to tackle challenging learning objectives.”

The crew comprised NUS students, alumni, and staff from all walks of life, hailing from faculties as diverse as the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Computing, College of Design and Engineering, and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

Visiting a wide range of communities, enterprises, and environments throughout the archipelago, the crew derived a well-rounded understanding of the region from the expedition. NUS News tags along to find out what the voyagers learn from the rich experiences, interactions, and connections as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

Adapting to the Rhythms of Life at Sea
Plying the ropes, sails, and ship's helm by day, and getting regaled over dinner with gripping swashbuckling accounts of shipwrecks and shark encounters from the Captain by the light of the moon, the voyagers quickly took to life onboard the schooner, gaining their sea legs and acquiring experience and confidence in the manifold aspects of living at sea.

Over the course of ten days, the crew learnt a host of nautical skills on the fly—steering the ship, manning the ropes, tying nautical knots, manually raising the anchor, employing basic cartography to chart the ship’s course, and taking depth-sounding readings and records.

They also received a crash course in celestial navigation, including hands-on experience with using a sextant and the identification of significant constellations like the Big Dipper and Southern Cross to get their bearings out at sea. Blessed with clear skies and the absence of light pollution on most nights out at sea, the voyagers stargazed to their hearts’ content, treated to the sight of swathes of constellations, and even Venus and the Milky Way.

The journey was not all smooth sailing however— the voyagers contended with various challenges that took the wind out of their sails, such as a jammed rudder and anchor winching mechanism, and other small mishaps that they had to work together to overcome. Confronted with limited freshwater supply and limited electricity generated from the ship’s battery, they also gained a heightened appreciation for finite resources.

“One of the biggest challenges we faced was sailing the ship, an activity that requires accurate coordination, quick decision-making, and effective cooperation. The changing wind conditions and navigational challenges necessitated a cohesive team effort,” shared Tong Xinyao, a Year 1 Computer Science major.

“Through effective communication and a willingness to learn and help, we gradually grasped the basics of sailing. It was really fun and rewarding to see the sails up and enjoy the breeze on the deck after the hard work!” she quipped.

Connecting with Cocal communities: A Window into a Way of Life
The voyagers made a stop at Air Sena, a seaside village of stilt houses inhabited by the descendants of the Orang Laut, a nomadic seafaring people with a proud heritage of nautical knowledge and skill, and a resourcefulness in eking out a living from the sea.

Welcomed by the village chief Keng Lei, who led the voyagers on a tour through the village and graciously hosted them in his own home, the crew gleaned a first-hand understanding of the culture and economic structure of the local community.

Despite the communication barrier between the villagers and most of the crew, the locals’ palpable warmth and hospitality quickly broke the ice. The experience exploring the village and interacting with the villagers as the latter went about their daily lives opened a window into a way of life vastly disparate from the fast-paced urban existence the voyagers lead.

“I was surprised by how much of my perception of Indonesia was comprehensively challenged, while also teaching me so much more than I could on my own through books and the internet. Each island we visited possessed a unique culture, history, economy and perspective that stretched back more than hundreds of years,” Muhammad Harriz Adry Bin Ridzuan, a Year 4 major in Mechanical Engineering, reflected. “The villagers of Air Sena are good people with a rich history, who can teach us plenty about how to live contentedly and treat others with kindness in our work.”

Through conversing with Keng Lei and other locals on the ground, the voyagers also gained valuable insights into the various aspects and nuances of kampong life, from culture and history to economy and family structure. Of particular interest was the village’s unique religious composition—an agglomeration of Buddhists and Christians—thanks to its history as a Chinese settlement generations ago, before Christian missionaries arrived in the colonial era.

“Some of them speak Mandarin Chinese, and others speak Chinese dialects like Hokkien and Cantonese. What is more interesting is they have been partly assimilated into Indonesian culture, mainly speaking Bahasa Indonesia,” Timothy Timuari Li Zhi, a Year 4 major in Global Studies and Southeast Asian Studies, observed. “The Chinese temple we visited also featured a fusion of the Chinese deity Tua Pek Gong with local Indonesian influences, resulting in a fascinating syncretism between Chinese culture and Indonesian culture.”

Besides the cultural aspects of Air Sena, the voyagers also witnessed the village’s economy in action, from small-scale fishermen heading out for the day’s work to the village’s extensive floating kelongs that farm species like grouper and Napoleon wrasse as part of its growing fish export enterprise.

Living Biodiversities: A Study in Reef Ecology
No voyage would be complete without experiencing the flora and fauna of the region. The voyagers had ample opportunities to kayak, swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear cerulean waters of the Anambas Islands, located within the famed Coral Triangle that supports one of the richest marine biodiversities in the world.

Immersed in the world beneath the waves, they witnessed first-hand the extensive, thriving coral reefs of Tokong Malangbiru and Sagudampur, and the breathtaking smorgasbord of marine life they harbour. Among the numerous coral species spotted around islands and in lagoons were brain coral, staghorn coral, and table coral, mesmerising swathes of shapes and colours through which residents of the reef darted.

From blue sea stars, giant clams and anemones, to parrotfish, striped surgeonfish, clownfish, and multiple species of butterflyfish and damselfish, the voyagers observed the vibrant underwater ecosystem up close, and were even accosted by a particularly inquisitive longfin batfish. The experience was a first for some voyagers, cultivating an understanding and appreciation of the vast biosphere and the complex symbiotic interconnections between its various components.

Besides being immersed in the beauty of reef ecology, the voyagers came up close with the sobering realities of climate change and global warming at some snorkelling locations—bleached, desolate reefs covered with detritus and devoid of the colour and splendour of the healthier reefs. Accompanied by Dedi Kurniawan, a Marine Science student from Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji (UMRAH) who shared his extensive knowledge on coral reefs, they also learnt about the damage that destructive fishing techniques such as trawling inflict on the ocean floor, and other threats to marine and reef biodiversity.

This is the first instalment of a two-part series on the NUS Seafarers “Understanding Anambas” STEER voyage and first appeared in NUSnews on 20 July 2023. Stay tuned for the second instalment of the voyagers’ experiences on the high seas and read more about the NUS Seafarers, or check out their YouTube channel!

Analysis: To What Extent can Extreme Weather Affect People’s Lives?

IN BRIEF | 10 min read

• Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) discusses the negative impact adverse climate and environmental conditions have on societies, and the complex relationships that sometimes make accountability more difficult to establish.

Click through image below to read this piece.

This article first appeared in Suria News Online and NUSNews on 5 and 6 June 2023, respectively.

NOTE FROM KL: Sports shirts & 'comfortable but decent' clothing is not a long-term solution to beat heat waves

Upbeat Hari Raya Mood in Malaysia Belies Simmering Tensions

IN BRIEF | 10 min read

• Notwithstanding the positive Hari Raya atmosphere as benefits from the budget trickle down, this may be the calm before a possible political storm at the ballot box, cautions Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies).

Click through image below to read this piece.

This article first appeared in The Straits Times and NUSNews on 22 April 2023.

NEW PUBLICATION: The Camphor Tree and the Elephant: Religion and Ecological Change in Maritime Southeast Asia

The Camphor Tree and the Elephant Religion and Ecological Change in Maritime Southeast Asia

NOTE FROM KL: Developing Civilized Malaysia, how far does Budget 2023 help the people?

Commentary: When shopping giant Mustafa meets retail paradise Johor Bahru

What might happen if Padang is made Unesco World Heritage Site

How would Singapore benefit from having a second Unesco World Heritage Site? Prof Hamzah hopes that marketing and tourism purposes would be secondary to getting Singaporeans more interested in local heritage sites. He is optimistic that the potential nomination will raise awareness and public knowledge about the less visible and intangible aspects of Singapore’s heritage, rather than just the “Instagrammable” tangible aspects of the historic buildings and areas. Prof Hamzah said that putting together a nomination also allows Singapore to better understand its history.

From Houses on Stilts to Eco-Houses: Former Lazarus Islanders Fondly Recall Their Old Home

This story first appeared in The Straits Times on 18 March 2023.

Lazarus Island, formerly known as Pulau Sekijang Pelepah, has recently been announced to be the site of new tourism developments. In ‘From Houses on Stilts to Eco-Houses: Former Lazarus Islanders Fondly Recall Their Old Home’ (Straits Times, March 2023), the history of this island is briefly revisited as locals look forward to its future possibilities.

Assistant Professor Hamzah Muzaini (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) reveals that, from the 1970s, plans were plotted to develop Lazarus Island for recreation purposes. Sentosa Island’s development would later come to fruition as part of this suite of plans. Lazarus Island’s inhabitants were relocated to the mainland in 1975 to facilitate further development of the island.

Although the original plans for the development of Lazarus Islands did not come to fruition in the 1980s, recreation plans in the form of short-term recreational accommodation are being restarted, according to parliamentary remarks by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan. This takes advantage of the islands existing lush greenery and natural scenery.

Once an inhabited island, Asst Prof Muzaini says that Lazarus Island was home to 44 houses across two kampungs at its peak. It had been inhabited from the early 1800s. Today, public representation of the communities that once lived on the island seems sparse.

As plans to convert Lazarus Island into an eco-conscious recreational space develop, Asst Prof Muzaini urges planners to incorporate lessons from former islanders’ coexistence with nature into the eco-tourism spot’s offerings.

Read the article here: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/from-houses-on-stilts-to-eco-houses-former-lazarus-islanders-fondly-recall-their-old-home

NOTE FROM KL: Is Menu Rahmah a one-time help or a starting point for a viable description?

Exploring the Spaces between the Arts, Social Issues and Academia

IN BRIEF | 8 min read

• This year’s edition of NUS Arts Festival features over 20 performances, films, public art, installations, and dialogues. It is also the first to return to pre-pandemic levels, and involves more than 700 NUS students, alumni, faculty, staff and collaborators, nearly twice of 2022 figures, and remains the largest performing arts event on campus..

What can we learn from uncomfortable transitions and ambiguous spaces? The highlight of NUS’ performing arts calendar, NUS Arts Festival 2023: Spaces Between, returns to campus from 10 to 26 March 2023, and explores the idea of liminal spaces and the exciting, yet uncomfortable unknown that accompanies the transition between phases and states.

This year's theme, Spaces Between, is the finale to a trilogy of themes that began with A Question of Time in 2021 and Shades of Light(ness) in 2022. All three are universal concepts that drive the purpose of our everyday lives.

This year’s edition of NUS Arts Festival features over 20 performances, films, public art, installations, and dialogues. It is also the first to return to pre-pandemic levels, and involves more than 700 NUS students, alumni, faculty, staff and collaborators, nearly twice of 2022 figures, and remains the largest performing arts event on campus.

“The purpose of the festival theme is to allow us to reflect on the times we live in through art. Furthermore, art has always been a vehicle in which we rediscover ourselves, encounter a confluence of different ideas, and ask difficult questions,” said Festival Director, Jobina Tan.

“As we live in a world of diverse and divided views, I hope the theme demonstrates our perennial need to constantly negotiate between varied perspectives and find more meeting points with each other."

Professor Audrey Yue, Head of Department of Communications and New Media, and Festival Faculty Advisor, added, “While we recover from the downturn of the pandemic, we also arrive at the intersection of concurrent crises including global economic, racial and geopolitical unrests. How do we boldly unfold and spring forth from the complexity of this conjunction?”

Indeed, the theme has inspired a bumper crop of interdisciplinary artistic collaborations, bringing together different art forms, student groups, and academic departments. Many of these are rare partnerships or first-of-its-kind pairings within NUS, with a handful pushing the envelope to address contemporary issues which resonate with youths in Singapore.

One such collaboration is the festival opening show, Inter/change, which marries the two contrasting traditional art forms practiced by NUS Chinese Dance and NUS Indian Instrumental Ensemble. Led by Artistic Director, Jenny Neo, dance choreographer, Xiao Jing, and musician Nawaz Mirajkar, the production is inspired by the history and evolution of the Silk Road as well as its cultural impact and relevance in our world today.

“Inter/change allows us to explore and interpret the theme as spaces between two different parts of the world joined together by the Silk Road, as well as the idea of spaces between different viewpoints, ideologies and cultures. The idea of liminality can possibly be explored through the interactions between these two civilisations and through the comparisons which highlight similarities between the Indian and Chinese ways of life,” said Lee Ruo Shi, Dance Captain of NUS Chinese Dance, and a second-year Accountancy student.

Another unique collaboration is Essentially Macbeth, featuring NUS Chinese Drama and NUS Chinese Orchestra. A Chinese language play-within-a-play, the production follows the lives of young graduates who reconnect with theatre after a pronounced absence, and questions the relevance of the arts in our everyday lives. The play is inspired by the public conversations about artists being considered “non-essential” workers in Singapore, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I suggested to Moses, conductor of NUS Chinese Orchestra to let NUS Chinese Drama and NUS Chinese Orchestra tackle a Western classic by Shakespeare. Moses suggested getting composer Phang Kok Jun to write original music for this daring piece of work. I think we both saw this as a chance to play, learn and explore new boundaries for our art form,” said NUS alumna Judy Ngo, who directs the play.

Presented by Malay cultural dance group NUS Ilsa Tari, together with NUS Dikir Barat, Pengabdian Batin (or “Inner Enslavement” in Malay) aims to deconstruct the stigma surrounding Intimate Partner Violence amongst the Malay/Muslim community. This production is helmed by Artistic Director, Osman Abdul Hamid.

Promise of a Future celebrates the union of artists and their art forms, bringing the largest number of performers on stage within the festival. Some 182 musicians from NUS Symphony Orchestra, The NUSChoir, and NUS Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, will present musical interpretations of the triumph of hope over uncertainty, which includes Mozart’s famous Coronation Mass. This is the first in-person collaboration between NUS Symphony Orchestra and The NUSChoir since 2018.

“Now that we are back to pre-pandemic productions, watching everything unfold again at full scale, how it was meant to be, is far grander and exciting than what any of us could've imagined. It's certainly only a special, magical moment that you can only feel it in person, live, either as a performer on stage or an audience,” said Wong Ting Feng, President of NUS Symphony Orchestra, and a fourth-year Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics student.

The NUS Arts Festival is generously supported by donors, namely, Hong Leong Foundation, Shaw Foundation, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, The Ngee Ann Kongsi, Salleh Marican Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth’s Cultural Matching Fund.

For more information, please visit nusartsfestival.com.

This NUS Centre for the Arts story first appeared on NUSnews on 9 March 2023.

NUS Open House: More than 7.7M Visitors Drawn to Action-Packed Showcase over 10 Days

IN BRIEF | 25 min read

• NUS Open House 2023 saw a strong showing by visitors eager to find out about the University’s academic programmes, as it returned in from 25 February to 6 March. Some 7.71 million visitors attended the physical and online showcase which involved 3,071 faculty and staff, students and alumni.

NUS Open House 2023 saw a strong showing by visitors eager to find out about the University’s academic programmes, as it returned from 25 February to 6 March. Some 7.71 million visitors attended the physical and online showcase which involved 3,071 faculty and staff, students and alumni.

Kicking off the 10 action-packed days were the informative virtual talks, webinars, and social media sessions. The on-campus event on 4 March saw packed crowds at the programme booths, talks, special classes, campus tours, student life performances and residential venues despite the heavy downpour. Prospective students gained valuable insights from faculty members, explored the University’s extensive global opportunities, as well as its diverse entrepreneurship platforms and lifelong learning courses, giving them a comprehensive overview of what NUS has to offer.

“I really enjoyed meeting the professors and students who are from the courses I'm interested in as I gained many insights from them on life in NUS and the various possibilities that are open for exploration,” said prospective student Karthika Warrier, an alumna from Raffles Institution who is considering applying to NUS Computing or the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS).

Jasmine Chiam, an alumna from Nanyang Junior College (NYJC) who is interested in applying to CHS and NUS College, agreed. “The programme was well-run despite the fact that it was raining,” she said. “I felt that it was well-curated for students with different interests.”

A draw for many prospective students were CHS, the newly launched NUS College, and the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) – the University’s recent interdisciplinary pathways aimed at meeting the evolving demands of the workforce.

Addressing Shared Challenges with the Humanities and Sciences

CHS, which provides an enhanced undergraduate experience for students of the Faculty of Science (FOS) and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences to pursue breadth and depth across academic disciplines, showcased its Common Curriculum throughout the Open House.

Currently accepting its third intake, it held talks on hot topics such as sustainability, food science and technology, and mental health to demonstrate how students can apply various perspectives to address complex real-world issues.

The panel entitled “Why Sustainability and Climate Change Matter” saw speakers from the Geography, Japanese Studies, Anthropology and English, Linguistics and Theatre Studies departments weighing in on the topic from their respective disciplines. Another session by the Department of Food Science and Technology explained how its programme applies principles from chemistry, biology, engineering and nutrition to address issues such as food safety and security, as well as the careers its graduates can pursue.

In the same vein, the panel “What Mental Wellness and Health Means in the 21st Century” saw speakers from the Social Work, Sociology and Psychology departments discuss perceptions of mental health in society. Dr Lee Jungup, an Assistant Professor in Social Work, pointed out the close relationship between social work and psychology. “Many of our Social Work students consider a double major with Psychology,” she said, noting that social work emphasises the practical while psychology is more theoretical and clinical in nature.

Jasmine, the NYJC alumna, said the various informative talks reaffirmed her decision to apply to NUS. “The NUS College tour as well as the CHS Common Curriculum sharing were particularly informative. They made the programmes seem quite appealing and I am looking forward to applying for both,” she said.

For some like Christian Chua, an alumnus from the NUS High School of Math and Science, attending the Open House talks helped clarify the career options available for the different programmes.

Christian, who is currently considering the Medicine, Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Science programmes, attended the Pharmacy talk and booth, where faculty members of different specialisations touched on the various career pathways and the collaborative practices of the discipline.

“It was useful that they discussed the different careers that Pharmacy graduates had gone into so I knew a degree in Pharmacy wouldn't just limit me to community or hospital pharmacy but also to the R&D, drug approval side, or the business side as well,” he said.

Shaping the Future of Design and Engineering
Meanwhile, there was action aplenty over at both the online and in-person Open House by CDE, which is accepting its second intake. Officially launched in November 2021, CDE was a merger of the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Design and Environment, ramping up the distinctive interdisciplinary experience at NUS.

From the Common Curriculum and the multidisciplinary education model, to the Student Exchange Programme and future career prospects, CDE faculty and students shared their insights on a plethora of topics with prospective students.

The talks, such as the one on Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering, also provided valuable information. Prospective students learnt how undergraduates are exposed to a range of interdisciplinary topics with global-scale applications in class, and how NUS engineers are taking on the world’s biggest challenges, such as clean energy.

The talk on Architecture, Industrial Design and Landscape Architecture also saw a large turn-out. Discussing the breadth and depth of CDE’s curriculum, it touched on how students will be equipped to face the 21st-century challenges through their education in CDE.

Kaisyn, who is graduating from Nanyang Polytechnic this year, said, “I appreciated that they covered the basic skills and activities done throughout the curriculum. It allowed me to confirm that the Industrial Design course is relevant to my study and career plan.”

The in-person Ask-Me-Anything sessions with student panels also allowed participants to get their burning questions answered.

Tee Jia Hong, a graduate of Anglo-Chinese Junior College who intends to apply to Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) and attended the student sharing, said, “By listening to the experience from the ISE senior, I am able to get the hang of the academic and co-curricular prospect of being an ISE student.”

Over at CDE’s Rise of the Robots campus tour, participants were given a look at the Advanced Robotics Centre, which displayed projects such as an autonomous wheelchair, an artificial robotic arm, and a haptic feedback machine.

Robert Lim from Singapore Polytechnic, who attended the tour, said, “It was a memorable experience . . . I was able to learn more about what the courses have to offer and what undergrad students have accomplished in NUS.”

Exploring experiential learning

NUS College, Singapore’s first honours college, offered a glimpse of its flagship experiential learning programmes during its online and physical showcase. Faculty members highlighted the Impact Experience programme, where students develop solutions to real-world issues with community partners, and the Global Experience programme, which immerses them in global cities for specially curated courses and field visits based on specific themes.

The college, which is accepting its second intake, also held special classes for prospective students to get a feel of its small-group seminar-style lessons. Dr Ang Yuchen’s special class introduced his field course Biodiversity and Natural History in Singapore, which combines scientific concepts with the visual and language arts and environmental philosophy.

“I found the sample lessons useful in helping me not just get a sense of how lessons are conducted over at NUS College, but also how my potential Profs are like as teachers and facilitators,” said Eugene Teo, an alumnus of Raffles Institution, explaining that small, collaborative discussions was better suited to his learning style. Attending the Open House “also gave me a better understanding of the people I will be interacting with and the environment in which I would be studying in upon entering university life”, he added.

Interactivity was a prominent feature of the Open House. NUS Nursing offered visitors a chance to try basic wound treatment and resuscitation, while NUS Law held moot demonstrations at its Bukit Timah Campus.

Aqirah Bte Azam, who will be graduating from Temasek Polytechnic in May, had the chance to see the Nursing students in action and attended a talk by its alumni. “Hearing their experiences in NUS and their careers have given me the courage to pursue my aspirations in nursing”, she said.

Smorgasbord of Student Life
Visitors also got a taste of the vibrant NUS student life on display. Student clubs and societies, as well as the Hall and Residential College (RC) interest groups, put their best foot forward at the Student Village.

Visitors were wowed by the striking moves of NUS Wushu, the energetic cheerleading displays of King Edward VII Hall’s KE Titans, and the snazzy K-pop dance moves of the Korean Cultural Interest Group. They were also treated to renditions of catchy tunes from Mandopop group NUS CAC Voices, acapella group NUS Resonance, Raffles Hall rock and jazz band RHockerfellas, and many more.

Representatives from the RCs, halls, and houses were present to offer prospective students the inside scoop on the on-campus experience. Complemented by A-Day-in-the-Life videos and 360° virtual tours, the booths, talks, and Ask-Me-Anything panels by student leaders gave participants a sense of the residential options at their fingertips.

“The House Life talk was the most enjoyable and informative event to me since the masters and students really explained to me what living in houses was like, while keeping us engaged through jokes and videos,” said Jia Hong.

Charlotte Toh from Singapore Polytechnic, said the Halls talk helped her better understand the hall culture and admission criteria.

Guided in-person tours of the various halls and residences, such as King Edward VII Hall, Tembusu College, Ridge View Residential College, and Residential College 4, opened a window to the close-knit community of residential life.

Samuel Liu, who graduated from National Junior College, said, “The well-guided tours and booths set up for each RC that I visited gave me a good indication of which RC would be most suitable for my character and goals.”

This story first appeared on NUSnews on 9 March 2023.

FASS Inspiring Mentor 2022 Award Winners Announced

The NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 FASS Inspiring Mentor Awards.

Congratulations to:

• Assoc Prof Melvin Yap Ju-Min, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology
• Assoc Prof Robin Loon Seong Yun, Associate Professor, Department of English Language and Literature 
• Dr Amazaki Osamu, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Language Studies
• Dr Natalie Pang Lee San, Senior Lecturer, Department of Communications and New Media
• Dr Kamalini Ramdas, Senior Lecturer, Department of Geography

The NUS Career Compass 2023

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• Find out how the University has developed and broadened our curriculum to better prepare our graduates for the swiftly evolving workplace, and how interdisciplinary learning can help students solve complex issues in our society.

In collaboration with CNA938

How does NUS cultivate highly sought-after talents in the workforce of the future?

Find out how the University has developed and broadened our curriculum to better prepare our graduates for the swiftly evolving workplace, and how interdisciplinary learning can help students solve complex issues in our society.

This story first appeared on NUSnews on 23 February 2023.

CHS at NUS Open House 2023: Download the FASS Essentials on 27 February 2023

IN BRIEF | 10 min read

• On 27 February, get the full download on the essentials of academic programmes, student life, career preparation, overseas opportunities and financial aid at CHS via Zoom in the ‘virtual’ edition of CHS@NUS Open House 2023.

If you have not already marked your calendars for two dates with the NUS College of Humanities (CHS) during NUS Open House 2023, do it now!

On 27 February, get the full download on the essentials of academic programmes, student life, career preparation, overseas opportunities and financial aid at CHS via Zoom in the ‘virtual’ edition of CHS@NUS Open House 2023. Go to https://bit.ly/CHSatNUSOH2023-Virtual for the full 27 February programme.

Then prepare to come on-campus on 4 March to engage with our award-winning faculty members, advisors and students to experience interdisciplinary education and explore your future vocation. Go to https://bit.ly/CHSatNUSOH2023-OnCampus for the full 4 March programme.

To help you plan your way through the lineup of FASS-specific talks and activities, read on for some of our highlights on 27 February 2023 that ought not to be missed.

Academics at the Forefront
The online edition of CHS@NUS Open House is meant to provide you with as comprehensive a briefing of what CHS, and its component Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, and Science, have to offer students.

Academics is at the forefront and the day starts with a session devoted to the CHS Core Curriculum (9:00 – 11:00 am), a specially curated interdisciplinary programme that provides unprecedented freedom to choose the pursuit of breadth and depth across a broad spectrum of disciplines. This session will be led by Professor Sow Chorng Haur, Vice Dean (Outreach & Admissions), NUS Faculty of Science (FoS), and Dr Noorman Abdullah, Assistant Dean (External Relations & Student Life), FASS.

The CHS Cross-Disciplinary Programmes
Three one-hour talks devoted to introducing Cross-Disciplinary Programmes (XDPs) offered by CHS will be running concurrently from 11:00 am. One programme FASS offers that embodies the concept of interdisciplinarity is the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics XDP, and the session for that will be led by Associate Professor Luke O’Sullivan (NUS Political Science) in discussion with fellow PPE Joint Programme Committee member, Dr Joel Chow (NUS Philosophy).

"This session is an opportunity to ask questions about the PPE-XDP. Philosophy, Politics, and Economics is a classic combination of disciplines that was first taught in Oxford and has spread globally because of its proven effectiveness. It brings together the ability to think about ideas in abstract and analytical terms, explore their practical implications for society, and model their costs and benefits in quantitative terms,” says Assoc Prof O’Sullivan. “PPE students can expect to develop a unique knowledge base and set of skills that leaves them suited for a wide range of careers in today's complex and fast-changing world."

Attendees are required to come prepared, because in addition to providing an overview of the PPE-XDP, Assoc Prof O’Sullivan expects audience engagement. Join the PPE-XDP session on 27 February at 11:00 am here.

Asian Studies @ CHS
NUS is recognised as a global centre of excellence in Asian Studies, where a multidisciplinary and comparative approach to the study of Asia and its regions is adopted. The session on programmes by the various Asian Studies departments at NUS (2:00 – 2:50 pm) will feature Associate Professor Rajesh Rai (NUS South Asian Studies), Dr Faizah Zakaria (NUS Malay Studies), Associate Professor Tham Shiao Wei (NUS Chinese Studies), Dr Clay Eaton (NUS Japanese Studies) and Dr Mohamed Effendy Abdul Hamid (NUS Southeast Asian Studies).

“You probably hear a lot about how Asia is the largest continent in the world, with the greatest diversity of cultures, philosophies, political thought and economic might, as well as scientific and technological advancement,” says Assoc Prof Rai, offering up a brief on the discussion he will be leading as moderator. “This session will take you through an interdisciplinary journey through history and current affairs to show you just how influential Asia has been a force for change, both positive and negative, on the world’s stage.”

Join this session by clicking here.

Humanities @ CHS
Learn more about the academic disciplines that focus on studying different aspects of the human condition from: Dr Donna Brunero (NUS History); Associate Professor John Whalen-Bridge, Associate Professor Graham Wolfe and Dr Leslie of NUS English, Linguistics and Theatre Studies; and Dr Zachary Barnett (NUS Philosophy).

“Do you: Ponder big questions regarding life, society, and culture? Wonder how language develops? Hold theatrical ambitions? Find yourself curious about connecting the past and present, the local and global?” session moderator Dr Brunero asks rhetorically. “If so, join us as we answer questions regarding our disciplines and share insights into how studying with us at NUS can broaden your horizons.”

To join Dr Brunero and her fellow speakers in this 3:00 - 3:50 pm session click here.

Social Sciences I: Same, Same but Different
This session features Dr Kamalini Ramdas (NUS Geography), Associate Professor Feng Qiushi (NUS Sociology and Anthropology), Dr Elaine Tan (NUS Political Science) and Dr Georgios Georgiou (NUS Economics), and will delve into their respective programmes as well as approaches toward forging a “collective identity”.

Session moderator Dr Kamalini explains. “This panel brings together social scientists from Economics, Geography, Political Science and Sociology to discuss what it takes to develop a collective identity as social scientists,” says Dr Kamalini, who will be working with her fellow speakers toward answering questions such as, “What are the benefits and challenges of a collective approach to learning and research? How might our students benefit from our commitment to engage?”

Click here to join the Social Sciences I (4:00 – 4:50 pm) session.

Social Sciences II: Understanding Social Complexity
Dr Adelyn Lim (NUS Sociology and Anthropology), Associate Professor Irene Ng (NUS Social Work), Dr Nina Powell (NUS Psychology) and Dr Alex Mitchell (NUS Communications and New Media) will be introducing the disciplines offered by their respective Departments, and show how they can each be applied to enable a deeper understanding of our world.

“The world we live in today can feel exciting but also downright contradictory. Global friendships are in many ways easier to make than in the past, yet we see terrorism, violent crime, wars, and enduring social inequality,” says session moderator Dr Lim, who will be discussing in detail with her fellow speakers complex issues thrown up by questions such as, “How did this world come about? Where are we heading in the future?”

To join the Social Sciences II (5:00 – 5:50 pm) session, click here.

Foreign Language Studies: Passport to the World
Meet leading Language instructors Ms Sasiwimol Klayklueng (Thai), Dr Sandhya Singh (Hindi and Tamil), Ms Indianti Tjan (Indonesian), Ms Rungnapa Kitiarsa (Thai) and Ms Sophie Undorf Bouvier (French), who will elaborate on the Minor in Language Studies and Proficiency Certificates conferred by the NUS Centre for Language Studies, which are very much sought after by students looking to enhance their career prospects.

Click here to join the Languages (4:00 – 4:50 pm) session.

Could Anwar Ibrahim's Unity Government Fight for the Interests of the People?

IN BRIEF | 7 min read

• Commentary by Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) in Suria News Online.

Click through image below to read this piece.

This article first appeared in Suria News Online and NUSNews on 6 December 2022.

Malaysia election: The wipe-out of ‘old Malaysia’ should prompt soul-searching

OPINION

• Voters want a new way forward after frustration with intense politicking over the past two years. by Serina Rahman

Click through image below to read this piece.

This article first appeared in The Straits Times on 20 November 2022.

The increase in the number of independent candidates reflects the fragility of the party & voter sentiment; It is difficult to predict the winner of GE15

• A commentary by Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) in Suria News Online.

Click through to read this article.

HSA1000 Poster Symposium - Cherishing the Neighbourhoods We Live In

Catch these posters now on Level 4 of the Central Library at the HSA1000 Poster Symposium from now through Thursday (10 November 2022).

Alternatively, visit the virtual symposium here: https://nus.edu/3Ak7Sof.

To find out more about HSA1000: Asian Interconnections, which emphasises experiential learning through field studies in the study of Asia, its diverse perspectives and challenges, go to: https://nus.edu/3UD5DUB.

The Half-life of Knowledge

 IN BRIEF | 10 min read

• There is now an indisputable requisite to equip graduates with interdisciplinary knowledge and skillsets. We need both the agile lenses of interdisciplinarity as well as the deep-cutting laser of deep domain expertise. The former trains us to aim and focus the laser, while the latter allows us to cut to the heart of a problem.

| By Professor Tan Eng Chye |

“Teach a person to fish, and you may feed them for three-and-a-half years” may sound less inspiring than “Teach a person to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime”, but the former more accurately reflects the current realities of tertiary education.

Breaking news travels at warp speed, accelerated by social media and instant messaging. In a matter of minutes, news can reach the four corners of the world. Such interconnectedness highlights the leaps made in information technology over the years while underscoring a persistent and inexorable phenomenon – the reduction of the half-life of knowledge.

The half-life of knowledge, coined by Fritz Machlup in 1962, refers to the amount of time elapsed before half of the knowledge in a particular field is superseded or becomes obsolete. Given the speed with which knowledge develops and is shared, it is perhaps not surprising that this value is ever decreasing in many fields.

This phenomenon raises fundamental questions about our university degree programmes. How should a fresh graduate, filled with aspirations to change the world, deal with the harsh reality that a significant portion of their undergraduate training may be rendered irrelevant by the simple passage of time?

Distilling a degree programme is one possible, albeit drastic approach. We can consider equipping students only with evergreen core domain concepts. This training should take less time than our current degree programmes. As and when students require specific new knowledge, or need to upgrade existing knowledge, they can take short courses to bridge knowledge gaps and meet their professional needs. This type of “just in time” learning, also known as micro-credentialing, helps to circumvent the shortened half-life by injecting cutting-edge knowledge at just the right time.

Another less disruptive approach is revitalisation. We can maintain the current degree programme structure, but provide avenues for graduates to return to university in the future. Such short stints of study can follow existing models for bite-sized, self-contained courses, or semester-long study periods undertaken with the support of employers.

One certainty is that university study will cease to be just one stage of life. Instead, “university studies” will become the de facto way of studying, with a person continually refreshing and renewing their knowledge in tandem with or in anticipation of developments in industry, society and the world.

In anticipation of this, we created the NUS Lifelong Learners Programme (or NUS L³), which  promises a 20-year period of student enrolment, from the point of undergraduate or postgraduate admission. In other words, a graduate of NUS can choose to come back to campus to take courses for at least 20 years from the day of matriculation.

Interdisciplinarity
Beyond the way knowledge is acquired, we are also grappling with working in an increasingly VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. In such a context, can we continue to hold a siloed view of domain disciplines? In training law students, for example, we would be remiss not to show them basic programming, which can allow them to create customised commands to quickly and easily trawl through databases, with millions of legal records, to identify precedents.

Deep domain expertise is like a laser – a focused beam of knowledge that can cut through dense problems. However, real-world issues are increasingly multifaceted and ill-defined, often lacking a clear vulnerable spot at which a laser beam can be aimed.

As a mental experiment, consider the challenge of introducing autonomous electric vehicles to a city. This proposition involves urban design, city planning, the law, and engineering for accessibility. We can form a multidisciplinary team of experts, where each member is a domain expert, to tackle the issue. However, in all likelihood, we will encounter misalignment between domains, simply owing to differences in problem-solving methodology, thinking models or even nomenclature.

If we liken domain training to equipping students with specific lenses through which they can see and focus on information to solve a problem, then interdisciplinarity suggests that we should train students to operate across more than one domain. By educating them in core ideas from multiple domains and providing opportunities to apply their knowledge in authentic settings, students with interdisciplinary training can switch domain lenses as needed, solving problems using novel and unorthodox approaches that transcend domains.

To be clear, we are not advocating for dismantling deep domain training. Rather, we recognise that there is now an indisputable requisite to equip graduates with interdisciplinary knowledge and skillsets. We need both the agile lenses of interdisciplinarity as well as the deep-cutting laser of deep domain expertise. The former trains us to aim and focus the laser, while the latter allows us to cut to the heart of a problem.

NUS strongly believes in providing interdisciplinary pathways for our students. In 2020, we created the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) to provide an enhanced interdisciplinary undergraduate experience for students of the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. CHS undergraduates can choose between deep domain training or the flexibility of interdisciplinary training of varying breadth and depth in modules offered by both faculties. Continuing our efforts to pave more interdisciplinary pathways for students, in 2021, we merged the School of Design and Environment and the Faculty of Engineering to form the College of Design and Engineering. More recently, NUS launched NUS College, Singapore’s first honours college offering pathways to more than 50 majors across a half dozen degree programmes. The aim of NUS College, as explained by its inaugural dean, Professor Simon Chesterman, “[is to offer] broad, interdisciplinary competencies that equip students for life, along with the opportunity to dive deep into areas in which you are passionate.”

To quote Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.” Indeed, our experiences with the global pandemic and its effects on education over the past two years have given us the rare opportunity to engage in deep reflection and introspection. Witnessing the breakdown of resistance to adopting and adapting technology for teaching and learning during this time, we should be emboldened to re-examine and revolutionise some of our established, and perhaps outmoded, notions of how to offer higher education.

About the Author

Professor Tan Eng Chye is President of the National University of Singapore. A passionate academic and educator, Prof Tan is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global University Leaders’ Forum, as well as Singapore’s Future Economy Council, which is tasked with driving the growth and transformation of the country’s future economy.

This article was first published in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 supplement and first appeared in NUSNews on 4 November 2022.

Monsoon season in Malaysia: Disaster is about to strike or is it just a political warning?

• A commentary by Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) in Suria News Online.

Click through to read this article. This story first appeared in Suria News Online on 16 Oct 2022.

Call for Nominations | FASS Inspiring Mentor Award 2022

IN BRIEF | 3 min read

• We invite NUS FASS members of staff to nominate the colleagues who have served as their truly inspiring mentors - who have gone beyond the call of duty to positively impact their work and life - for FIMA 2022 honours.

Click through image below (or just write to fassmentoraward@nus.edu.sg) to file your nomination.

Fragments of the Past

IN BRIEF | 10 min read

• A story about what the artefacts unearthed on Fort Canning by Emeritus Professor John Miksic (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) and alumna Associate Professor Goh Geok Yian (NUS Southeast Asian Studies, '95), who is Director of the History Major Program at Nanyang Technological University, tell us about Singapore's history.

Click through image below to read this piece.

This article first appeared in The Straits Times and NUSNews on 3 September 2022.

What is the fate of the children of Malaysian women born abroad?

• Commentary by Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) on what happens to the children of Malaysian women who are born abroad.

Abdullah al-Misri and why Hikayat Mareskalek is Still Relevant to this Day

IN BRIEF | 6 min read

• Commentary by Dr Azhar Ibrahim Alwee (NUS Malay Studies) on Abdullah al-Misri's 'Hidayat Mareskalek'.

Click through to read this piece on Beritamediacorp.

This article first appeared on Beritamediacorp on 4 August 2022 and NUSNews on 5 August 2022.

NEW PUBLICATION: Internationalising Higher Education in the Asia Pacific

Internationalising Higher Education in the Asia Pacific Case of Australia, Japan and Singapore

• Introduction: Background and Significance of the Internationalisation of Higher Education
• The Global Picture, Definitions and Concepts and Rationale
• The Australian Picture: Trends, Patterns, Determinants and Impacts — A Multidisciplinary Analysis
• The Competitiveness and Internationalisation Experience of the University of Melbourne
• The Japan Picture: Trends, Patterns, Determinants and Impacts — A Multidisciplinary Analysis
• The Competitiveness and Internationalisation Experience of Kyoto University
• The Singapore Picture: Government Policies and the NUS Experience
• Establishing Connections in a Diverse Class Environment
• Conclusion

Commencement 2022: Kickstarting a Season of Celebration and Achievement

 IN BRIEF | 10 min read

• NUS celebrates the milestone accomplishments of 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies.

A long-awaited season of celebration is officially under way, with the inaugural ceremony of Commencement 2022 marking the milestone achievements of some 200 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) graduates, and seeing the conferment of two Honorary Graduates, Professor Tommy Koh and Professor Wang Gungwu.

Taking place at the University Cultural Centre, the ceremony kicked off bright and early on 6 July to an effervescent buzz of anticipation from the graduates and their loved ones, inaugurating a total of 28 in-person ceremonies to be held over the following 10 days.

In keeping with the Commencement traditions and the proud ceremonial heritage of NUS, the ceremony showcased the pageantry of the Ceremonial Procession, the fanfare, and playing of the National Anthem, all culminating in the highlight of the ceremony-the presentation of graduates. Graduates from the Class of 2022 celebrated their achievements amid the applause of family and friends, a momentous apogee of their time in NUS.

Speaking at the ceremony, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye reflected on the qualities needed for graduates to thrive in today's dynamic environment: an attitude of resilience and adaptability to overcome challenges, and a willingness and boldness to view problems as opportunities, exercise creativity, and apply their skills and knowledge to create solutions.

"For the Class of 2022, you are crossing the threshold into a wider world of dynamic change and great possibilities, but also of discomforting uncertainty," he said.

"But I am fully confident that the NUS graduates of today share the same ethos of excellence and service to community of generations past. In time to come, you will undoubtedly make your own unique contributions, and become the vanguard in elevating our collective prosperity and well-being."

In recognition of his dedication as a practitioner-scholar and decades of service to the University, Singapore, and the world, Prof Koh, who wears many hats including Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Special Advisor of the Institute of Policy Studies, and founding Rector of NUS' Tembusu College, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.

Highlighting three areas on which he has focused his energies - law, nature, and culture - Prof Koh said, "I chose to study law, not to enrich myself, but to pursue justice and to promote the rule of law."

He also spoke about his work concerning nature and the environment, including chairing the 1992 Earth Summit, being patron of the Nature Society, and helping NUS establish the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum as its founding Chairman. "My vision is to live in harmony with nature.  My agenda is to promote sustainability in all our endeavours," he added. "I am [also] glad that I have been able to play a very small role in transforming Singapore, from a cultural desert to a cultural oasis."

Delivering the citation for Prof Koh's conferment, Professor Simon Chesterman, Vice-Provost (Educational Innovation) and Dean of the NUS Faculty of Law and NUS College, referred to Prof Koh's "academic milestones [which] are but one strand of the rich tapestry of his professional life", as well as his leadership and guidance in education at NUS, and his eminent contributions to state and environmental diplomacy.

Reflecting on his time as a student of the University in colonial Malaya, Prof Wang said: "You can imagine how happy I am to be a graduand again with my alma mater. The university gave my generation a good start in life. It went on to adapt to the rapid changes of our time. In so doing, it has come out better and stronger."

He spoke about the "inspiring story worth retelling" of how the University had set out and followed its own aspirations, becoming a major centre of learning by being actively connected to the world, as well as regularly reinventing itself.

"The way our university strives to keep our humanity always in our sights is something to be very proud of. I hope that all of us graduating today, no matter where life leads us, will never hesitate to help our university to enhance this capacity to advance our human condition," Prof Wang stressed.

Prof Lionel Wee, Dean of FASS and co-Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences,  who delivered the citation on Prof Wang's conferment, lauded the latter as "an eminent figure and brilliant mind" who has made manifold contributions as a leading figure in Sinology, a renowned public intellectual, and a visionary leader and administrator at leading academic institutions around the world.

"This doctorate symbolises the meaningful connections between Professor Wang and the University, and it celebrates the long-standing contributions and value that Professor Wang's scholarly insights bring to Singapore, to Southeast Asia and, indeed, to the world," he said.

His words further summarised the spirit of determination and community that will carry graduates onwards in their lives: "If [the journey ahead] appears daunting to you, I say to you: fret not… because when you look to your left and your right, you see the resilient men and women who, forged by the challenges brought upon by the global pandemic, will always offer you a helping hand."

This story first appeared in NUSNews on 6 July 2022 as part of NUS News' coverage of Commencement 2022, which celebrates the achievements of our 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies. For more on Commencement, look out for our upcoming graduate profiles, check out the official Commencement website, or look up (and tag) #NUS2022 and #NUSFASS on NUS' and FASS' social media channels!

Edible Heritage: Foodscapes and Sensory Heritage Making in Chinatown and Little India

Teaching Dharma, Grooming Sangha: The Buddhist College of Singapore

NUS CHS Open House 2022: Discover #Interdisciplinary Education!

 IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• The NUS College of Humanities and Sciences is hosting its Open House 2022 next week and all prospective students who have received offers are invited!
• A two-day hybrid programme – 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS’ Facebook page) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS), and the Faculty of Science (FoS) – CHS Open House 2022 aims to address all concerns a prospective undergraduate may have before committing to academic at the University and College.
• Highlights include opportunities to engage, discuss and explore academic pursuits, career development and student life at the College with key faculty and administrative staff and leadership — live and in person.

The NUS College of Humanities and Sciences is hosting its Open House 2022 next week and all prospective students who have received their offers are invited. As the deadline for them to accept their offers is looming, CHS has put together a programme aimed at answering all the questions they may have and clarifying all their concerns as much as possible.

Marking a cautiously calibrated return of the University to the normalcy of hosting large on-site events, this year’s CHS Open House is a two-day hybrid programme: 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS’ Facebook page) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS), and the Faculty of Science (FoS).*

• CHS Core Curriculum
• College’s three challenging but rewarding cross-disciplinary programmes
  • Data Science and Economics (DSE-XDP)
  • Environmental Studies (BES-XDP)
  • Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE-XDP)
• myriad Learning Pathways laid for you
• versatile career development programmes designed to prepare you for the future workplace
• CHS Student Experience—eye-opening and busy, yet energising and enriching

Speakers and panelists include CHS Co-Deans, Vice-Deans, key faculty staff members, career preparation and student services leader.

For more information and links to the 11 May sessions, click here.

• entry to witness and even participate in talks/lectures and panel discussions presented and hosted by award-winning instructors on a variety of academic subjects, interdisciplinary topics and specialised research areas
• face-to-face engagement with faculty, admin and student representatives from ALL Departments and student organisations under CHS, and opportunities to explore academic, financial aid and student activity options with the people in the know
• consultation with the career development teams of CHS
• guided Walking Tours across the facilities of FoS and FASS

For more information on the activities planned for 14 May, click here.

* Campus shuttle bus services will be made available on 14 May to all visitors for easier movement across campus, which extends to Kent Ridge MRT.

Locating “Malay Places” and Ethnic Identity Making in Singapore

Masterclass – Southeast Asian Studies | CHS @ NUS Open House 2022

Open House 2022 Engages and Excites

IN BRIEF | 30 min read

• The ever-popular NUS Open House hit new heights this year, attracting over 8.61 million visitors – a 26.2 per cent increase from the 6.83 million visitors that attended last year's online Open House.
• From 26 Feb to 5 Mar, visitors crowded the websites, livestreams, webinars and social media sessions hosted by the University's colleges, faculties and schools. There was something for everyone, and the event covered everything from academic courses to student life and entrepreneurship programmes.

The ever-popular NUS Open House hit new heights this year, attracting over 8.61 million visitors – a 26.2 per cent increase from the 6.83 million visitors that attended last year's online Open House.

From 26 Feb to 5 Mar, visitors crowded the websites, livestreams, webinars and social media sessions hosted by the University's colleges, faculties and schools. There was something for everyone, and the hybrid event covered everything from academic courses to student life and entrepreneurship programmes.

While much of the engagement happened online, prospective students got to meet NUS students and staff face-to-face for the first time since the pandemic started.

The physical Open House, held one sunny Saturday on 5 Mar, included numerous booths showcasing the University’s wide-ranging academic options and vibrant student life; sample classes and talks to get a taste of varsity life; and tours of the different colleges, faculties, and schools.

Prospective students gave the hybrid format a thumbs-up.

Joshua Chua, an alumnus of Anderson Serangoon Junior College, appreciated the online sessions and felt the physical Open House was a huge differentiating factor.

“The (physical) Open House really gave me a good image of what living and studying at NUS could look like by virtue of being an in-person event as opposed to it being virtual, so I'm really grateful to NUS and everyone involved for having this opportunity during the pandemic,” he said.

On her part, Hwa Chong Institution alumna Elsie Woo, who attended both the online and in-person sessions, said, “The experience was really welcoming and wholesome, and really exposed me to NUS as a whole.”

Showcasing the country’s first honours college

One of the highlights this year was the NUS College, Singapore’s first honours college. It will accept its first batch of students this year.

Prospective students were treated to online webinars on the College’s distinctive curriculum, its global pathways, and its focus on hands-on experiential learning. In more intimate breakout rooms, staff and student volunteers readily answered questions about student life and academic pathways. By having a home college or faculty – say Business or Science – while simultaneously being enrolled at NUS College, students will be able to get an educational experience that is as broad as it is deep.

The in-person activities featured a tour of the facilities and residential options that NUS College students would be able to enjoy.

Elsie Woo was one of many students drawn to NUS College’s unique offerings.

“I attended a few webinars, including introductory talks for NUS College and Food Science and Technology,” said Elsie, who also visited many booths in-person.

“The sessions were very well-planned and the seniors were extremely helpful and patient.”

Nanyang Polytechnic alumnus Koh Jin Yuen focused his time on NUS College, attending the College’s guided tour and virtual sharing sessions.

“The NUS College tour was informative as I got to ask the facilitators about their experiences. I think the curriculum is very meaningful,” said Jin Yuen.

“The Open House helped to deepen my understanding of how NUS College works, and allowed me to better understand the lifestyle of a student from NUS College.” He is intending to apply for the Information Systems programme offered by NUS Computing, as well as NUS College.

Ramping up interdisciplinary offerings

Exciting developments in the realm of interdisciplinary education—a major theme that NUS has been championing—were foregrounded at the Open House, with the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) also taking in its inaugural cohort. A result of the merger of the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Design and Environment, CDE is set to transform the NUS educational experience.

Across five galleries and 19 sub-categories, including Architecture, Industrial Design, Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Civil Engineering, visitors were presented with an informative display of the wide range of courses and programmes that will be on offer in the new College.

Raffles Institution alumna Grace Zai, who visited the Designing the Future exhibition and galleries, said, “The Engineering galleries were very informative as I could ask questions I had about the course, as well as student life, and get a clearer picture of what I would be studying and doing. It helped me make a more informed decision on my choices.”

Grace is considering applying to Engineering Science and Architecture, as well as Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering with a specialisation in robotics.

There were also panel discussions, both online and in-person, where faculty and current students interacted with prospective students to share their experiences and answer questions about the new interdisciplinary curriculum.

“As a prospective student, I got to see first-hand the school facilities, as well as the accommodations. My experience was pretty enriching and enlightening because I could ask the professors questions I had in mind and learn more about the courses,” said Timothy Tay, a graduate of Victoria Junior College who visited the SDE gallery on Sustainable Innovations.

“For example, I did not realise Project Facilities Management (PFM) was recently changed to Infrastructure Project Management (IPM). The professor explained that students will now graduate with a BEng degree rather than a BSc degree,” he recalled, referring to the first interdisciplinary full-time undergraduate programme to cover engineering, design, management, technology, building science and law modules.

Information was also available on the vibrant student life of the College’s various clubs and societies, as well as career programmes that enable students to better understand their interests and what it takes to marry that with industry skills and experience.

“The NUS Open House provided me with a more informed perspective on the courses offered in NUS. The various booths set up and run by students allowed for quick chats about what the courses have to offer. The responses by the students and professors were engaging and genuine, which I found informative in making my choice for courses in NUS,” said Kalepu Sai Sri Akshath, who attended CDE’s online and in-person events with his family and is intending to apply to Computer Engineering.

Drone-sensing demonstrations and the Solar Roof Tour, 5G Lab Tour, and BEEHUB Tour further showcased the College’s manifold facilities. Visitors also got a first-hand experience of NUS’ very own net-zero energy building through tours at SDE4, itself a product of both architecture and engineering, and the first of its kind in Singapore.

A marriage of the humanities and sciences

Continuing in the vein of interdisciplinarity and equipping students with a multifaceted, integrated toolbox of skills to thrive in the future economy is the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), which will be accepting its second intake this year.

Seminars about the CHS Core Curriculum were available at the Open House, as well as informative masterclasses that covered a vast range of interdisciplinary topics.

The Data Science and Economics masterclass saw Assoc Prof Lim Tiong Wee and Assoc Prof Chen Ying (Statistics & Data Science, Faculty of Science) and Dr Denis Tkachenko (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences) break down the complexities of the digital economy with real-life examples, and explicate its relevance to Singapore’s Smart Nation goals.

The new Data Science and Economics (DSE) cross-disciplinary programme will be the first of its kind in Singapore to integrate knowledge across these two disciplines.

“I got to understand how data science and economics complement each other,” said Russell Hor, a graduate of St. Joseph's Institution who has finished National Service and is enrolling in CHS this year.

Vanille Goh, who graduated from Anglo-Chinese Junior College and attended the Geography and Environmental Studies masterclasses, said, “[The masterclasses] provided me with a good overview of how passionate the lecturers were and how each course will adequately prepare me for what I would want to do in the future.”

Nanyang Junior College alumna Wen Xinyue also appreciated the in-person masterclasses, adding that they gave her a first-hand glimpse into studying humanities at the university level.

“I am interested in studying English, and from the English Language and Literature masterclass on Gender, Sexuality and Language, I learnt about how entrenched gender roles and stereotypes can be within the language we use,” she shared.

Meanwhile, over at the “Insights into Southeast Asia from the Martial Arts Perspective” masterclass, Dr Mohamed Effendy of NUS Southeast Asian Studies presented prospective students with a riveting intellectual and visual treat, demonstrating how useful unique perspectives on the region’s myriad communities can be gleaned by studying them through the lens of the martial arts. Students saw the concepts brought to life – witnessing first-hand an exciting live demonstration by practitioners of pencak silat – of how Southeast Asian warriors of old defended themselves using a wide array of techniques and weapons.

Action aplenty

There was action aplenty among other faculties. NUS Business School’s programmes included a 360 live tour, as well as live chats with the BBA Deans on the different majors offered by the School. Its in-person sessions included sharing sessions by the BBA Deans, BIZCareers advisors, and student ambassadors.

Year 4 Accountancy and Finance undergraduate Calvin Chur was one such student volunteer, serving as an emcee for the online Open House and sharing in-person on 5 Mar about life at the Business School.

“It was a tiring, but extremely fulfilling day engaging with prospective students, learning about their concerns with regards to entering a new phase of life and trying to address those concerns,” said Calvin. “In fact, many of their concerns mirrored those that I had as a fresh A-level graduate attending the NUS Open House back in 2016 – and I am glad that I could offer insider insights to help them make an informed decision at this major milestone of their lives.”

Year 4 Real Estate undergraduate Natasha Liem, another student volunteer who served as an emcee, added, “There was quite a large number of viewers for the panel and a prospective student actually sent me a message on Instagram to enquire more about real estate from a student's perspective. I think the panel went well!”

For NUS Business School Executive (Marketing & Outreach) Ms Casey Jean Grant, it was an eye-opener to experience the whole planning process.

“Most of the students and parents were very curious and excited about the prospect of coming to NUS Business School,” she added. “Their excitement definitely rubbed off on us and made the rest of us excited to share about our School.”

With frontline healthcare workers being in the spotlight these couple of years, there was plenty of interest in NUS Dentistry, NUS Nursing, NUS Medicine, and Duke-NUS Medical School. Live demonstrations were conducted and prospective students got a taste of what it would be like to be a dentist, nurse or doctor.

Serving up a slice of campus life

Whether on the screen or in the flesh, visitors to the Open House also witnessed the rich and vibrant student life beyond the classroom that NUS is known for.

Besides holding talks to acquaint visitors with the wide range of co-curricular activities available, student clubs and societies rose to the occasion at the Student Village showcases to feature a spectacular smorgasbord of music, dance and sporting performance across the eight days that Open House was on. Visitors were serenaded by soulful tunes by the NUS Jazz Band and wowed by the moves of NUS Kendo Club. They were also treated to cheerleading displays, snazzy dance performances by NUS Funkstyle and BreakiNUS, catchy renditions of contemporary pop and choral music by the a cappella group Resonance, and the dulcet tones of TheNUSChoir and the NUS Mandopop group Voices.

"It was really lively with dozens of booths as well as live performances put on by really talented students! It truly allowed me to understand the culture here and makes me want to be a part of it after experiencing first hand,” Vanille Goh shared.

Students and hall masters from the halls and residences also conducted informative residential life talks, A-Day-in-the-Life-Of vlog sessions and Ask-Me-Anything sessions to help students interested in on-campus living understand its manifold aspects like academic programmes and pastoral care.

These were complemented by in-person tours of King Edward VII Hall, NUS College, Ridge View Residential College, Tembusu College, RC4, and Pioneer House, NUS’ newest housing model, giving participants a real taste of the sense of community and camaraderie that comes with residential life in NUS.

Joshua Chua, who also participated in the RC4 tour, said, “The RC4 tour was definitely a highlight because the tour guide, as with most staff and students, was welcoming and frank, which eased my nervousness.”

Matthew Yeow, an alumnus of Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) who attended both online and in-person sharing sessions by student residents of the Residential Colleges, said, “During the physical Open House, I had the opportunity to find out a lot more about the residential colleges and what made them distinct from halls. Furthermore, I also got to find out more about the individual residential colleges and their communities, as well as the additional modules they took.”

“As a prospective student, I think the Open House was executed effectively through both the online and physical mediums. Having the opportunity to come down and visit the University and talk to the current students gave me a better understanding of student life in NUS,” he added.

This story first appeared on NUSNews on 8 March 2022.

NEW PUBLICATION: On this Modern Highway, Lost in the Jungle by Jan Mrazek

The latest book by A/P Jan Mrázek aka Pak Jan is just out, about a Czech poet’s journey to colonial Java, and more broadly about Czech literary and artistic images of our region (and beyond). Says the book cover: “In [the] texts, poetic and often comic, both landlocked Bohemia and the colonized tropical islands are seen disorientingly anew, like ‘mirrors looking at themselves in each other.’ … In its attention to how poetic travel reflects the Czech historical experience in the shadow of imperial nations, the book moves scholarly reflection on literary travel, modernity, and colonialism to a new ground.”

Get the book here: https://karolinum.cz/.../mrazek-on-this-modern-highway...

New Courses for the New Economy

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• NUS is offering a number of new programmes to prepare graduates for the future, including the much-anticipated Major in Anthropology, and Minor in Interpreting by the NUS Department of Chinese Studies.

The University’s key theme of preparing undergraduates for the workplace of the future will be further enhanced with the launch of new majors, minors and degree specialisations in the upcoming academic year. About 10 new courses are on the cards.

New programmes from the NUS College of Design and Engineering (CDE), NUS Faculty of Science, NUS School of Computing, and NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will cover areas such as Artificial Intelligence, technology, data science, sustainability, globalisation. They will add on to the interdisciplinary offerings by the flagship NUS College, Singapore’s first honours college welcoming its first cohort in August – as well as those by the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS).

“The overall goal of all our education reform efforts is to advance a university curriculum that prepares students well for a Fourth Industrial Revolution world and workplace,” said Professor Bernard Tan, NUS Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education).

“Our education, focused on both breadth and depth, ensures that our graduates are held in high regard by employers. Last year, more than nine in 10 NUS graduates secured a job within six months of their final examinations.”

New majors and minors

Anthropology is much sought after for the sort of training it offers its students – a ground up approach to developing deep understanding on just about every aspect of the human condition. Students will be equipped to better understand and deal with the chaos, uncertainty, and ambiguity that characterises the contemporary age.

This new Minor will allow students a related alternative to translation, or as an affiliated Minor to Translation which is already being offered at the Department.

New specialisations

Three new specialisations will be offered by the NUS School of Computing:

New modules

Aside from the new majors, minors and specialisations, a number of new modules are being offered. For instance, the NUS School of Computing is starting a Digital Ethics and Data Privacy module to educate students on this pertinent and pressing issue.

The NUS Faculty of Law is introducing two modules – one on Law & Technology and one on Data Literacy – as technology and data are increasingly being key drivers for the legal industry.

Find out more about the courses offered by the University, and explore this year’s Open House. Here are four things to look out for at the Open House.

This story first appeared on NUSNews on 24 February 2022.

NUS Open House 2022: Interdisciplinary Offerings, In-person Activities and More!

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• NUS Open House 2022 is back with opportunities for prospective students to meet NUS professors, students and alumni face-to-face, after two years of connecting virtually.
• Running from 26 February through 5 March, NUS Open House 2022 will begin with a comprehensive line-up of informative activities, including the online segment, during the week leading up to the physical Open House, which takes place on Saturday, 5 March from 9 am to 7 pm across NUS’ campuses in Kent Ridge and Bukit Timah.

NUS Open House 2022 is back with opportunities for prospective students to meet NUS professors, students and alumni face-to-face, after two years of connecting virtually.

The physical event will take place on Sat, 5 Mar from 9am to 7pm across NUS’ campuses in Kent Ridge and Bukit Timah. This will be preceded by a comprehensive line-up of informative activities during the week leading up to the physical Open House.

Including the online segment, NUS Open House 2022 takes place from 26 Feb to 5 Mar. Here’s a heads-up on four things to check out:

1.       Exciting interdisciplinary offerings

NUS College, Singapore’s first honours college, was formed by the merger of the University Scholars Programme and Yale-NUS College. Offering an immersive, experiential and interdisciplinary educational journey, it will welcome its first batch of students this year. Students will have a home college or faculty, say, Business or Engineering, while simultaneously being enrolled at NUS College. There, they will have the opportunity to enjoy a holistic interdisciplinary curriculum that is complementary to their major.

Another option for interdisciplinary learning can be found at NUS College of Design and Engineering. The College offers a programme that prepares students for the future through interdisciplinary learning and robust research in the fields of engineering and design. At the College, students are given the flexibility to build and design their own learning experience.

The NUS College of Humanities and Sciences, the enhanced undergraduate experience for students of the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences and the Faculty of Science, is accepting its second intake this year. The College offers 13 Common Curriculum pillars consisting of modules such as scientific inquiry, humanities, digital literacy, design thinking, artificial intelligence and many more exciting options. These are complemented by majors and minors spanning the arts, humanities and sciences, such as global studies, philosophy, theatre and performance studies, quantitative finance, data analytics and pharmaceutical science. Students can pick and choose modules to create a customised curriculum that matches their interest and aspirations.

To ensure that graduates are ready to take on leading roles in the New Economy, NUS constantly develops new courses. Here are this year's new offerings.

2.       Meeting you in person - again

After two years of meeting virtually, the NUS community is excited to get together in real life with prospective students once again!

You can look forward to an enlightening schedule of in-person activities including a tour of the Centre for Healthcare Simulation by NUS Nursing; tours of residential living options such as Tembusu College, CAPT (College of Alice & Peter Tan), and RC4; a live demonstration of a moot court session and tour of the NUS Bukit Timah campus by NUS Law; tours and a showcase of NUS College; as well as a live question-and-answer session with Duke-NUS Medical School.

3.       Webinars, talks, live chats, hotlines and more

Get a taste of life as an NUS student, even before the physical event. A host of insightful webinars, talks, question-and-answer sessions, live chats, hotlines, and virtual tours have been arranged starting 26 Feb to give you a head start on topics such as admissions, student life, and on-campus living, as well as programmes offered by NUS College, the College of Design and Engineering, the College of Humanities and Sciences, Business, Music and many more.

Obtain behind-the-scenes knowledge from NUS student ambassadors and the NUS Students’ Union on the rich student life available at NUS, and be serenaded by NUS Choir and NUS Jazz Band.

Professors will be on hand to share information on their respective programmes, and you’ll even have a chance to sit in on classes. Have a question that is not covered by the briefing? No sweat! There’ll be chat sessions with NUS Admissions, professors and students from selected programmes during which you can get your queries addressed.

Click here for the list of virtual and in-person activities for NUS Open House.

4.       Exciting student life

NUS offers a myriad options for a rich student life, and NUS Open House is the perfect place to start exploring the possibilities. Many alumni recall their NUS days fondly, remembering not only the academic progress they made, but the camaraderie forged with friends from clubs, societies and on-campus residences.

Throughout the period of the online Open House and during the physical event, representatives from various student-led groups will speak on topics including hall life, clubs and societies, as well as campus performing groups. Take part in a live session with music and dance groups, embark on a virtual residential tour, and more.

We’re looking forward to seeing you online from 26 Feb and in-person on 5 Mar!

This story first appeared on NUSNews on 23 February 2022.

We Are NUS: 60 Fascinating Vignettes by Alumnus Yeo Tze Yang

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• Artist and NUS alumnus Yeo Tze Yang (Southeast Asian Studies, ’19) spent about two years to complete the 60 paintings constituting an installation – “We Are NUS: The People and Everyday Life of a University” – residing in the newly-refurbished NUS Central Library.

Visitors to the newly-refurbished NUS Central Library would have chanced upon a brand new art exhibition, brightly installed at the entrance foyer. Launched virtually on 22 Feb, the visual display comprised 60 smaller art pieces, depicting people and scenes from everyday life in NUS, and presenting a microcosm of the vibrant and extensive NUS community.

Painted by artist and NUS alumnus Mr Yeo Tze Yang, the art pieces took around two years to complete, in light of COVID-19 challenges. The Southeast Asian Studies graduate from the Class of 2019 at the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences was selected to work on this commissioned collection.

Gathering a diverse yet collegial community

Baby steps towards putting together this exhibition started in 2020, as the NUS community banded together during the early days of the pandemic. A series of virtual get-togethers called “NUS OK’ or ‘NUS, Our Kampung” was organised for the community to stay in touch. “We Are NUS: The People and Everyday Life of a University” built on this to celebrate the treasured bonding and shared experience.

In the spirit of capturing the zeitgeist of the NUS community, staff, students and contractors were selected through an open call, along with iconic scenes from various corners of the campuses.

Said Tze Yang, “I painted a diverse range of people from different backgrounds, faculties and offices. Some have spent only a couple of years in NUS. Some have spent almost half a century. Everyone's story is unique – for some, an NUS education was a first in their family. For others, NUS was a workplace where they found friendship and meaning. Everyone's experience of the University is different.

“The project kickstarted with a vision in mind, to fill three walls with small paintings of the people, places and things that make up NUS. The University is a large institution, with so many facets, corners and nitty-gritty that called for such a display format.”

In order to bring out the essence of the people he painted, Tze Yang said he adopted the approach of painting them in a setting where he engaged them in direct conversation, citing two Asian artists, Thailand’s Navin Rawanchaikul and China’s Liu Xiaodong, who are known for this approach.

A sensitive and perceptive eye

Tze Yang’s talent extends beyond the artistic – he has the ability to connect with others to help them relax, feel comfortable and draw out their stories, bringing out different sides of people hitherto unseen.

“We had a really intense conversation on weighty subjects such as politics, privilege and purpose during the portraiture session,” said Associate Professor Daniel Goh, NUS Associate Provost (Undergraduate Education).

“That was how he painted me, wisened and wizened, with the severe frown that I often carry on my face when I am alone with my thoughts of the issues I wrestle and memories of the good fight I tried to fight. Tze Yang peeked into my inner struggles and painted it.”

This sentiment was also echoed by Ms Daphne Chua who works at NUS Business School.  “We chatted over various topics, such as art versus design, family backgrounds, personalities, personal setbacks, and mental health, which I have never openly shared with anyone throughout my two years of work in NUS. It was rare to connect with someone as understanding as Tze Yang, who held space to embrace my thoughts and vulnerability without judgment,” said Daphne who has a background in visual arts.

Daphne also recounted how Tze Yang’s patience and discipline resonated with her, sharing an interesting snippet. Tze Yang had painted her portrait twice because he was not satisfied with the first iteration. However, she loved both portraits because they represented his own time, effort and unique perspective.

“This experience made me feel incredibly seen and appreciated as a person, rather than what I can simply produce,” she added.

Also part of the exhibition is a familiar face to those who frequent the canteen at Faculty of Science – Uncle Wong, who mans the drinks stall at Frontier. To Uncle Wong, who has been a steadfast presence in NUS since 1996, the University represents a place where he has met many people and developed close friendships with them. He described the painting process as “relaxing”, where he was able to chat with Tze Yang and answer his questions. It is Uncle Wong’s hope that “current students or alumni will reminisce about their time in NUS, when they see the painting of my likeness.”

Celebrating a community

Associate Professor Erle Lim, NUS Vice Provost (Teaching Innovation & Quality), a member of the committee involved in spearheading this project, shared, “I am very proud to see the project come to fruition. We hope that this exhibition can convey how special NUS is, that we are more than a place of study for the community – we are a family.”

For Tze Yang, as an alumnus and the artist behind this project, the collection of paintings represents his hope that it will “serve as a reminder of what makes a University special, beyond the newspaper headlines and trophies. These tiny moments and stories of people are what make this institution matter so much to many of us over its many decades of existence”.

Even as one steps away from the exhibition, the NUS story continues. The visual tapestry of NUS will evolve and transform, as new experiences are lived, and exciting discovery moments celebrated in the years to come.

Take a virtual tour of the art gallery here or visit the gallery and take wefies or selfies with the paintings at the photo booth.

You can also catch a short video on what Tze Yang and his subjects said about their experience here.

This story first appeared on NUSNews on 23 February 2022.

FASS Inspiring Mentor 2021 Award Winners Announced

The NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 FASS Inspiring Mentor Awards.

Congratulations to:

• Prof Jack Qiu Linchuan, Professor, Department of Communications and New Media  
• Assoc Prof Loy Hui Chieh, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy 
• Assoc Prof Robin Loon Seong Yun, Associate Professor, Department of English Language and Literature 
• Dr Michael Yoshitaka Erlewine, Assistant Professor, Department of English Language and Literature
• Dr Nina Laurel Powell, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology

The e-STEER Programme: A Passage to Sub-Saharan Africa

IN BRIEF | 4 min read

• Thanks to technology, in-depth experiences of faraway places are still possible despite COVID-19 slowing down international travel — as some 80 NUS students found out as participants of the latest, 'virtual', iteration of the NUS Study Trips for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER) programme travelled to Africa.

Thanks to technology, in-depth experiences of faraway places are still possible despite COVID-19 slowing down international travel – as some 80 NUS students found out. Participants of the latest iteration of the NUS Study Trips for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER) programme travelled to Africa, howbeit virtually.

STEER programmes are designed to familiarise students with the diverse socio-cultural-political-economic-business environments of fast-evolving region. Over the past decade, the NUS Global Relations Office (GRO) has organised a myriad of such programmes to countries and regions that are either undergoing institutional transformation, experiencing catch-up growth or have strengthened bilateral ties with Singapore and in the process, enhancing overseas career opportunities for our undergraduates.

However, with the onset of the pandemic, the STEER programme pivoted to a virtual environment, expanding its reach through a series of webinars and virtual lectures, e-networking sessions and vicarious cultural visits.

Held from 6 to 16 Dec 2021, the e-STEER programme focused on Sub-Saharan Africa, which includes countries such as Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa. The two-week programme engaged students with invaluable insights into the political history, economic and social development, management of natural resources, as well as the rich heritage and cultures of the region.

His Excellency Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Singapore, delivered an introduction to Rwanda, that gave the students a first look into this “land of a thousand hills”, rich in natural resources and biodiversity, which is also the most densely populated mainland African country.

Colonialism and slave trade are topics which are inevitable in the discussion of history and development of Africa, and students were deeply immersed in several lectures which enlightened them on the history of the slave trade, and its effects on African society and practices to this day. Professor Brian Farrell from the NUS Department of History presented an in-depth lesson on Africa, British Africa and the British Empire.

Our students were enthused about the VR headsets used for the first-time in the e-STEER programme. Said Oh Jun Ning, Year 4, NUS Science student, “The sounds and sights were realistic, and it felt like we were exploring the place itself with a tour guide. Given that the entire programme was conducted online, the virtual tour was definitely a change of pace and scenery. It would be great if VR was to be integrated into future online programmes especially in the face of current COVID-19 restrictions.”

Norsheena Riyana, a Year 1 student from the NUS Department of Political Science, described the lectures on this topic as “different and personal”, as she “spoke with individuals whose ancestors were personally affected by the atrocities committed during colonisation, the transatlantic slave trade, and the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, instead of reading these accounts through academic articles and social media”. She also highlighted the virtual tour of the Cape Coast Castle as one of the sessions that she was most interested in, as “it was the closest experience to being physically there”.

A number of students among the participants this year had a keen interest in conservation and ecology, and the e-lectures delivered by representatives from the University of Rwanda and Rwanda Development Board further piqued their interest by delineating the broad considerations behind wildlife conservation in Rwanda, particularly on the population of endangered mountain gorillas which reside in Rwanda’s national parks.

The eye-opening sessions explained more on the costs and considerations behind biodiversity management in these precious land areas, and efforts to include and give back to the surrounding communities whose livelihoods are directly influenced by wildlife efforts and ecotourism to the national parks.

Joanna Hioe, a PhD Year 1 student from the NUS Department of Southeast Asian Studies, said, "The e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa programme gave us the unique opportunity to survey the continent, with a panoramic view of its history, culture, economy, and geography, and literally savour it, with an audio-visual feast of its music and fashion, and tastes of its food. It was a rich buffet that left students of all majors spoiled for choice.

“The thoughtfully curated e-STEER programme opened my eyes to the plethora of ways that deep, meaningful inter-cultural and transformative encounters can still be facilitated through technology.”

On the last two evenings of the programme, students tucked into a delectable meal set from Kafe Utu, an African café and lounge in Singapore, named for the Kiswahili word for “humanity”. Though dining individually at home, it was an experience shared virtually, in appreciation of a varied African cuisine and learning about the history and culture behind the menu.

“The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re heartened that the sessions have facilitated tremendous educational value creation, such as in the analyses of social, environmental issues and business models, cross-cultural appreciation and professional networking opportunities for our students.”

Although the planning and implementation of overseas travel continues to be a challenge, NUS and GRO remain committed to providing our students with global opportunities for learning, albeit in alternative ways such as virtual immersions, to enhance the development of cultural understanding and skill sets in relating to a global economy.

This story first appeared on NUSNews on 7 January 2022.

Winners of AY2020-21 Faculty Teaching Excellence Awards Unveiled

The NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is proud to announce the 37 winners of the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award for their work in AY2020‐21, 16 of which have also been nominated for the Annual Teaching Excellence Award(ATEA) and Annual Digital Education Award (ADEA).

Special thanks are due to members of the Faculty Teaching Excellence Committee–Dr Susan Ang (English Language and Literature and Chair of FTEC), A/P Loy Hui Chieh (Philosophy; FASS Vice‐Dean), A/P Lim Wee Hun, Stephen (Psychology), Dr Gilbert Yeoh (English Language and Literature) and Mrs Chen Ing Ru (Centre for Language Studies)–for their efforts in shortlisting and nominating the winners.

Congratulations to them all!

FASS Announces New Additions to Leadership Team

IN BRIEF | 2 min read

The NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is pleased to announce recent new appointments to the Faculty's leadership team.

Three eminent members of the Faculty received new appointments to the Deanery at the beginning of this year:

• Professor Joseph Park (English Language and Literature)
  Vice-Dean (Undergraduate Studies)
• Dr Zhang Yang (Economics)
  Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies)
• Dr Noorman Abdullah (Sociology)
  Assistant Dean (External Relations and Student Life)

We wish them the very best with their new portfolios. Click here to visit the FASS Deanery page.

NUS Bags Major PR Award for College of Humanities and Sciences Campaign

One year since the official inauguration of the NUS College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), the publicity campaign for the new College has gained recognition at the recent Public Relations in the Service of Mankind (PRISM) Awards.

The University bagged a Distinction Award in the category “Outstanding Campaign by a Non-Government Organisation or Not-For-Profit Organisation” for the launch and publicity of the interdisciplinary College.

The award recognises NUS’ effective communications regarding the necessity of an interdisciplinary education to faculty members, prospective students and their parents, alumni, employers, and members of the public.

The campaign also underscored what CHS offers students in a world plagued by complex challenges that require integrated interdisciplinary approaches. The campaign included the launch event, student profiles, social media, and CHS collaterals and media assets in the form of CHS-specific infographics, news and FAQs.

The campaign also included a video series on interdisciplinarity, a podcast series by the teaching team of the common curriculum Humanities module, and stakeholder endorsement in the form of testimonials from students and alumni of NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and the NUS Faculty of Science (FoS) who have pursued interdisciplinary studies. A successful admissions publicity campaign was run, including the 2021 NUS Open House which drummed up interest in the College with student and employer panels, small group tours, and student chat rooms.

The accolade from PRISM, which coincides with the one-year anniversary of the official inauguration of CHS, bears testament to the concerted effort on multiple fronts of the campaign by various stakeholders, including the Communications teams from FASS and FoS, the NUS Office of University Communications and communications agency AKA Asia.

“The award comes as a truly wonderful one-year anniversary gift to all our colleagues involved in the CHS campaign,” said NUS Chief Communications Officer Ms Ovidia Lim-Rajaram.

“It is gratifying to know that our efforts to kickstart a meaningful, groundbreaking programme at the College are paying off, and that the journey to promoting an interdisciplinary, 21st-century educational experience at NUS is off to a great start.”

Communications at CHS is co-led by Mr Nisar Keshvani, Associate Director for Strategic Outreach and Communications at FASS, and Ms Janice Quah, Associate Director for Corporate Communications at FoS.

“The campaign award, a result of the synergy and collaboration across diverse University faculties and departments, epitomises the spirit of interdisciplinarity that CHS values, and the idea of capitalising on each other’s strengths to achieve the best outcomes,” Mr Keshvani said.

Ms Quah added, “It has been a challenging journey but seeing our communications ideas collectively come to fruition is truly fulfilling! The validation of the hard work motivates us to continue raising the bar, to sustain the impactful profiling of CHS to students and stakeholders.”

Recognising the best in public relations

Celebrating 44 winners across 27 categories, the PRISM awards ceremony was held on 15 Dec by the Institute of Public Relations Singapore (IPRS), the only accrediting body for public relations practitioners in Singapore. The Guest of Honour was Mr Tan Kiat How, Minister of State at the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI).

Acknowledging the challenges of a shifting communications landscape, Mr Tan said, “MCI recognises the importance of excellence in public relations and communications across all sectors of the economy.”

“The campaigns up for awards today show how all of you have worked around these challenges and continued to achieve excellent levels of reach and impact.”

Held biennially since 1987, the PRISM Awards is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in the industry, celebrating Singapore’s brightest stars in the communications and public relations industry. It is judged by a panel of established business leaders and senior practitioners, recognising and honouring organisations and individuals for excellence in public relations and communications.

Ms Koh Juat Muay, President of the IPRS Council 2021/2023 said, “The winning entries and the winners this year reveal a singular story – the resilience of our people, the ingenuity of the campaigns and strength of the organisations that continues to thrive in an evolving local and global communications landscape.”

“IPRS is privileged to hold PRISM Awards 2021 and share in the pride of profession demonstrated by our people and in the brilliance of their campaigns. Our winners truly embody the meaning of PRISM and that is Public Relations In the Service of Mankind,” she added.

This story first appeared in NUSNews on 21 December 2021.

[𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸] 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗿: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗴

An Interview with Emeritus Prof S. Vasoo and Assoc Prof Winston Goh on The Strange Start of Psychology at the National University of Singapore

The Strange Start of Psychology at the National University of Singapore (NUS Department of Psychology, 2021), showcases the history of the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences' Department of Psychology, Singapore's oldest psychology programme. The programme, which kicked off during the 86/87 academic year at the Department of Social Work (renamed the Department of Social Work and Psychology), became a department in 2005.

Author Dr John Michael Elliott (1945-2019), who was at the time a psychologist at the then Ministry of Social Affairs, joined the programme six weeks after it began and retired in 2018.

As the book explains, in Singapore, historically psychology was viewed more as clinical work that supported psychiatry, and mental health care was deprioritized. Instead, during the island's colonial era, patients requiring mental health treatment were institutionalized in The Insane Hospital, which commenced operations in 1841 with 30 beds. This hospital evolved into The Lunatic Asylum (1862, 100 beds), followed by The New Lunatic Asylum (1887, 300 beds), and then the Mental Hospital in 1928, which became Woodbridge Hospital in 1951.

In 1993, Woodbridge Hospital moved to Buangkok Green, becoming the Institute of Mental Health's new inpatient facility.

There was a definite need for trained psychologists in Singapore, as well as a programme to train them, since, post-independence, all psychologists in the country completed their education abroad. When the NUS psychology programme got started in July 1986, however, the discipline was still often seen as non-Asian and more as medical training than a social sciences course, and also as a luxury in the realm of social work. The Department of Social Work was an ideal place for the new programme, Dr Elliott notes, as it would contribute to the department's own development, enabling it to offer an honours degree in social work and psychology.

The NUS psychology programme's initial cohort had 72 students and 1 staff and grew rapidly. There are currently around 900 students in the introductory psychology module and 220 honours graduates annually. At its inception 35 years ago the programme offered a three year general degree with a competitive fourth year honours degree. In 1989, 50 students received a general degree, 11 of whom went on to get an honours degree. Today, the department's own clinical psychology master's programme graduates approximately 15 annually, and psychology graduate students can also obtain a Master of Social Sciences or PhD.

The NUS Department of Psychology ranks 16 out of 303 on the Quacquarelli Symonds list and psychology is a well recognized and respected course of study in Singapore. Many graduates go on to engage in psychological work in the public sector, such as in Singapore's Ministries of Health, Defense, Home Affairs, and Social and Family Development. A number of graduates are also employed in private sector positions involving psychological work like human resource management and marketing, or in private practice in the fields of clinical, counselling, and industrial-organisational psychology, among others.

We discussed the The Strange Start of Psychology at the National University of Singapore, which has an online launch on Friday, 10th December at 11 am, with Associate Professor Winston D. Goh, the current NUS Department of Psychology Head, and Emeritus Professor S. Vasoo, who led the then NUS Department of Social Work and Psychology from 1987 to 1999.

A/P Vasoo Q & A

1. What were your most memorable experiences developing the new psychology programme during your term leading the NUS Department of Social Work and Psychology?

I have been teaching students and working with academic staff for about 50 years. In the course of these years, I always encouraged and advised them not to look back on events that had surpassed them. This is because memorable matters would not come back and one would not be able to deal with the bygones. No point spending time lamenting over things that have gone past as it can be emotionally costly and tiring. I always encourage students and academic staff to look ahead on events that will be forthcoming as these can be managed as they unfold and are within their control. I am of the opinion that various human issues that we can grasp at hand are largely solvable as long as we persistently tackle them with empathy. It is only with good empathy that we can have clearer insights to deal with human issues and relationships.

I recall that one of the challenging tasks that I had to deal with as the Head of the Department of Social Work and Psychology was to quickly recruit a group of Psychology academic staff to deliver the undergraduate psychology programme in 1986. I had selected staff with diverse psychology training such as a developmental psychologist, a cognitive psychologist, a social psychologist, an experimental psychologist, a clinical psychologist, and a psycholinguist. You can imagine with these varied backgrounds coming together to agree on a basic undergraduate curriculum was not easy. Each of them had different hobby horses to ride, which was understandable while mind-boggling, as there were protracted views within the group and at times heated arguments that I had to mediate. I brokered a deal as a non-partisan and drew a consensus among the different psychological academic personalities for the need to develop a top-notch undergraduate psychology programme based on the best psychology departments in the United Kingdom and United States. The foundation laid for the early phase of the psychology programme saw the fruition of some of our top psychology scholars in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. I am indeed proud to witness that some of these accomplished scholars have become lead anchors of the NUS Department of Psychology and later appointed Heads. The nurturance of these top scholars have helped stabilize the psychology programme and provided succession of leadership. They also supported the Deanery of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

2. What can psychologists learn from social workers, and what can social workers learn from psychologists?

To put it simply, both psychology and social work are non-identical twin disciplines with each having to deal with human behaviour and social issues. As a psychologist, one has to understand human behaviour and the cause of such behaviour, and as a social worker, one has to understand the cause of social and human problems and then enable people to find ways to problem solve. Both disciplines deal with human and psychosocial issues, and human behaviour requires a multidisciplinary focus. I would say that no single discipline is adequate to solve human life course issues. I must add that a good psychologist will require social work lenses and a competent social worker needs to have helpful psychological lenses. As one will appreciate, we are all human beings and are ecologically bounded. Therefore both psychological and social work analyses are critical to better appreciate human behaviour and social interactions, and these can contribute to effective human and social problem solving.

3. What do you see as the most notable impacts in practice of social work and psychology in Singapore so far and in the future?

Psychology graduates as well as social work graduates are making robust contributions in public service, private enterprises, and non-governmental organisations. Psychologists hold highly respectable positions in areas such as clinical services, rehabilitation, health, human resources, education, the armed forces and the police, besides others. Increasingly, psychologists are needed to contribute psychological solutions to strengthen our psychological defences against various societal crises.

Likewise, social workers are also appointed in highly regarded positions in fields such as social services, rehabilitation, health, social research, counselling and mental health, education, the armed forces, and childcare, among others. Both psychologists and social workers have so far given valuable suggestions and inputs to policy changes to the care and protection of children, youth, and women, and in the support of the vulnerable and the promotion of inclusiveness of people with special needs.

Singapore like the rest of the world will be confronted with serious social and ecological changes, including the consequences of unabated climate change. In view of these changing scenarios, our future psychologists will have to be equipped with psychological skills in assessing the impact of human behaviour on mitigating issues related to the environment and climate change as well in order to have good insight into the social and psychological consequences of an ageing Singapore community. Trainee social workers can be better equipped with social analytical skills, which will make them more versatile in predicting specific vulnerable sectors of the community. Thereby, the future social workers can enhance their community problem solving capacity by building more support networks to build a socially healthy community. Specifically, more attention can be paid by both social workers and psychologists to deal with the social and psychological implications of the growing social divide between the haves and have-nots, and find more innovative ways to deliver services to enable the less well-off to move up.

A/P Goh Q & A 

1. What are some of your fondest memories of Dr John Elliott, first as a teacher, and later as a colleague?

John encouraged critical thinking and we always had very illuminating discussions during his tutorials (see photo on page 28); of course, tutorials at that time only had between 5 and 7 students, so very difficult to hide! He was quite a tough marker though - never got an A from him for my term papers; but then again, As were given out very sparingly during that period (and there were no CAs at that time; the term paper grades were not counted). As a colleague, he was always willing to give advice to young hires, and his experience helped me immensely in the crafting of exam questions when I first started helming my own modules. I also remember he was very particular in signing or agreeing to legal documents - he once refused to upload materials into IVLE (the forerunner of LumiNUS) because he felt NUS did not provide enough protection for staff.

2. What motivated you to study psychology at NUS as an honours and then Masters student, and what prompted you to return to the department to teach and carry out research projects?

I was in the pre-med programme in junior college, so the path seemed straightforward for me. But I started reading about psychology as a course in various government information booklets and thought this was more interesting than medicine - I also didn't do well at the A levels, so perhaps this was fate telling me to take another path. However, this meant you had to go overseas as there was no psychology programme offered locally and my parents could not afford an overseas education. So when I was accepted in FASS, I was set to major in the closest one at the time - Sociology. I didn't start right away as I had to serve National Service; and in my second year of NS, I found out that NUS had started a psychology programme (again, fate may have been looking out for me!). Fortunately, I did well enough in the aptitude test (required then) to be allowed to major in Psychology. Everyone was hoping to do Honours, and at the time, you had to be invited, so I was elated when the Department of Social Work and Psychology offered me Honours, no motivation required. As for the Masters, I worked as an RA after completing my Honours, so I wanted to see if a research and academic career appealed to me, and decided to do my Masters while I was a TA for the Department. After that, NUS funded my PhD overseas on a staff development scheme, so I was obligated to return to serve a bond. In a sense, NUS Psychology has been my home since I started as an undergrad student, for I never left!

3. What future plans are in the works for NUS Psychology and how do they connect to the need for scholars and practitioners of the discipline in Singapore and the region?

Top psychology departments in the world are very well resourced with research spaces, laboratories, and facilities; so we hope to move in that direction and provide all of our research-active staff dedicated lab spaces to do research that will benefit Singapore and the discipline in general. We will also need to see how many more students (we have always been one of the more in-demand majors since inception) will want to be Psychology majors with the advent of the College of Humanities and Sciences, and perhaps develop various teaching innovations to serve an even more expanded student body (the days of 5-7 pax tutorials, or a 10-student Honours cohort in my year, are long gone). But we have very good educators in the department, so I am not worried about that. Our Clinical Psychology Masters programme is also in very high demand, given the focus on mental health needs nowadays. So we will need to see how we can support training for manpower needs in the public and private sectors in terms of workshops for associate psychologists, in additional to training people to be professional clinical psychologists.

Thank you very much for your time and answers, Prof Vasoo and A/P Goh! Readers can learn more about the history of the NUS Department of Psychology here. Catch the book launch on Friday December 10th at 11 AM by registering via Zoom.

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NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences' 18th Dean Takes Office

IN BRIEF | 2 min read

• Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Professor Lionel Wee, and other members of the Deanery take on their leadership roles today.

Professor Lionel Wee has assumed the position of Dean of the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and Co-Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) as of today, Friday, 1 October 2021. Prof Wee takes over the helm from Professor Robbie Goh, who is now the Provost of the Singapore University of Social Sciences.

Before becoming FASS' 18th Dean, Prof Wee was the Faculty’s Vice Dean of Research (2014-2021) and is a Provost's Chair Professor of Linguistics with the Department of English Language and Literature, which he headed from 2010 to 2014.

“It is an honour to be given the opportunity to helm the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The Faculty has achieved much since its founding nearly a century ago, continually evolving to anticipate and address the needs and challenges of a changing society," said Professor Wee.

"Together with the Deanery, colleagues, and students of the FASS, I am confident that we will continue to make breakthroughs in both education and research. While these benchmarks are important, diversity and inclusion are priorities for me, and essential pillars of every organisation. My plan is to further emphasise and ensure our staff and students feel empowered and safe in the Faculty in the coming years," he said.

New Appointments to the Strong Leadership
Beginning their new roles with the FASS Deanery today are:

• Associate Professor Elaine Ho (Geography) as Vice Dean (Research). She was previously Assistant Dean (Research).
• Associate Professor Elmie Nekmat (Communications and New Media) as Assistant Dean (Research).

The following members of the Deanery will continue to serve in their respective positions:

• Associate Professor Melvin Yap, Vice Dean (Undergraduate Studies)
• Associate Professor Valerie Wee, Vice Dean (Undergraduate Studies)
• Associate Professor Bruce Lockhart, Vice Dean (Graduate Studies)
• Professor Chen Yi-Chun, Vice Dean (International Relations and Special Duties)
• Associate Professor Loy Hui Chieh, Vice Dean (External Relations and Student Life)
• Mr Mark Teng, Director of Administration
• Associate Professor Sidharthan Maunaguru, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate Studies)
• Dr Zhang Yang, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate Studies)
• Dr Jinna Tay, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate Studies) – recently appointed to the Deanery on 1 July 2021.
• Associate Professor Nicholas Hon, Assistant Dean (External Relations and Student Life)

The multiple historical identities of St. John's Island

Original article: https://www.zaobao.com.sg/lifestyle/history-heritage/story20210905-1190485

The multiple historical identities of St. John's Island

St John's Island in the south of our country is a blue sky and green space temporarily far away from the island for many people. It actually has a rich history and played a special role in the history of Singapore's founding and development. Hearing that the former islanders recalled the old buildings and ruined tiles, countless historical pictures immediately leaped in front of them. The next time I land on the island, I will definitely have deeper emotions and thoughts about this land.

It is said that when Raffles landed in Singapore and passed through St. John’s Island, he took the name of the island with the name of his fellow missionary. St. John’s Island also has a Malay name "Sakijang Bendera", which means "red deer and flag". The Chinese name "棋樟山" is believed to be translated from "Sakijang".

St. John’s Island covers an area of ​​about 40 hectares. There are several ferry boats departing from Binhai South Wharf every day. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to reach the destination, and the round-trip ferry ticket is about 15 yuan.

Quarantine station

At the beginning of the opening of the port in 1819, St. John’s Island served as a signal station for the outer islands. In 1874, the East India Company set up a quarantine station on the island. The ships carrying aliens (also known as "new passengers") are moored off the coast of Singapore. As soon as an infected person is found, all passengers are transferred to the island's quarantine station to smoke sulfur and sprinkle disinfectant in the disinfection area. Those who were later changed to take the lowest class must go to the island for inspection and disinfection.

At that time, infectious diseases were raging, including cholera, plague, smallpox, tuberculosis, black death and measles. The quarantine station has hospitals, pharmacies, morgues, laboratories and vaccine freezing equipment, and nearby Lazarus Island (Lazarus Island) has a graveyard. In the 1930s, St. John’s Island became one of the largest isolation centers in the world, with a capacity of more than 6,000 people.

Many of the older generations had stayed in Qizhangshan when they went to Nanyang, and they all recalled that they could not bear to look back (for a period of time, men and women must be examined naked). At that time, sanitary conditions were inadequate, water and food were lacking, and many people died before they could set foot on the main island of Singapore.

With the rise of the aviation industry in the 1970s, the number of people entering the country by boat dropped drastically, and the quarantine station that had been used for more than 100 years was successfully retired in 1976.

In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao, Assistant Professor Hamzah Muzaini of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies of the National University of Singapore said that the island has become an isolation center very early, so the infrastructure is quite complete, with large water storage towers for supplying tap water, houses and asphalt roads.

Detention Center for Political Prisoners

In 1948, the British colonial government planned St. John’s Island as a detention center for political prisoners and private members. Lin Qingxiang, Tiffany, Uhhal, and Fang Shuishuang were detained by the British from 1953 to 1959. Lee Kuan Yew was their lawyer at the time and visited four people on the island. Tiffany became the third president of Singapore.

The former prison cells have now become pavilions. Former islander Abdul Rahim Abdul Wajis (64 years old) said that the four walls have been removed and only the four pillars and roof are original. He still remembered that political prisoners weren't kept in cells all the time, and the outdoor range within the fence was quite large and the scenery was pleasant. At that time, he and other children would sometimes walk into the detention center and would not be afraid of political prisoners.

Opium Healer

Before the end of World War II, there were more than 16,000 opiates in Singapore. In 1955, the British colonial government established an "opium healing clinic" on the island, focusing on smoking cessation and transformation, and allowing smokers to learn new skills such as carpentry, rattan and tailoring to prepare them for reintegration into society. The same site was renamed the Drug Rehabilitation Center in 1973 and closed in 1975. Some buildings are still preserved.

An opium smoker who had stayed there said in an earlier interview with the media that he and 40 other opium smokers were crowded in a barracks. At first he felt miserable, but later his physical strength and spirit gradually recovered and he began to do some work and engage in outdoor work.

Rahim’s hometown was near the pier. He recalled: “Sometimes smokers would come out to play football with the islanders. Every morning and afternoon, they would take turns to take the food scraps to another place and throw them away, sometimes passing by my house. We are very used to seeing immigrants and drug addicts, and we are not afraid."

Refugee shelter

St. John’s Island was used to settle Vietnamese refugees in the mid-1970s, and they lived on the island temporarily before being transferred to the official host country. When there were too many refugees in the 1980s and 1990s, the government took refuge in temporary refugee camps in Sembawang.

In 1998, the government announced the establishment of a detention center for illegal immigrants on the island. Because the number of overstayers and illegal immigrants arrested at that time increased, the island’s prisons could not accommodate them. The old football field near the ferry terminal was fenced off and toilets were built. However, according to the former islanders, it was not used afterwards, and buildings surrounded by green wire fences can still be seen.

Leisure and Marine Research Center

Since 1975, St. John’s Island has become a holiday paradise for Chinese people, and it is also a student holiday camp. In the past few decades, the government has deliberately developed it into a water park along with the nearby islands, and even invited investors to submit proposals, but there has been no follow-up since then.

The Land Management Authority of Singapore took over St. John’s Island from the Sentosa Development Agency in 2017. The resort on the island was upgraded and opened to the public for rent. It was temporarily closed during the epidemic.

In addition, the National Marine Research Center of St. John’s Island was established on the island in 2002, and the Maritime Aquaculture Center was established by the Agriculture and Food Bureau in 2003. Qizhang Bay, another rich ecology with mangroves, corals and seagrass, was originally planned to be opened to the public at the beginning of this year, but it was also temporarily suspended due to the epidemic.

The former islanders are full of memories

In the 1970s, islanders moved to the island one after another, and the rest were mostly islanders working for the government on the island. In 2017, the last four islanders also reluctantly left.

Muhamad Akim Giman (70 years old), who was born on the island, moved away in 1974. His house has been demolished. He took the reporter to visit another similar house and shared: "In the past, most houses built by the British army had separate kitchens and toilets. They were high-footed and allowed to ventilate underneath. The British army was right. We are very friendly, without class distinctions, like a big happy family."

As the son of the island, swimming seems to be natural. Even if the waves are big, he and his friends will jump directly into the water, and often catch fish and crabs for dinner in the nearby mangroves.

Rahim also moved out in the late 1970s, but his father was an electrician on the island, so he often went back, sometimes helping with light bulbs, and sometimes going to the beach to help repair ships. He still remembered several Chinese residents on the island. One of the largest grocery stores was run by a Chinese living on the island. The owner took a boat to the island every day to do business and returned to the island in the afternoon.

Mohamed Fawzi (50), who once lived on the nearby island of Lazarus, shared an interesting story. Although St. John’s Island is full of green areas, the islanders have tried many ways to raise cattle and sheep, but chickens and ducks are okay. When sheep are needed for religious activities, they can be bought from other islands.

St. John’s Island English Primary School is the only school on the island and closed in 1976. Retired teacher Du Shirong said in a media interview in 2015 that she taught at the school from 1962 to 1963. At that time, there were more than 400 people living on the island, and a grandma would often bring two baskets of vegetables and dry food to the teachers' residence to sell. The residents are kind and enthusiastic, and will give them freshly caught fish.

My community festival

The second "My Community Festival" hosted by the civil organization "My Community" was held from September 10th to October 3rd. The public who successfully signed up led by former islanders landed on St. John’s Island and talked about the past in detail. In addition to St. John’s Island, island tours also cover Turtle Island, Ubin Island and Pulau Hantu.

Other theme activities include watching the sunrise, understanding religion, understanding desserts, contacting craftsmen, feeling the rhythm, watching the sunset, understanding the life of the industry, night activities and community 24 hours.

Event fees range from RMB 10 to RMB 50, and some online guided activities are free. For more details, please refer to: mycommunityfestival.sg .

New NUS Dean of Arts and Social Sciences Appointed

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• Professor Lionel Wee will be appointed the new dean of the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and co-dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences from 1 October 2021.

• Prof Goh, who has served as the Dean since 2017, will be taking a leave of absence from the University, but will continue to contribute in the Singapore education sector as the new Provost at the Singapore University of Social Sciences from 1 October 2021.

The University today announced the appointment of Professor Lionel Wee as the new Dean of its Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and Co-Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences. Prof Wee will take over the helm from Prof Robbie Goh as the Faculty’s 18th Dean from 1 October 2021.

Currently FASS Vice Dean of Research and Professor of Linguistics in the Department of English Language and Literature, Prof Wee was appointed Provost’s Chair Professor in July 2017 for his outstanding scholarly achievements.

After graduating from NUS in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) degree majoring in English Language and Sociology, Prof Wee embarked on an academic career, joining the University as a Teaching Assistant with the Department of English Language and Literature. He was awarded the NUS Overseas Graduate Scholarship where he pursued his PhD in Linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley. Prof Wee was appointed as a Lecturer upon his return to Singapore in 1995, and rose the ranks to full Professorship in 2012.

“NUS is pleased that after a rigorous global search, Prof Lionel Wee has been selected to be the next Dean. He is passionate about high quality education and research, and has an excellent understanding of FASS and the University, having served in numerous leadership roles at the department, faculty and university-levels. I am confident that he will bring the Faculty to new heights of international excellence,” said NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye.

Besides serving as Vice Dean of Research at FASS from 2014 to present, Prof Wee was also the Head of the Department of English Language and Literature from 2010 to 2014. He had also contributed on various committees such as Chair of the FASS Faculty Promotion & Tenure Committee II, Chair of the University Mid-Term Advisory Report Committee, and Member of the University Promotion and Tenure Committee. In recognition of his dedicated service and contributions to NUS and education in Singapore, Prof Wee was awarded the National Day Awards Public Administration Medal (Bronze) in 2020 and the Long Service Medal in 2018.

“I am excited and honoured to be given this opportunity to lead my alma mater as its next Dean. Having spent more than three decades at FASS, both as a student and a faculty member, I have experienced firsthand the selfless commitment of my colleagues and impressive insights our students bring to the study of the arts, humanities and social sciences. I am confident that together, we can continue to make significant contributions to society while enhancing our Faculty’s standing as one of the leading humanities and social sciences faculties in the world,” said Prof Wee.

Besides his passion in linguistics, Prof Wee feels very strongly about animal welfare and is also very much an avid city traveller, although the pandemic has put quite a damper on travel in the past year or so. He also enjoys the cafes, a habit which he picked up during his time as a graduate student in Berkeley. Students and colleagues at FASS may have many a times seen Prof Wee deep in thought at the cafes across the NUS campus. He is very much focused in developing a particular idea or argument once he is seated down and would need to walk around before he can move on to another new idea.

Prof Wee has published widely in international and local journals, and also sits on the editorial boards of a number of academic journals and publications, including Applied Linguistics, English World-Wide, Multilingual Margins, The Journal of Asian Linguistic Anthropology, the “Cambridge Elements: World Englishes” book series, and the “Multilingualisms and Diversities in Education” book series. He is a well-respected scholar with research interests in the areas of language policy (especially in Southeast Asia), the grammar of Singapore English, metaphorical discourse, and general issues in sociolinguistics and pragmatics.

Prof Goh, who has served as the Dean since 2017, will be taking a leave of absence from the University. However, he will continue to contribute in the Singapore education sector as the new Provost at the Singapore University of Social Sciences from 1 October 2021.

Prof Goh said, “It has been a privilege and honour to serve as Dean of one of Singapore’s largest and most historied Faculties. I am grateful to my talented colleagues for all their hard work. I believe that together, we have brought the Faculty to new heights of excellence in teaching, research and service. I look forward to the work of creating new programmes and nurturing talent in my next role as Provost of the Singapore University of Social Sciences, and hope that I will also be able to forge new ties and collaborations between the two universities."

Having spent more than three decades at the University, Prof Goh has taken on numerous administrative and leadership roles outside of the Faculty. He was Deputy Director of the NUS Centre For the Arts from 1996 to 1999, and Deputy Director of the Asia Research Institute from 2008 to 2010.

“On behalf of the University, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Professor Robbie Goh for his dedication and strong stewardship in leading NUS FASS. Under his visionary leadership, the Faculty has made significant contributions to the advancement of education and research in the humanities and social sciences. During his leadership, the FASS 2.0 Industry Tracks programme was started to enhance the employability of its graduates. New multidisciplinary initiatives such as the Philosophy, Politics & Economics programme were also established. The Faculty has also expanded collaborations with industry and further strengthened its high international reputation,” added Prof Tan.

This story first appeared on NUSnews on 13 August 2021. The full press release is here, and Professor Lionel Wee's biography is here.

FASS Community Recognised at the 2021 National Day Awards Ceremony

IN BRIEF | 2 min read

• Eleven members of the FASS community have received awards, including the Public Administration Bronze, Commendation and Long Service Medals from the Prime Minister's Office.

• Mr Mark Teng (Director Administration, Dean's Office) was conferred the Public Administration Bronze Medal and Dr Azhar Ibrahim (Malay Studies) received the Commendation Medal.

Commendation Medal
Dr Azhar Ibrahim, Lecturer with the Department of Malay Studies, received the Commendation Medal. Dr Ibrahim earned his BA (Hons) in Southeast Asian Studies in 1997, and BA (Merit), MA and PhD from the Department of Malay Studies in 1997, 2001 and 2008. Just before returning to teach at his alma mater in 2009, Dr Ibrahim was Lecturer at the Asian Languages and Cultures (Malay Division) of the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University for seven years. The author of numerous books, articles and papers in academic journals as well as mainstream media, Dr Ibrahim is also a notable speaker and active convenor and participant of academic conferences, FASS and community events. He teaches and supervises both undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Department of Malay Studies, and his main research interests are in the areas of: religion and society, deviance and social control, and sensory studies. Long Service Medal
FASS awardees of the Long Service Medal include:

• Associate Professor Daniel Goh Pei Siong, Department of Sociology and NUS Associate Provost (Undergraduate Education)
• Associate Professor Su Jui-Lung, Department of Chinese Studies
• Associate Professor Wong Sin Kiong, Department of Chinese Studies
• Associate Professor Wong Wei Kang, Department of Economics
• Professor Henry Yeung Wai Chung, Department of Geography
• Mdm Angeline Ang Poh Kim, Associate Director, Department of English Language & Literature
• Ms Chee Lee Kuen, Management Assistant Officer, Department of Economics
• Mdm Amelia Yuen Fong Pheng, Management Assistant Officer, Dean's Office
• Mdm Salinah Binte Zuber, Management Assistant Officer, Department of Economics

The full list of NUS Recipients of National Day Awards 2021 is available here.

From Careers for a Lifetime, to a Lifetime of Careers

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• The top skills desired by employers will include critical thinking, analysis, problem-solving and self-management skills such as active learning, resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility.

What does the future of work look like? In this evolving world, new occupations and roles which did not previously exist continue to emerge, while certain traditional skills and jobs continue to become obsolete.

This story first appeared on CHS on 29 July 2021.

NUS CHS Case Competition: Driving EV Adoption in Singapore

IN BRIEF | 1 min read

• The just-released problem statement for NUS CHS' inaugural Case Competition – Encouraging electric vehicle (EV) ownership in Singapore – is an important real-world topic of especial relevance to us all, as the nation is driving toward a future of electric mobility that is essential to the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

Are you interested in translating your innovations to reality by applying interdisciplinary knowledge and skills?This is now possible with the inaugural College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) Case Competition, launched on 26 July.

The competition is specially designed for NUS students, and enables participants to synthesise ideas and perspectives from different disciplines to solve complex, real-world challenges.

The competition themes, “Sustainability” and “Technology and Us”, are highly topical today. The problem statement - Encouraging electric vehicle (EV) ownership in Singapore - is an important real-world topic, even as Singapore ushers in a future of electric mobility as a key piece of the puzzle in the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

At the virtual launch, our competition partners - the Ministry of Transport, KPMG and Schneider Electric -  discussed plans by the Singapore government to usher in the future of EV, Schneider Electric’s vision of a 100% electric mobility future with net-zero carbon emissions and upcoming trends in mobility solutions identified by the advisory arm of KPMG.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend mid-term workshops in mid-August, which provide important domain knowledge, including engineering and design, and communications skills.

The project submissions will be judged in the final round of the competition on 20 September by representatives from our competition partners. They will also be sharing their EV domain expertise with the participating teams throughout the competition.

The launch was attended by more than 100 participating teams (close to 200 individual attendees) from across NUS.

Find out more about the competition here and read the problem statement here.

Strong Interest in Interdisciplinary Learning With High Acceptance Rates

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye discusses the University’s recent interdisciplinary initiatives – the setting up of the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) and the new Common Curriculum for the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Design and Environment – and the importance of lifelong learning in ensuring that students are adaptable and future-ready.

In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world, staying stagnant is never an option. Now, more than ever, universities have to prepare students to thrive in a fast-changing and unpredictable post-COVID reality through an interdisciplinary education.

Just ask the incoming batch of freshmen, who have given a thumbs-up to the University’s recent interdisciplinary initiatives – specifically, the setting up of the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), and the new Common Curriculum for the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Design and Environment.

During the admissions exercise this year, 71 per cent of those who had applied to these programmes as the first choice accepted the offer. Among the incoming batch of freshmen, over 4,000 will be exposed to an interdisciplinary education. By August 2022, NUS hopes to push this number to more than 6,000.

“We are quite heartened that the applicants have responded very well,” said NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye, as he spoke on the new changes in NUS’ curriculum. “They are receptive to the flexibility that they will have. No more are you confined to one discipline.”

Prof Tan noted that the world faces many wicked problems that cannot be solved with only one discipline.

He cited COVID-19 as a wicked problem, requiring more than just medical sciences to solve. “Even with the right medical knowledge, many countries had difficulties handling COVID-19 and its spread,” he noted.

The pandemic, in fact, prompted NUS to ramp up efforts in remodelling its educational philosophy and pedagogies to prepare its graduates for this dynamic reality.

At the centre of these reforms is the push for lifelong learning, as well as the shift towards interdisciplinary education to ensure students are adaptable and future-ready.

A lifetime of learning

While universities used to prepare their graduates for a single job, this approach is fast becoming obsolete. Today, graduates will change jobs at least 10 times over the course of their lifetime.

In line with this trend, NUS has been future-proofing its education to prepare students for lifelong learning.

“A student’s enrolment is valid for 20 years from the point they enter the university,” Prof Tan explained. “We want to remove the conception that university is only for four years. You can always come back to (NUS) to learn new skills and knowledge.”

For instance, the NUS Lifelong Learners (L3) programme upskills alumni through a wide array of skill-based, industry-relevant courses, carefully tailored to focus on emerging skills identified under SkillsFuture such as data analytics or digital literacy.

The process of returning to NUS for further studies is also made seamless. If a student does not complete a second major or degree in their initial four years, they are welcome to return to the university to read the necessary remaining modules even after graduation.

This story first appeared on NUSnews on 26 July 2021.

Creating New Internship Opportunities: Engaging Employers to See Value in Humanities and Social Sciences

IN BRIEF | 4 min read

• Mr Jonathan Sim, instructor from the Department of Philosophy, describes how he engaged with local employers to open internship opportunities to humanities and social sciences students who would not previously have been considered.

This story first appeared on Times Higher Education on 21 June 2021.

Commencement 2021: Special Message of Congratulations to the Classes of 2020 and 2021!

IN BRIEF | 3 min watch

• FASS Faculty and students congratulate the Classes of 2020 and 2021 and wish them all the best as they go out to change the world for the better!

“We believe in you. I believe in you. Go out there, do us proud. Make the world a better place.” — Associate Professor Loy Hui Chieh, FASS Vice Dean of External Relations and Student Life FASS, joint committee member of the NUS Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) programme, and also Faculty member of staff at the NUS Department of Philosophy.

Faculty and students talk about what life has been for them this past year, what they miss about campus life, and extend words of advice and congratulations to the graduating Classes of 2020 and 2021.

This video features Assoc Prof Loy and Dr Lohsnah Jeevanandam, Senior Lecturer, NUS Department of Psychology, as well as students from the graduating Classes of 2020 and 2021: Alvarez Brielle Clavel ('20); Somesh s/o Sailesh ('20); Douglas Ong ('20), Christina Chen (Doctoral Class of '20); Ng Qian Qian ('21); and, Lai Wei Na ('21).

Meet the Neighbours: The Seven Animals You’ll Spot in NUS

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• NUS is not only a second home for staff and students, but also a place for a wide range of biodiversity to call home. Mr Athanasius Koh, a management trainee with the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and FASS Political Science alumnus ('21) tells us about the interesting animals he has spotted around campus. 

Beyond the lecture theatres, classrooms and student hangout spots, it is hard to miss the lush greenery that surrounds NUS. This has made the campus environs not only a second home for staff and students, but also a place for a wide range of biodiversity to call home.

These habitats are here to stay too. Emphasising NUS’ commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity, fighting climate change and being an environmentally responsible campus, the “Planting 10,000 Trees” initiative launched by NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye in 2018 saw 500 mature trees planted throughout the campus, as well as 9,500 saplings nurtured in the NUS nursery. In addition, a strict policy to protect existing trees was also implemented.

Mr Athanasius Koh, a management trainee with the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Corporate Communications team for the past six months, and avid nature photographer, takes regular photo walks exploring these habitats. Mr Koh, who is also from the FASS Class of 2021, shares about the interesting animals he has spotted along the way.

Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris)

A collared kingfisher perched on a tree at AS8. (Photo: Mr Athanasius Koh)

Dressed in beautiful blue feathers and a broad white “collar” around its neck, the collared kingfisher is a vocal bird spotted about campus with its series of harsh “kee-kee” notes, described by some as a maniacal laugh.

The collared kingfisher has also been quite the icon in Singapore’s history, gracing not only stamps but even the now decommissioned $10 note as part of The Bird Series Currency Notes from 1976 to 1984.

Look out for the collared kingfisher’s outstanding blue plumage as it rests atop trees and lamp posts. This sharply dressed celebrity is an easy spot around FASS and NUS Faculty of Engineering.

Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus)

 Male red junglefowls proudly flaunt their dark green tail feathers and black primary feathers. (Photo: Mr Athanasius Koh) 

Even if you have never personally caught sight of the resident FASS red junglefowl, you are more than likely to have heard its signature “cock-a-doodle-doo” around the faculty. Often confused for the domestic chicken, the red junglefowl is in fact its wild ancestor.

According to a study led by NUS ornithologist Associate Professor Frank Rheindt, the red junglefowl can be quite easily distinguished from the domestic chicken. Male red junglefowls proudly flaunt their dark green tail feathers and black primary feathers while females have distinguishing grey legs and sport black primary feathers.

While it remains a mystery why it crosses the road, the red junglefowl and its loud presence has certainly captured the attention of students and staff alike.

Plantain Squirrel (Callosciurus notatus)

A plantain squirrel resting on a tree behind AS4. (Photo: Mr Athanasius Koh)

Scurrying and leaping from tree to tree, the plantain squirrel is an adorable sight if you are lucky to observe one at rest or enjoying its meal. This active animal is one of the most common mammals in Singapore and can be identified by distinctive black and white stripes on the sides of its body and its long bushy tail.

These physical features might have you thinking what a beautiful squirrel it is, and you are not alone! In fact, Callosciurus, the plantain squirrel’s taxonomic group, translates to “beautiful squirrel”.

Blink and you just might miss this nimble creature, but the plantain squirrel can be commonly found on the trees around NUS such as at the NUS Faculty of Science. Listen out for the rustling of leaves and you just might come face-to-face with this lovable rodent.

Rose-Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)

A rose-ringed parakeet perches on a branch after breakfast along the AS6-AS8 walkway. (Photo: Mr Athanasius Koh)

Often moving in flocks and squawking in unison, the rose-ringed parakeet is a loud presence in NUS. Sporting a bright green plumage, orange beak and blue-tipped tail, males also have an added pink collar around their neck in their third year.

The rose-ringed parakeet was introduced to our green spaces as escaped pets. Native to the Indian subcontinent and northern Southeast Asia, it is a resilient bird that has thrived even in locations as far as Europe!

A bird that you might hear before you see, the rose-ringed parakeet has been spotted on sunny mornings at FASS’ Lovers’ Park and along the walkway between Blocks AS6 and AS8 grabbing its breakfast.

Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier)

The Yellow-vented Bulbul is easily distinguishable from its black eye-mask, olive-brown back and yellow undertail (Photo: Mr Athanasius Koh)

One of the most common birds in Singapore’s many green spaces besides the mynah, the yellow-vented bulbul is an easy spot with its black eye-mask, olive-brown back and wings and most strikingly, yellow undertail.

An unfussy fellow, the yellow-vented bulbul has been observed to feed on a variety of small fruits and insects. In addition, it can sometimes be seen carrying strips of man-made waste like plastic bags and tissue paper to be used as nesting material. You might have heard its distinct chirps before, without knowing that it was the yellow-vented bulbul, but now you can keep an eye out for them too! Spot them in shrubs and trees around campus, such as the patch of greenery right outside NUS Press at Block AS3.

Changeable Lizard (Calotes versicolor)

Adult male changeable lizards develop an orange-coloured head and black patches over their cheeks during the mating season (Photo: Mr Athanasius Koh)

Often mistaken for the chameleon, the changeable lizard definitely is not one at all, but that does not stop it from changing its colours when it needs to! Usually brownish to greenish yellow with faint stripes along its body, adult males develop an orange-coloured head and black patches over their cheeks during the mating season.

As common as this rapid reptile is, you might be surprised to know that it is not native to Singapore. It is believed that it was accidentally introduced in the 1980s and has since populated in numbers, aggressively displacing the native green crested lizard (Bronchocela cristatella).

While the changeable lizard is somewhat adept at camouflaging, its timid nature means that you are more likely to find it scurrying away the moment there is a slightest disturbance, rustling up the grass. They can be seen all around campus such as at the FASS Fragrant Plant Garden or outside The Deck.

Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)

An oriental pied hornbill perches on a tree outside of AS7, Shaw Foundation Building. (Photo: Mr Athanasius Koh)

The oriental pied hornbill has certainly made an impactful comeback to Singapore’s shores. Once thought to be locally extinct, the large bird can be identified by its casque atop its beak as well as its black and white plumage.

Along with other “celebrity wildlife” like the otters in Singapore, the oriental pied hornbills’ return to the mainland can be largely attributed to conservation efforts by the National Parks Board, Wildlife Reserves Singapore and the local research community. These efforts include providing sufficient mature trees for hornbills that favour nesting in tree holes.

Spotted across a number of locations in Singapore, NUS is no exception. It has been spotted in University Town and around FASS Block AS1 as well as the trees outside AS7, Shaw Foundation Building.

Now that you have met some of the interesting wildlife that have called NUS their home, be sure to keep an eye out for our neighbours in nature between classes! Do appreciate them from a safe distance and refrain from feeding them.

This story first appeared on NUSnews on 17 June 2021.

NUS CHS Case Competition: Solutions for Tomorrow

IN BRIEF | 1 min read

• The NUS College of Humanities and Sciences has launched the Case Competition Series. Register your interest now!

The NUS College of Humanities and Sciences has launched the Case Competition Series, which seeks to encourage undergraduate and post graduate students to apply their curriculum learning to tackle complex real-world challenges that require interdisciplinary approaches to their solution. The students, who are expected to work in teams comprising members from across different disciplines, will be presented with a complex problem (to be shared at the start of the competition in late July), and given four weeks to build their cases in consultation with participating industry and Faculty advisers before their presentation for the first round of judging. Scan the QR code below or just click here to register your interest as team leader for this competition now. More details will be released to participants next month.

Honouring five outstanding alumni from Arts and Social Sciences

IN BRIEF | 3 min read

• Five exceptional NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) alumni from diverse backgrounds were lauded at the annual FASS Distinguished Arts and Social Sciences Alumni Awards 2020 in a simple presentation ceremony on 30 April at Swissotel The Stamford.

(From left to right): FASS alumni Mr Yatiman Yusof, Mr Niam Chiang Meng, Ms Lim Sau Hoong, Mr Ravi Menon and Dr Liang Wern Fook have made singular contributions to the areas of the arts, education, media, finance, policy and community development.

Five exceptional NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) alumni from diverse backgrounds were lauded at the annual FASS Distinguished Arts and Social Sciences Alumni Awards 2020 in a simple presentation ceremony on 30 April at Swissotel The Stamford.

All have left their distinct mark in the wide-ranging fields that they serve. They are namely:

• Mr Yatiman Yusof (Geography and Malay Studies, ’72), Non-Resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Kenya
• Mr Niam Chiang Meng (Economics, ’83), Chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
• Ms Lim Sau Hoong (Chinese Studies, ’83), Founder, Former CEO and Executive Creative Director of advertising agency 10AM Communications
• Mr Ravi Menon (Economics, ’87), Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
• Dr Liang Wern Fook (Chinese Studies, ’89 and Master of Arts, ’92), Writer, musician and educator

Congratulating the award recipients, FASS Dean Professor Robbie Goh said, “Ms Lim Sau Hoong, Dr Liang Wern Fook, Mr Ravi Menon, Mr Niam Chiang Meng and Mr Yatiman Yusof, have made singular contributions to the arts, education, media, finance, policy and community development. Not only do their wide-ranging achievements bring pride to the FASS family, but I believe that it also attests to the disciplinary range, intellectual curiosity and critical thinking that are the hallmarks of the FASS educational experience.”

This disciplinary diversity, Prof Goh elaborated, would soon be enhanced by FASS’ partnership with the NUS Faculty of Science in the NUS College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) where students would be able to choose any major that is offered by both faculties. He added that this would be a major boost to FASS students’ educational experience as “the CHS common curriculum will prepare students for a disruptive world – by giving them a compulsory grounding in essential skills such as writing and communication, data literacy, digital literacy, design thinking and AI.”

Our alumni and their contributions

Present at the ceremony were (clockwise from top left): FASS Dean Prof Robbie Goh; Mr Menon; Dr Liang; Mr Bernard Toh, Director of NUS Alumni Relations; Mr Niam; Ms Lim; Mr Yatiman; and NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye.

A teacher and a journalist early on in his career, Mr Yatiman served key government appointments including as a Member of Parliament and Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the then-Ministry of Information and the Arts, before his retirement in 2006. In addition to being Singapore’s non-resident envoy to Kenya, Mr Yatiman is a Board Member of the Singapore Press Holdings Foundation and the Chairman of the Malay Language Council of Advisors.

Contributing extensively to the public sector too was Mr Niam who served in the Ministries of Finance, Trade and Industry, Health, Law, and Information, Communications and the Arts – including Permanent Secretary appointments in several of these Ministries. He also served at the National Population and Talent Division, and the National Climate Change Secretariat. Aside from his current MPA chairmanship, Mr Niam is also the Chairman of Gardens by the Bay Pte Ltd and MediaCorp Pte Ltd.

A heavyweight in the media, marketing, and advertising industry, Ms Lim’s creative leadership of 10AM Communications has garnered over 300 prestigious global awards including The One Show, the Clio Awards, and the Communication Arts. Identified for her unique creative talent, Ms Lim was Visual Advisor to the Planning Committee for the 2008 Beijing Olympics’ Opening Ceremony and headed the Shanghai World Expo 2010 Singapore Pavilion Advisory Panel. In 2007, Ms Lim was awarded the President’s Design Award and was named Designer of The Year for her extensive contributions to media, marketing and culture in Singapore.

Prior to his appointment at MAS, Mr Menon served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Finance. A recipient of the Singapore Government’s Meritorious Service Medal and Public Administration (Gold) Medal, he has served on boards in the public, private, and people sectors. He is currently Chairman of the Institute of Banking and Finance, and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Singapore Indian Development Association.

A singer-songwriter, poet and academic in Chinese literature and language, Dr Liang is a respected cultural figure and pioneer of Xinyao – a movement of locally composed Mandarin pop songs from the 1980s. To date, Dr Liang is the only artist who has received the National Arts Council’s Young Artist Award (Literature) and the prestigious Cultural Medallion (Music) across different art genres. He was also honoured recently with the Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award for his outstanding contribution to the promotion, enrichment and development of Chinese Singaporean culture. His canon of work includes over 15 publications of literature, more than 200 songs, and two Mandarin musicals – a number of his most important works were written and composed during his university days.

On receiving the awards

Also present at the event was NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye who presented the awards to the five alumni. Invited guests were also treated to videos of the award recipients who shared about their university days in FASS and their career highlights.

Recalling the moment he received news of the award, Mr Yatiman humbly shared, “To be frank, I’m quite surprised when I was told about it. And I thought there are hundreds, if not thousands of people who are more suitable to receive this award. I’m just a small worker in the community, not doing much in my lifetime. I think there are many others. So, for those who’ve been working hard for the good of the community, I take this award as recognition of their effort too.”

Mr Niam recalled some of his best memories were during university days where he learnt a lot about networking and life skills. It was also where he found his life partner. He said, “It is a privilege to be given this award. I would like to thank NUS and the organising committee for bestowing this honour on me and the other recipients…it means a great deal.”

Taking the form of a rising star, the alumni award represents the inspiration these individuals bring to society through their brilliant contributions towards the Faculty, University and Singapore.

Established in 2015, the Awards recognise individuals for their distinguished scholarship and outstanding service to the Faculty, the University and Singapore. These outstanding recipients have made significant impact in various fields locally and internationally, which has contributed to the betterment and promotion of the arts and social sciences.

Previous recipients of the Awards include luminaries such as former President Mr S R Nathan, Emeritus Senior Minister and former Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong, former United Nations Under-Secretary General Dr Noeleen Heyzer; Permanent Member of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights Mr Abdullah Tarmugi; and Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings Limited Mr Ho Kwon Ping.

Click here for more details on this year’s award recipients.

This story first appeared on NUSnews on 6 May 2021.

Singapore through the years: A digital cartographic record

IN BRIEF | 3 min read

• Professor Taylor and Associate Professor Feng Chen-Chieh, along with their department colleagues at NUS Geography, created Historical Maps of Singapore, an online resource hosted by NUS Libraries that provides a series of maps of different scales dating from 1846 to 2010.

A plan of Singapore town and the adjoining districts produced by John Turnbull Thomson, a Government Surveyor, and published by J.M. Richardson in London in 1846.
From quiet colonial backwater to thriving city-state, Singapore has undergone rapid transformation over the last 200 years or so.

If you are interested in finding out how the Central Business District has developed since the 1828 Jackson Plan or have a general interest in the country’s ever-changing landscape, do check out Historical Maps of Singapore, an online resource created by NUS Geography and hosted by NUS Libraries.

Historical Maps of Singapore provides a series of maps of different scales dating from 1846 to 2010. The maps have been carefully converted to a digital format and georeferenced to facilitate cross-comparison.

The work was funded through a Strategic Initiative award from NUS, and both the Singapore Land Authority and Ministry of Defence kindly provided permission for the maps to be made available online.

NUS Geography faculty members who worked on the project included the Head of Department Professor David Taylor, as well as Associate Professor Feng Chen-Chieh.

“Maps are extremely important resources, and not only for geographers. Maps are time-stamped windows not only on the ever-changing landscapes they represent in reduced form but also on the minds and values of the map-makers and those who they thought might be interested in the results of their endeavours,” said Prof Taylor.

“For example, the 1873 map shows the locations of 29 police stations, but only one hospital ~ was crime really a much greater concern than health in late 19th century Singapore?  Making the maps available in digital form opens them to a wider audience and to new forms of analysis.”

(From left to right) The changing landscape of the Telok Ayer Basin from 1860 to 1993.
The online resource is being used in teaching by NUS Geography, and has proved particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic when teaching was moved largely online.

The digitised maps have also been used in research. For example, geographers have used the maps as a basis for plotting changes in Singapore’s coastline and the extent to which coastal habitats such as mangrove forests have been lost, while researchers at NUS Chinese Studies have plotted changes in the locations of Chinese temples and kampungs – and in some cases their disappearances.

The Historical Maps of Singapore web-based resource has been made as straightforward as possible to use. Once on the website, users may select the maps that they are interested in and zoom in and out, revealing higher or lower levels of detail. They can also arrange several maps on top of one another as layers, and search for common features on the different maps. Layer swipes can also be done to compare different maps.

Clicking on the metadata, one can also view a description of the map, provenance and citation. These maps can be exported and viewed in Google Earth, QGIS or ArcGIS as layers. These features provide researchers and students from a range of disciplines with the analytical and visualisation tools needed to carry out more detailed studies of the digitised maps.

Users may swipe to compare the maps over different years.
Prof Taylor added, “The popularity of the Historical Maps of Singapore web-based resource has not surprised me. Singapore has changed so much in a relatively short period of time.

“Maps are one way of capturing and evaluating those changes. But they are capable of providing much more than a simple record of change. I hope that we are able to add to the current collection of digitised maps and associated resources in the coming years as we move increasingly into an era where geospatial information underpins so much of what we do and who we are”.

This story first appeared on NUSnews on 22 April 2021.

Archaeological survey being conducted at Alexandra Hospital, a WWII site

SINGAPORE - In one account of the Alexandra Hospital massacre of Feb 14, 1942, its football field was where Japanese soldiers gathered wounded soldiers and staff, tied them by the hands in groups, and led them away to a small building at the back of the hospital grounds.

The field of about 6,000 sq m is also believed to be the site of a mass grave of the victims.

An estimated 200 people - including patients - died over two days at the hands of the Japanese.

The site's significance is not lost on the hospital's current management and the National Heritage Board (NHB).

The two organisations are working together to survey the field, and a 3,600 sq m area at the western end of the compound, ahead of the hospital's redevelopment, which will see its grounds expanded towards Queensway.

The hospital will be redeveloped into an integrated health campus by 2030, as previously announced.

Without mentioning World War II, spokesmen for Alexandra Hospital and NHB told The Straits Times they are conducting research and documenting the site's heritage "in view of the historical significance of the hospital compound".

For now, the archaeological survey involves non-intrusive scanning of the ground.

An NHB spokesman said the survey fieldwork - which began in December - has been completed, and "all findings are being analysed to determine if there is a need to conduct further investigations".

"Any materials found during the investigation will be assessed by the archaeological surveyors and NHB, and may undergo further reviews, as necessary," the spokesmen added.

An archaeology team from the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute was commissioned by NHB to conduct the survey.

Asked why the two specific sites were chosen for the survey, the NHB spokesman said: "They have relatively uniform terrain and over-ground obstructions are absent, and are therefore suitable for ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveying.

"Geophysical methods such as GPR are commonly used by archaeologists as a non-intrusive way to survey landscapes, which can provide extensive ground imaging without disturbing the ground."

Procurement documents published last October show that the survey is seeking to "locate and determine the extent and the nature of any anomalous subsoil feature(s) such as backfill, old building foundation and walls, soil cavities and services" that may be attributed to the early and mid-1900s.

Such features are expected to be within the first one or two metres below the surface.

The documents also have provisions for a contractor to provide equipment and manpower needed for trial trenching, if it is deemed necessary after the GPR results are assessed.

Trial trenching is a quick method that allows archaeologists to determine the archaeological value of a site, where several trenches are dug for evaluation, leaving the majority of the site untouched.

A single explanation for the massacre has not been found, but some claim the Japanese were pursuing troops that had fired at them from the hospital grounds.

About 50 victims were shot or bayoneted in the wards during the rampage, including one patient undergoing surgery on the operating table, while about 150 people who were rounded up and kept in three small rooms overnight either died there or suffered the same fate as those in the wards over the course of the night and the next morning.

Archaeologist John Miksic, a professor at the National University of Singapore's Department of South-east Asian Studies, said that the survey may potentially contribute to two fields of archaeological research - the colonial period and military/battlefield archaeology.

"Not much has been published on these two topics," said Prof Miksic.

Apart from the massacre, he said Alexandra Hospital also has the potential to yield information on the relationship between the British military presence and the local society of Singapore in general.

"It will be difficult to assign specific archaeological discoveries to the event of the massacre itself, though it might be possible to find a mass grave of the victims," he added.

Although not involved in this survey, Prof Miksic said that any data from the colonial era found at the hospital would be useful for comparison with data from other parts of Singapore, and with different types of sites.

Excavations that Prof Miksic participated in previously in the Central Business District yielded artefacts from the colonial period.

Dr Jack Lee, president of the Singapore Heritage Society, welcomed the news of the archaeological survey, saying that studies of sites being redeveloped, especially in locations where there is a chance of artefacts being found, should be encouraged.

He added that while the present archaeological investigation is taking place on state-owned land, he hoped that private land owners will also allow researchers to have the time to carry out similar research in the future "so that the chance to learn more about Singapore's heritage is not lost in the constant redevelopment of the urban landscape".

Heritage author Jerome Lim said that while it is difficult to predict what this survey might uncover, it is important to carry it out before redevelopment, which may prevent anything of historical significance from ever being discovered.

He hoped that more attention will be paid to the heritage value of other buildings on the hospital's grounds, other than the three blocks that have already been conserved.

"I feel some further consideration should be made for their conservation due to the history of the site as Britain's main military hospital in Singapore from 1940 to 1971," he said.

#DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 | Sign Up for Masterclasses, Learn All About Our Majors

As part of the #DiscoverFASS@CHS campaign leading up to our Open House in May this year, we are holding 'live' Masterclasses presented by three of our award-winning Faculty members, and our Departments are hosting 'live' Q&A sessions for prospective students. These are opportunities not to be missed if you wish to know all you need to know about classes here and the myriad programmes available to you if you are a part of the FASS community. Masterclasses by Award-Winning Faculty
Experience lessons led by our dynamic faculty members. Roasted Fetuses and Corpse Magic: An Introduction to Supernaturalism in Southeast Asia
Presented by Associate Professor Irving Johnson, Department of Southeast Asian Studies
The class aims to foreground the fascinating world of beliefs in supernaturalism that pervade Southeast Asian lives. Many of us enjoy telling and listening to creepy stories, watching horror movies on Netflix or dabbling in the esoteric. In this masterclass, we will look at some of the beliefs that structure constructions of the supernatural in modern Southeast Asia. The class revolves around a series of interrelated questions that seek to discover commonalities in popular belief systems and their prominence in the region, linking supernaturalism to larger issues of power, gender and politics. Evidence and Promise Making
Presented by Assistant Professor Zachary Barnett, Department of Philosophy
Promise-making is an important part of life. We make promises to our friends, families, and significant others, and they make promises to us. We will look at a puzzle that arises when we think about "promising against the odds": How should I feel about making a promise, if I know that most of the people in my exact situation end up breaking that promise? For example, suppose that I promise to quit smoking cigarettes. At the same time, I know that most people who sincerely promise to quit smoking do not actually succeed on their first attempt. Should I believe that I will be the exception to the rule? If not, am I justified in making the promise in the first place? And if I do make the promise, should my friends and family believe me? These questions arise in many different contexts, ranging from the superficial to the serious, involving addiction or relationships. Making Sense of Self-Awareness and What That May Mean
Presented by Dr Peace Wong Yuh Ju, Department of Social Work
In this talk, Dr Wong will attempt to broaden our understanding about ‘self’ and what that may mean to us. It is not uncommon for students in wanting to gain greater self-awareness with the attempt to learn more about one’s beliefs/feelings in relation to the observed world around us. Yet, how do we deepen our understanding of ‘self’, given that we are both familiar with who we are, and yet at times finding ourselves baffled by our reactions, and wondered why we respond in a certain manner? We will briefly discuss the various influences that may impact our values and beliefs, as well as consider what knowing your ‘self’ may mean to you.

To register for Masterclasses, click here. 

Live Q&As with our Departments 
Meet key Faculty and student representatives of every FASS Department and major programme in their respective Zoom meeting rooms and ask them specific questions about the requirements, content and value of the programmes they offer.

Department of Chinese Studies

The Chinese Studies Department provides training in diverse areas of Chinese Studies and Chinese Language, with the aim of preparing students for employment in a wide range of sectors. Graduates are offered career opportunities as professionals in the educational and business sectors, academia, the translation service industry and the mass media.

Join the Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on what this Department offers.

Department of Communications and New Media

Communications and New Media (CNM) at the National University of Singapore is the only Department in Southeast Asia that offers media studies, interactive media design, cultural studies, and communication management with a focus on new media.

Join the Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of Economics

The Department of Economics has an established reputation as one of the largest and leading departments of Economics in the Asia-Pacific region. Faculty members’ research areas span a wide range of economic fields, with strength in the core areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, as well as in particular fields such as game theory and industrial organization, labor economics, education, financial economics, and growth theory and development with special reference to Asia.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here. This session includes discussion of the Data Science and Economics Cross-Disciplinary Programme (DSE-XDP).

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of English Language, Literature and Theatre Studies

The Department of English Language, Literature and Theatre Studies houses three undergraduate majors and three graduate programmes. The English Language major offers an education in linguistics, the study of human language. The undergraduate programme in English Literature is designed to provide a broad foundation in reading and analysing texts of all kinds. And, the Theatre Studies curriculum delivers education in all areas of theatre and performance history, production and interpretation.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of Geography

Modules in the Department of Geography are organized along four areas of enquiry: environmental processes and change; global political economy; society and culture; and regional specializations (with a focus on Asia). The Department also offers a Field Studies module in which students travel to countries in the region such as Thailand and Malaysia where they conduct field work and collect research material over a 3-5 week period. Home-stays and visits to local universities and key sites of interest are part of the overseas learning experience it delivers.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here. This session includes discussion of the Bachelor of Environmental Studies Programme (BES-XDP).

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of History

The Department of History offers training at undergraduate and graduate levels, and its teaching and research expertise lies primarily in the history of Southeast and East Asia, but there is strong selection of module offerings in European, American, and military history, as well as the history of art, business, religion, science and technology.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of Japanese Studies

Founded in 1981, the Department of Japanese Studies is one of the largest area studies departments devoted to the study of Japan in the Asia-Pacific region, and offers BA, MA and PhD degrees in Japanese Studies taught by specialists with qualifications from leading universities around the world.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of Malay Studies

The Department of Malay Studies actively engages in research on a wide range of issues concerning the Malay world from a multi-disciplinary perspective, promotes exchanges with centres of Malay studies worldwide, and encourages the development of new and alternative approaches to the understanding of Malay history, economy, politics, society and culture.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of Philosophy

The Department of Philosophy is one of Asia’s leading centres for philosophical education and research. It is the top English-language philosophy program in Asia, and the inaugural Asian member of the Australasian Association of Philosophy. The faculty members have a broad range of interests spanning diverse philosophical traditions, offer a philosophical education spanning diverse philosophical traditions.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here. This session will also include discussion of the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Cross-Disciplinary Programme (PPE-XDP).

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of Political Science

The Department of Political Science offers modules in comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public administration. It also houses the Global Studies Programme, a new, multidisciplinary field of inquiry that examines the processes and effects of globalisation across political, economic, social and cultural domains around the world.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here. This session includes discussion of the Global Studies Programme.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of Psychology

The Psychology programme at NUS aims to equip students with knowledge in the key areas of psychology (such as human biological processes, developmental processes, social processes, cognitive processes, mental health and adjustment of individuals) as well as an understanding of the applications of psychology. It also develops skills for undertaking studies of behaviour, including statistical skills and the use of computers for data analyses.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of Social Work

The main objective of the undergraduate General and Honours degree programme offered by the Department of Social Work is to equip its graduates for entry into the social work profession at the direct-service level. Students are exposed to social service visits, skills laboratory training, fieldwork placements and module projects, among other applied learning methods.

Go to this Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of Sociology

The Department of Sociology is a diverse, dynamic and innovative research and teaching unit with strong expertise in research on Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia as well as on Singapore society. One of the largest Sociology departments in the world, it offers comprehensive undergraduate, honours and graduate programmes, led by a group of dedicated and creative researchers and educators.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

South Asian Studies Programme

South Asian Studies, as offered by the South Asian Studies Programme (SASP), focuses on the region comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. At the undergraduate level, students are offered a range of modules in economics, religious and cultural studies, history, international relations, philosophy, politics and gender studies. The aim is to provide graduates of the programme with a broad understanding of the region from different points of view - knowledge that will be useful in dealing with this changing region in the 21st century.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Department of Southeast Asian Studies

The Department of Southeast Asian Studies is located in the Asian Studies Division of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and offers distinctive programmes for anyone interested in studying Southeast Asia, from the undergraduate to the PhD level.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Centre for Language Studies

The Centre for Language Studies was established in 2001 to serve the foreign language needs of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and has today over 80 full-time and part-time faculty members. It teaches thirteen different languages - Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Spanish, Tamil, Thai and Vietnamese - to app. over 3,300 students per semester and thus helps them acquire a very valuable economic and social resource in today's world of growing globalisation and internationalisation.

The Department's #DiscoverFASS@CHS 2021 'Live' Q&A session on 21 April (2-4 pm) here.

In the meantime, visit the College of Humanities Programmes page for more details on the programmes offered by this Department.

Webinar on Greater than the Sum of Its Ports: Maritime Networks in Premodern Southeast Asia by Emeritus Professor John Miksic

The South China Sea was already crisscrossed by regular sailing routes 3,500 years ago. Archaeological research is slowly building up a picture of the networks which evolved before the arrival of the Dutch and English in 1600 interrupted the previous relation between ports in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Singapore arose at a propitious time in the evolution of Asian maritime trade networks. This talk will describe the evidence for the development of port networks, the progress of archaeological research in adding to our understanding of how maritime trade networks operated in Asia in ancient and medieval times, and the probable shape of the network in the Temasek period (14th century).

John N. Miksic received his PhD from Cornell University based on archaeological fieldwork in Sumatra. In 1987 he joined the National University of Singapore, where he is Emeritus Professor in the Southeast Asian Studies Department. He founded the Archaeology Unit at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. He has received awards from the government of Singapore and the court of Surakarta (Indonesia). His book Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea won the inaugural award for best book on Singapore history in 2018. His specialties include historical archaeology of Southeast Asia, urbanization, trade, Buddhism, and ceramics.

Munshi Abdullah is a 'genius of his own', interested in technology and not pro-Western

(Article is in Malay Language)

27 February 2021, BERITA Mediacorp

Munshi Abdullah adalah 'genius tersendiri', minat teknologi dan bukan pro-Barat
Oleh: IRA MUSFIRAH

SINGAPURA: Tahukah anda, Munshi Abdullah bukan setakat seorang tokoh persuratan sahaja, malah beliau juga seorang 'genius' tersendiri yang cukup berminat dengan teknologi serta bukan pro-Barat.

Demikian antara hujah-hujah beberapa sarjana terkemuka Asia Tenggara mengenai ketokohan Munshi Abdullah, atau nama sebenarnya Abdullah Bin Abdul Kadir Munshi, yang kini diberi perspektif-perspektif segar dan baru.

Bapa kesusasteraan Melayu moden itu menerusi pelbagai penulisannya pada separuh pertama abad ke-19, banyak merakamkan tentang sejarah Singapura dan Asia Tenggara.

Namun sejarawan-sejarawan Barat turut memaparkan Munshi Abdullah sebagai seorang yang pro-Barat serta bergantung kepada penaung-penaung penjajah Inggeris.

"Saya rasa bahawa ia tidak tepat dan berbaur Orientalis," tegas Prof Madya Farish Noor, sarjana dan sejarawan Asia Tenggara.

"Dewasa ini kalau kita melihat bagaimana Munshi Abdullah dikaji kembali dan dibaca kembali, khususnya daripada ilmuan-ilmuan Asia Tenggara sendiri, kita dapat lihat bahawa sebenarnya beliau mempunyai suara dan pendirian yang lebih kukuh dan tidak begitu kagum kepada kuasa kolonial Eropah pada waktu itu. Kita dalam proses menilai kembali, pendapat belia, idea beliau, legasi warisan yang ditinggalkan beliau."

Prof Madya Farish merumuskan bahawa Munshi Abdullah adalah seorang individu yang "jauh lebih kompleks dari yang kita sangka".

Penilaian semula tentang ketokohan Munshi Abdullah itu dibincangkan hari ini (27 Feb) dalam satu sesi mengupas buku ilmiah dua jilid terbaru berjudul 'Abdullah Bin Abdul Kadir Munshi' tulisan sarjana pengajian Melayu terkemuka, Prof Madya Hadijah Rahmat.

Prof Madya Farish merupakan antara anggota panel sesi itu berlangsung di Perpustakaan Negara, selain sejarawan terkemuka Prof John Miksic, pensyarah Jabatan Pengajian Melayu di Universiti Nasional Singapura (NUS) Dr Azhar Ibrahim dan konsultan perniagaan antarabangsa Tengku Sri Indra.

Buku itu, yang mengambil masa 25 tahun untuk dihasilkan, adalah kajian paling komprehensif mengenai Munshi Abdullah yang pernah dibuat sejauh ini.

Ia cukup kaya dengan pelbagai sudut pandangan baru tentang tokoh tersebut dan menyatukan banyak bahan arkib baru dari Eropah, Amerika Syarikat dan Indonesia yang belum diteroka sebelum ini.

Dalam pencerakinan beliau pula Prof John Miksic menarik perhatian betapa Munshi Abdullah punya kerjaya yang panjang iaitu selama 30 tahun.

Dalam tempoh itu, Munshi Abdullah katanya didapati memaparkan idea-idea yang berubah dan berkembang.

"Apabila beliau mendapat lebih banyak idea tenang teknologi contohnya. Beliau bukan setakat sarjana persuratan - beliau juga seorang teknisyen, tahu bagaimana mengendalikan mesin cetak dan mengajar orang Melayu lain bagaimana mencetak buku. Beliau juga berminat tentang perkara seperti kapal wap.

"Jadi kita tahu beliau bukan minat dalam sastera sahaja, tetapi juga perkara-perkara yang praktikal," kata pengkaji terkenal itu yang merupakan Profesor Pengajian Asia Tenggara di Universiti Nasional Singapura (NUS).

Bagi Prof Madya Hadijah sendiri, beliau bermotivasi untuk mengkaji dan menulis buku itu kerana ada banyak persoalan dan kontroversi berkenaan tokoh persuratan abad ke-19 itu yang belum terjawab sebelum ini

"Jadi saya rasa perlu untuk mencari hakikat sebenar mengenai tulisan beliau (Munshi Abdullah) dan latar belakang beliau supaya kontroversi itu dapat dijawab.

"Bahan-bahan yang dikaji itu tak ada di Singapura, ada di Eropah, di Amerika dan di Indonesia dan di beberapa tempat yang lain. Jadi saya terpaksa mengembara, merentas lautan dan benua, untuk melihat dan meneliti karya-karya tersebut dan penelitian itu memerlukan masa. Dan saya mengambil cuti belajar (sabbatical)sebanyak dua kali, untuk melakukan kajian-kajian ini," cerita Prof Madya Hadijah kepada BERITAmediacorp.

Antara sumber-sumber utama yang diperolehinya adalah daripada Sekolah Pengajian Ketimuran dan Afrika, Universiti Harvard dan Perpustakaan Nasional Indonesia.

Yang pasti, para sarjana itu percaya Munshi Abdullah adalah tokoh intelektual yang melihat pentingnya sejarah.

Menurut Prof Madya Farish, kisah Munshi Abdullah "masih relevan buat kita pada zaman ini".

"Khususnya bagaimana beliau melihat pentingnya sejarah, sifat rasional, akal fikiran, pentingnya inovasi baik dalam bidang kerja mahupun dalam bidang ekonomi. Saya rasa ini merupakan idea-idea yang masih relevan. Malah lebih relevan pada wkatu itu.

"Jadi kerana itulah saya sarankan anak-anak muda dan ilmuan-ilmuan membaca buku ini dan dapat sudut pandangan yang berbeza daripada apa yang kita ketahui 20, 30 tahun yang lalu," tambah pemikir Asia Tenggara itu.

Prof Miksic pula menarik perhatian betapa sebagai seorang intelek pada zamannya,
Munshi Abdullah mementingkan akal serta mengetengahkan hujah dan analisis logikal tentang "dialog-dialog semasa" dalam masyarakat beliau ketika itu.

Penulis "Hikayat Abdullah" juga banyak memberi reaksi kepada "semua evolusi baru yang berlaku pada awal tahun-tahun 1800-an.

"Abdullah sentiasa menekankan 'akal' dan bukan khayalan... Beliau sentiasa sangat prihatin dengan realiti dan tidak mengada-adakan sesuatu.

"Tulisan beliau sentiasa mengenai sebahagian daripada hujahdan dialog-dialog yang sedang berlangsung dalam masyarakat. Ini sangat baru bagi zamannya... bagaimana beliau melaksanakannya beberapa idea baru buat pertama kalinya.

"Beliau kelihatannya tidak dipengaruhi oleh sesuatu yang tertentu dalam kerjanya. Dia kelihatannya, sebilangan orang menyifatkannya sebagai 'genius' tersendiri. Beliau tidak begitu dipengaruhi oleh sesiapa. Beliau seorang yang unik," menurut Prof Miksic semasa berkongsi pandangannya kepada BERITAmediacorp.

Kini, dengan lahir sudah kajian dan buku yang dianggap sebagai suatu penerobosan mengenai Munshi Abdullah, Prof Madya Hadijah memendam dua keping harapan.

"Harapan saya yang pertama adalah masyarakat akan membacanya, menelitinya dan membahaskannya sebab nilainya akan menjadi sia-sia jika tidak dibaca oleh masyarakat. Dan jangan pula sampai orang luar dan masyarakat lain membaca dan mendapat manfaat sementara masyarakat kita tidak mempedulikannya.

Kedua, ujar Ketua Kumpulan Akademik Bahasa dan Budaya Asia Institut Pendidikan Nasional NTU itu, beliau berharap agar akan ada golongan generasi muda yang meneruskan pengajian mengenai Munshi Abdullah dari sudut-sudut yang berbeza.

Buku 'Abdullah Bin Abdul Kadir Munshi' yang meliputi dua jilid itu boleh anda beli di kedai-kedai buku utama ataupun secara naskhah elektronik bermula S$72.

- BERITAmediacorp/ha

by Ira Musfirah for BERITAMediacorp

Instructor / Teaching Assistant Positions in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

To apply, please go to NUS Careers.

Lecturer Positions in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

• 1 Lecturer (Integrated Humanities)
• 2 Lecturers (Social Sciences)
• 2 Lecturers (Asian Studies)

• Conduct lectures and tutorials (discussion groups) and support students via email, office hours.
• Provide administrative support and assist in the day to day running of the module.
• Prepare educational resources and course materials.
• Evaluate module assessment components.

• A PhD in a relevant discipline (in the Humanities, Social Sciences, or Asian Studies)
• Candidates must have excellent verbal, reading, and written skills, and be able to explain difficult concepts clearly.
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team with diverse interests and opinions; team teaching experience preferred.
• Experience with and commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research, particularly across cultural traditions/regions.
• Experience with interdisciplinary curriculum design and development preferred.
• Experience teaching in a common curriculum for first-year students preferred.
• Ability to facilitate discussions for undergraduate students, especially with first-year students of diverse backgrounds, interests and abilities.
• Teaching experience with good student feedback preferred.
• Commitment to continual pedagogical improvement and a scholarly approach to education.

Beyond the classroom: Innovations that change the world

IN BRIEF | 5 min read

• Find out why these six entries stand out among the 32 proposals submitted to the NUS Resilience and Growth Innovation Challenge this year

Sometimes, a bright idea is all it takes to spark a global transformation.

With that in mind, the NUS Resilience and Growth Innovation Challenge had invited recent NUS graduates to submit inspiring proposals under three categories:

• Make Our People Better
• Make Our Society Better
• Make the World Better

As COVID-19 remains a threat, initiatives in the “Make Our People Better” category aim to improve quality of life through better home-based learning and promoting sustainable food consumption. The evaluation panel was led by Ms Melissa Kwee, CEO of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, and Professor Simon Chesterman, Dean of NUS Law.

Projects in the “Make Our Society Better” category aspire to create a more cohesive society. The panel was helmed by Ms Tan Li San, CEO Designate of the National Council of Social Service, and Professor Robbie Goh, Dean of NUS Arts and Social Sciences.

Proposals under the “Make the World Better” category include eco-friendly products and projects to arm youths with the relevant skills to thrive in a globalised world. The panel was co-chaired by Professor Tommy Koh, Rector of NUS Tembusu College, and Professor Phoon Kok Kwang, NUS Senior Vice Provost (Academic Affairs).

“As future leaders of society, our youth carry the responsibility of leaving their mark on the next generation. In this regard, it is heartening to see them championing causes that can positively impact the world,” said NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye.

NUS is continually reviewing new proposals that are streaming in. The University intends to support 115 projects in all, a nod to its 115^th anniversary that is being celebrated this year.

These six ideas stood out from the 32 projects supported so far.

Encouraging budding home farmers

Lettuce, mint and even tomatoes – Singaporeans may soon be able to grow these vegetables and more in their HDB flats.

Having witnessed “a deep psychological fear” when COVID-19 sparked panic buying here, Toby Fong and his team – superFARM – decided to bolster the nation’s food security. Their plan? Encourage green fingers through home-based farming.

“When we think about food security, it’s usually at a national level so it almost feels like the individual (is disconnected) from the entire food security equation,” said Toby, who graduated with a Master’s from NUS Architecture this year.

Under the “Make Our People Better” category, Toby, NUS Computing graduate Lim Hui Qi and NUS Arts and Social Sciences graduate Ong Jun Ren will design modular farming units that can fit into the smallest of homes. These units can also be customised for bigger spaces.

The plan is to transform niche hydroponics systems into functional mini-farms. In the next six months, half of their $50,000 funding will go to research such as field testing and online surveys, while the rest will be used for prototype development.

The team also wants to expand the individual’s role in food security to make sustainability a way of life.

“We want to recalibrate people’s attitude and behaviour to encourage responsible food consumption,” said Toby.

Making science fun for kids

Using portable science kits, sci@home is a project that will support community outreach efforts during the year-end school holidays by making science fun for underprivileged children.

“COVID-19 has unfortunately disrupted physical community engagement and outdoor learning opportunities for children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” said team member Lau Shi Yun, a NUS Physics graduate.

A $49,000 grant will allow Shi Yun and her four teammates – NUS Life Sciences graduate Chee Min Yee, NUS Psychology graduate Constance Seah, final-year Life Sciences student Pang Seok Mun and final-year NUS Chemistry student Jane Yap – to provide the kits for free. Each comes with the necessary materials and an activity booklet to help users understand the content better.

The five came together for this project that falls under the “Make Our People Better” category.

Faculty of Science undergraduates from Young Educators in Science – a programme that trains students to teach science – will serve as facilitators. They will conduct in-person and online sessions on how to apply scientific concepts such as density and polarity in real life.

With a supplementary YouTube channel, lessons are made more accessible as children can revisit previous experiments and clarify doubts anytime.

The kits will be distributed to beneficiaries by community partners. Sci@home will also use the grant to develop new kits once a month and beef up their online engagement tools and platforms.

“By tackling some of the challenges that these children and their families may face, we hope to help these young children adapt to home-based digital learning,” said Seok Mun.

Connecting generations through collections

At Tiny Museums, Singaporeans can explore an online trove of personal collections – ranging from ancient kerises to vintage vinyls – with guided tours from their owners.

The brainchild of Chua Ying Qing, Bu Dongqing – Master’s in NUS Southeast Asian Studies graduates – and Jamie Lee, the initiative aims to foster intergenerational connection under the “Make Our Society Better” category.

“The divide between older and younger generations is a growing concern in Singapore, and bridging this gap can seem like quite an insurmountable task,” said Jamie, a Southeast Asian Studies graduate.

Seeking a creative approach, the team linked up with The Folklore Archives, a group that organises in-person tours showing private collections of senior citizens to students and members of the public.

When COVID-19 hit and gatherings were banned, Tiny Museums tapped The Folklore Archives’ projects to build an online platform offering virtual tours.

While the duration and number of participants per session are still being firmed up, the team has partnered with schools and senior care centres for trials.

To widen their collection, the team has reached out to more senior collectors via Facebook and WhatsApp, and are currently screening potential candidates. There are also plans to use their $50,000 grant to create short films for collectors to showcase their wares.

“(Through this project), we hope to spark organic interactions between individuals of different ages and backgrounds,” said Jamie. “Ideally, we’d like to recreate that sense of intimacy in the original Folklore Archives sessions.”

Building digital bridges for mentorship

Entering the workforce can be intimidating for soon-to-be graduates. But with a helping hand, the transition from student to professional life can be smoothened

For NUS Mechanical Engineering graduate Shaik Jifridin and his team, they realised the importance of networking and value of building a mentorship culture with people who are successful in their own disciplines.

But connecting with the right people was difficult. The restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic made things worse by curtailing physical interactions.

To bridge the gap, Shaik and his team created With.Network, an online social platform for NUS students that forges seamless connections through sharing of ideas and collaborations.

“We want to redefine mentorship and allow schools to scale mentorship operations,” said Shaik, who counts fellow Mechanical Engineering graduate Mohammad Azfar, NUS Computing Science graduates Shradheya Thakre and Ryan Ang, and NUS Communications and New Media graduate Vivian Ngiam as his teammates.

The platform allows students and alumni to connect in a private network and engage meaningfully under the guidance of NUS. Mentees can view available mentors from various industries such as advertising or IT. The platform’s settings also allow mentors to choose how often they prefer to be contacted.

Its pilot run in February 2021 will include 50 students paired with several alumni of NUS Enterprise, the university’s entrepreneurship arm.

“We found that most alumni who have been in the workforce for at least five years are open to share their knowledge and mentor students from their alma mater if approached,” said Shaik.

By fostering greater collaborations within the school network, the team hopes to create a stronger, lasting mentorship culture.

Bag it up, we’re going green

As clothes and groceries arrived at his doorstep during the circuit breaker period, NUS Engineering graduate Sean Lee soon discovered that his online buys came with piles of plastic bags.

While e-commerce has certainly made his life easier, the amount of packaging waste spurred him and four friends to propose an eco-friendly alternative.

“The items are brought to us, so the extra packaging doesn’t make much sense,” said Sean. “This puts a lot of pressure on the consumer to be responsible (in disposing of) this packaging.”

Together with fellow Engineering alumni Jeremy Chew, Marcus Lo and Cui Wenshuo, and NUS Science graduate Edwin Wong, Sean pitched their ECOPack idea under the “Make the World Better” category.

Made for online customers, the eco-friendly carrier is designed to be durable, easy to clean and highly functional.

Customers can drop the bags off at easily accessible businesses such as supermarkets and retail stores working with ECOPack. It is a win-win partnership as brands can embrace sustainability while increasing foot traffic.

The ECOPacks will be collected and sent for cleaning, while quality checks will be done at a central location to ensure a longer lifespan to offset the carbon footprint caused by production.

Empowering Asian youth in underserved communities

As children who led nomadic lives in Mongolia, Temuulen Bayaraa and Solongo Batsuren overcame the odds to become successful young professionals today.

Their experience motivated them to empower the next generation through self-development programmes. Together with fellow Mongolians Saruul Khatanbaatar and Binderiya Makhbal, who are all Master’s in Public Policy graduates, they created Equity Lab.

“(Mongolian youth) want to be provided with the opportunities to grow and the ability to be in charge of their future,” said Saruul, whose team participated in the “Make Our People Better” category.

They discovered that nearly one in three Mongolians live in extreme poverty, a systemic issue perpetuated by poor access to quality infrastructure and services. However, the lack of social mobility was something they could address.

From their research, the team found that 15- to 18-year-olds would benefit most from their project. Through workshops, the youngsters will gain financial and communication skills, digital literacy and a better idea of their career prospects.

With their $50,000 grant, Equity Lab will develop educational resources and activities, and use a digital tool that offers gamified solutions to attract and incentivise students.

Their prototype will be tested with a partner school on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. Once successful, they plan to expand the programme to similar underserved communities across Southeast Asia.

“We want to see many more youths who are confident in their future and have the will to create positive impact both locally and globally,” said Temuulen, co-lead of Equity Lab.

This story first appeared in NUSnews on 14 December 2020.

Pursuing passion for migrant worker issues

Rhodes scholarship winner plans to delve into subject in her PhD studies at Oxford

Congratulations to Poh Yong Han for being awarded the 2021 Singapore Rhodes Scholarship

We would like to congratulate Poh Yong Han who is currently reading an MA in Southeast Asian Studies for being awarded the 2021 Singapore Rhodes Scholarship. She graduated with an A.B. Degree in Social Anthropology and East Asian Studies from Harvard University in May 2020, with a secondary in Ethnicity, Migration and Rights. She will be pursuing a DPhil in Anthropology at the University of Oxford, matriculating in October 2021.

About the Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is an international scholarship programme established at Oxford University in 1903, which aims to select creative young leaders with a commitment to serving others. Singapore resumed the conferment of one Singapore Rhodes Scholar per year since 2018, after a 14-year hiatus. The Rhodes Scholarship for Singapore is funded in partnership with APS Asset Management Singapore (see attached Jan18 press release1). The Singapore Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee is chaired by former Head of the Civil Service Mr Peter Ho, and comprises former Rhodes Scholars and eminent Singaporeans. The Rhodes National Secretary for Singapore is Professor Andrew Wee of the National University of Singapore, a Singapore Rhodes Scholar (1987) himself.

No August 2021 Intake: Master of Arts (Southeast Asian Studies) by Coursework

Congratulations to Said Effendy for being awarded the ISEAS Tan Cheng Lock MA Scholarship!

Associate Professor Douglas Kammen appointed as the Dean’s Chair

NUS Resilience and Growth Initiative - Application for Masters Coursework Programme

*NEW* Minor in Asian Studies (Commencing Semester 1, AY 2020/2021)

[ POSTPONED ] Class and Representation in Developing Democracies: The Case of Indonesia (Thursday 26 March 2020)

SEAS Alumnus Dr Sorasich Swangsilp awarded National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) Award

Congratulations Dr Sorasich Swangsilp on the achievement!

CALL FOR PAPERS - Escaping Kakania Eastern European Travels in Colonial Southeast Asia

Call For Papers | Deadline 5 MARCH 2020

ESCAPING KAKANIA EASTERN EUROPEAN TRAVELS IN COLONIAL SOUTHEAST ASIA

Workshop Date | 16 - 17 November 2020 (to be confirmed) Venue | Faculty of Arts of Social Sciences, National University of Singapore

Selected participants will be invited to a workshop at the National University of Singapore and provided with accommodation (3 nights) and return airfare by the most economical route of up to S$1,200. We aim to publish the final versions of the essays in an edited volume with a reputable publisher.

Javanese Gamelan for Beginners

Voyage Module (Semester 2, AY19/20) – APPLICATIONS CLOSED!

SE3234 Sea, Islands, Vessels: A Voyage of Exploration

Join an amazing voyage on a classic sailing ship through the Riau Archipelago and along Sumatra’s coast, stopping at many islands, exploring Indonesian multi-ethnic towns, fishing villages, and uninhabited islands. Meet locals and learn about life in island communities – how isolated are they, how connected? How isolated are we?  Learn about the history, culture, environment, and economic situation of the fascinating region, also from their perspective.

Get to know intimately the sea. On kayaks explore lagoons. Experience how it feels to live with fellow sailors in the tiny floating world of the boat. Learn how to sail: hoist sails, keep watch, navigate, read charts, steer the ship. We will have a captain, but we will be the crew!

Application deadline: 25 November 2019. CLOSED

Voyage dates: 22 Feb – 1 March 2020 (Recess Week)

Emeritus Professor Award - Professor John Miksic

FASS Awards Ceremony 2019

1. Jennifer Stephanie Silver Benjamin Batson Medal and Prize (Best Graduate Student in Masters of Arts)
2. Levonne Goh Yan Xin Kernial Singh Sandhu Prize (Best Southeast Asian Studies Honours in Year 4)
3. Jamie Annabelle Lee Tzea Lynn ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Prize (Best Southeast Asian Studies Major in Year 3)
4. Koh Tze Yang Special Book Prize in Southeast Asian Studies (Best Southeast Asian Studies Major in Year 2)

New Publication: Cina Timor: Baba, Hakka, and Cantonese in the Making of Timor-Leste by Douglas Kammen and Jonathan Chen

Learning more about 'protectors' of sultans

New Publication: Hard at Work: Life in Singapore by Gerard Sasges and Ng Shi Wen (Eds.)

NUS NEWS Education - Yeo Tze Yang: Award-winning artist with a heart for SE Asia

NUS NEWS Research - Prof John Miksic: Unearthing Singapore's forgotten treasures

Javanese Gamelan for Beginners Workshop

New Publication: Wayang and Its Doubles: Javanese Puppet Theatre, Television and the Internet by Jan Mrazek

Sea storms that could have cut short Singapore's port history

Study on life of ex-villagers on Southern Islands

Friday, 29 March 2019, Home, The Straits Times by Melody Zaccheus, Heritage and Community  Correspondent

New Publication: Independent Timor-Leste Between Coercion and Consent by Douglas Kammen

Singapore bicentennial: An Island's Journey

Sunday, 27 January 2019, Insight, The Sunday Times by Melody Zaccheus, Heritage and Community  Correspondent

New Voyage Module (Semester 3, AY18/19) - APPLICATIONS CLOSED

SE3234 Sea, Islands, Vessels: A Voyage of Exploration

Job Vacancy: Associate Professor/Professor - 1 position

• a cover letter
• up-to-date CV
• a statement describing their research trajectory thus far and future plans
• a statement describing their teaching philosophy, and
• contact details for 3 referees

Exhibition site of Fort Canning archaeological dig to be refreshed for first time in 17 years

Borneo Due West: A Post-Voyage Presentation & Exhibition

Love and Betrayal in Balingkang (Friday, 16 November 2018, 7:00pm)

Learning outside the Classroom - Prof John N Miksic

Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA) 2018

Fresh dig to unearth Singapore History

Veteran archaeologist to conduct six-week dig at Fort Canning.

FASS Awards Ceremony 2018

TOPENG - The Masked Theatre of Bali

New Publication: After Heritage: Critical Perspectives on Heritage from Below by Hamzah Muzaini and Claudia Minca (eds.)

The first Archaeologist in the Lion City.

2,000 artifacts excavated in 10 days.

Originally wanting to do research in the extreme cold climate, [he] unwittingly came to the lion city.

Winner of "Singapore History Prize"

General Office Operating Hours During the Month of Ramadan & Eve of Hari Raya Puasa (Eidulfitri)

The Malay community is lazy? Archaeologists release their studies.

Masyarakat Melayu malas? Pakar arkeologi dedahkan kajiannya

BERITAMediacorp: Masyarakat Melayu merupakan masyarakat yang rajin dan aktif sejak 700 tahun lalu dengan tanggungjawab dan peranan yang berbeza - dari bidang pertukangan, hingga ke perdagangan dan ilmu perakaunan.

Itulah antara hasil kajian Profesor John N. Miksic dari Universiti Nasional Singapura (NUS) yang menemui 300,000 bukti arkeologi yang berkait rapat dengan masyarakat Melayu.

Bahan bukti ini dirakamkan dalam buku ilmiah,‘Singapore – The Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800’, yang memenangi Hadiah Sejarah Singapura pada Januari lalu.

BERITAMediacorp bertemu dengan pakar arkeologi ini untuk mengetahui dengan lebih mendalam tentang penyelidikannya itu.

MASYARAKAT MELAYU TERDAHULU MAHIR DALAM PELBAGAI BIDANG

Menyingkap semula sejarah lama Singapura, mungkin ramai yang masih menggambarkannya sebagai sebuah ‘kampung nelayan’ yang mundur.

Namun, kisah Singapura bermula jauh sebelum Sir Stamford Raffles menjejakkan kaki di sini, pada tahun 1819.

Profesor Miksic membentangkan sejarah Singapura dalam konteks perdagangan maritim jarak jauh antara tahun 1300 hingga 1800, dengan adanya bidang-bidang pekerjaan yang kurang diketahui tentang masyarakat Melayu.

"Jadi mereka membuat gerabak sendiri, mereka juga membuat barang-barang dari logam, mereka mengolah tembaga untuk membuat kail untuk tangkap ikan, mereka juga membuat barang-barang dari besi, mereka juga membawa barang-barang seperti keris dan tombak, senjata," kongsi penyelidik itu yang mengambil hampir 10 tahun untuk menyiapkan buku ilmiah tersebut.

Beliau turut berkongsi bahawa dapatan penting hasil galian yang dijalankan beliau bersama pasukan pengkajinya selama hampir 20 tahun di 10 lokasi yang berbeza.

BUKTI SEJARAH PECAHKAN MITOS 'MELAYU MALAS'

Menurutnya lagi serpihan tembikar yang ditemuinya serta logam dan batu-bata lama menunjukkan gambaran yang penting tentang masyarakat Melayu - bahawa ia menggambarkan hasil pertukangan bangunan yang canggih ketika zaman tersebut.

Bahkan menurut Profesor Miksic, bukti-bukti ini juga antara lain menunjukkan dengan jelas kerajinan masyarakat Melayu terdahulu, dan secara tidak langsung memecahkan mitos dan tanggapan bahawa masyarakat Melayu terdahulu malas.

"Orang Melayu memang dari dulu sudah terkenal sebagai orang awal yang membuat kota, yang mendirikan bandar menjadikan satu sistem perhitungan untuk perdagangan.

"Orang-orang Portugis pertama datang ke Brunei, mereka hairan sekali melihat sistem yang dipakai orang-orang akauntan di Brunei untuk menghitung perdagangan. Jadi mereka sudah pandai sekali orang-orang Melayu," jelasnya.

PENTING PELAJARI PERINTIS SPURA SEBELUM 200 TAHUN

Dalam memperingati 200 Tahun Singapura diasaskan tahun depan, Profesor Miksic berkata amat penting untuk mengenali sejarah Singapura seawal abad ke-14.

"Jadi ini merupakan satu kesempatan untuk kita melihat lebih dahulu lagi, bukan hanya melihat 200 tahun, tetapi melihat 200 tahun itu sebagai satu tempoh dalam sejarah Singapura.

"Orang Inggeris bukan orang yang utama yang bertempat di sini yang memainkan peranan utama, orang Melayu, Bugis, Jawa, Minangkabau dan juga orang-orang Cina yang ada di Selat Melaka orang-orang India yang sudah lama berdagang di sini," tambahnya lagi.

- BERITAMediacorp/ur

Job Vacancy: Postdoctoral Fellowship Position in “Borders, Mobility and New Infrastructures”

Things you always wanted to ask Singapore's first archaeologist

From Borneo Due West

Join an amazing voyage on a classic sailing ship. Explore remote Indonesian islands. Experience life at sea.

2-16 June 2018

Open to all NUS students, staff, and alumni! There are limited slots—sign up NOW!

Archaeology database offers greater access to region's past

Digital product can be downloaded so it is easier to share info with public, researchers

Monday, 12 March 2018, The Straits Times

The John N. Miksic Interview with Mothership.SG

NUS hope to produce students who are South-east Asia-savvy

NUS to nurture graduates who are students for life

Monday, 12 February 2018, The Straits Times

Professor John Miksic wins the inaugural Singapore history prize

Archaeologist wins inaugural Singapore history prize

Graduate Students’ Teaching Award for Semester 2, 2016-2017

Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA) 2017

Archaeology Magazine - Singapore: The Lion City's Surprising Past

By Vaishnavi Chandrashekhar, Monday 16 October 2017 for Archaeology Magazine

The Lion City's Glorious Past

The founding mythology of this city-state was once thought to be pure fiction—archaeology says otherwise

TAKSU An Evening of Balinese Dance (Friday, 10 November 2017, 7:30pm)

Sailing the Balangay

New Publication: Changing Lives in Laos: Society, Politics, and Culture in a Post-Socialist State by Vatthana Pholsena and Vanina Boute (eds.)

New Publication: Imperial Intoxication: Alcohol and the Making of Colonial Indochina by Gerard Sasges

Voyage to the Seven Isles (Tue, 5 September 2017)

Fear and Ambivalence in Singapore: Mapping the Saltwater Crocodile in the Singapore Consciousness (Wed, 13 September 2017)

SEAS Alumnus Dr Kyle Latinis featured in The Straits Times, Thursday 3 August 2017

Celebration for Southeast Asian Studies Graduating Class of 2017

Wang Gungwu Medal & Prize

Field Study in Lingga

FASS Open House 2017

Come meet our staff and students at FASS Open House on 20 May 2017 and find out what Southeast Asian Studies is all about!

MAYADENAWA - The Ogre of Illusions

Southeast Asian Night 2017

STEER Sail Indonesia

NHB organises walking tours to mark 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore

Launch of "From the Ashes – Reviving Myanmar Celadon Ceramics"

Sharing session by Dr Myo Thant Tyn.

New World War II tour will visit 11 S’pore sites

Exhibition Opening: From the Ashes - Reviving Myanmar Celadon Ceramics

Visiting Programme: Explore Jogja 2017

Job Opportunity: Two Postdoctoral Fellowship Positions in “Borders, Mobility and New Infrastructures”

New Publication: Ancient Southeast Asia by John N Miksic and Goh Geok Yian

New Publication: Contested Memoryscapes: The Politics of Second World War Commemoration in Singapore by Hamzah Muzaini and Brenda S.A. Yeoh

UOB Painting of the Year Silver Award

Public Lecture at IIUM by Prof John Miksic

[Book Launch] Ancient Southeast Asia by John N. Miksic and Goh Geok Yian

TAKSU An Evening of Balinese Dance (Fri 11 November 2016, 7.30pm)

Changes to Modules Offered in Semester 2, AY2016/2017

• SE4218 Majorities and Minorities in Southeast Asia
• SE5294/GE5215 The Politics of Environment in SE Asia

'Imaginations' - A Traditional Thai Paintings Exhibition

We have moved!

• Contact Us
• Faculty
• Other Academic Staff

25 years of Southeast Asian Studies @ NUS

Phasing out of NUS-ANU Joint Masters Degree in Southeast Asian Studies

Notice of Relocation

The Department of Southeast Asian Studies will be moving to AS8 (next to NUS Central Library) from 11 to 18 July 2016. We may not be contactable during this period and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

General Office Operating Hours During the Month of Ramadan & Eve of Hari Raya Puasa (Eidulfitri)

Website Updates

Philippine National Book Development Board 34th National Book Awards

Southeast Asian Night 2016

Come and join us for Southeast Asian Night 2016 on Friday 11 March 2016 at NUS LT13.

Admission is FREE!!

Best Paper and Best Presentation Awards at the International World Peace Conference 'Better Understanding for a Better World'

Treasures of Bugis kris at NUS exhibition

FASS Professorial Seminar by Prof John Miksic (Thur, 10 September 2015)

Subjectivities: A Journal of Perspectives on Southeast Asia

Spirits of Metal: An Exhibition of Bugis Makassar Weaponry

Job Vacancy: Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)

World Cultures Festival 2015: Southeast Asian Edition

Intricacy - Thai Art by NUS Students

FASS Student Leadership Award (2014/2015)

Academic Writing Workshop (Jointly organised by Department of Southeast Asian Studies & the Centre for English Language and Communication)

Closure over Jubilee Weekend

Archaeologists in need of funds and resources

''We have developed a system of analysis over 30 years. We can work together to build a picture of South-east Asia," he said.

General Office Operating Hours on Eve of Hari Raya Puasa and on Hari Raya Puasa

General Office Operating Hours during Ramadhan

FASS Open House 2015

Come meet our staff and students at FASS Open House on 16 May 2015 and find out what Southeast Asian Studies is all about!

ODPRT Grant for Research Excellence, AY2014-2015

• Prof John Miksic
• Assoc Prof Itty Abraham
• Assoc Prof Vatthana Pholsena

Southeast Asian Studies - a useful degree?

"With Myanmar opening up, Indonesia’s new president working to make the country more friendly to foreign investors and a rising middle class in many of the other ASEAN nations, our Southeast Asian neighbours might one day leave us in the dust.

This means that Singaporeans who are fluent in Southeast Asian languages like Bahasa Indonesia or Thai and who are knowledgeable about the ASEAN region will find that their skills increasingly in demand."

Javanese Gamelan for Beginners Workshop

Southeast Asia in Context Summer School 2015

Just Do It by Ei Xu Han (Year 4 student, Social Work major)

"life in NUS is not just about studying mundanely, but also a time for you to explore what you want and discover what you like."

Buddhist values brought to life, artistically; Murals are anthropologist's labour of love at temple

"It's not about me. It's about leaving behind a legacy and making the temple even more traditional while enlivening its walls to befit its status as a social gathering place for the Thai and Singapore community."

No Longer a 'Noob' in Martial Arts by Wee Min Er (Year 2 student, Southeast Asian Studies major)

Drawing a wonderful end to SE3880B, I can proudly say that even though I do not practice martial arts, I am not a noob in understanding martial arts in Southeast Asia. If anyone is thinking of what SE modules to take the next academic year, do consider SE3880B!

Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA) 2014

Topeng Calonarang – A Story of Magic and Power

Uncovering secrets of 19th century S'pore; Muslim cemetery in Kampong Glam a treasure trove of port town's past

"It is a treasure house of memories, where people can trace their lineages... It is important that the place is preserved. If you have no past, you have no future."

NUS News Highlights: New textbook reveals pre-colonial Singapore history to local teens

SEAD Faculty Members awarded the ODPRT Grant for Research Excellence, AY2013/2014

• Assoc Prof John Miksic
• Assoc Prof Irving Chan Johnson
• Dr Douglas Kammen
• Dr Gerard Sasges

The New York Times: In New Textbook, the Story of Singapore Begins 500 Years Earlier

By Jane A. Peterson, Sunday 11 May 2014 for The New York Times.

SINGAPORE — Singapore has rewritten the history taught in secondary school to expand the story of the island state’s birth.

While earlier generations learned a narrative that essentially started in 1819 with the British colonial administrator, Sir Stamford Raffles, stumbling upon a sleepy Malay fishing village, 13-year-olds now learn of a golden age that started 500 years earlier.

The new story, introduced in January, brings into focus a 300-year period, from 1300 to 1600, when Singapore was a thriving multinational trading hub, with an estimated population of 10,000.

An education ministry official who declined to be named, in line with government policy, called the change a “shift” rather than a rewrite, saying it allowed students to “explore Singapore’s origin as a port of call and her connections to the region and the world.”

Behind the revision is the work of John N. Miksic, an American archaeology professor at the National University of Singapore, or N.U.S., who advised the government on the new school text, “Singapore: The Making of a Nation-State, 1300-1975.”

Professor Miksic has led major archaeological excavations across Southeast Asia, including a dozen in Singapore over the past 30 years that have yielded eight tons of artifacts — evidence of a precolonial history that was largely neglected until now.

In a recent book, “Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea,” he laid out detailed archaeological evidence of the settlement’s early importance and prosperity. One find cited in the book is a large cache of artifacts found at Empress Place, in the central business district near the mouth of the Singapore River, proof that the site was an ancient dock used by merchant traders from China, India and Java, beginning in the 14th century. Among the booty are a blue and white porcelain-stemmed cup from the Chinese Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) and the “Headless Horseman,” a Javanese-style statuette found among objects dating from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

Nearby, Professor Miksic’s team found evidence of the ancient city center framed by an earthen rampart and defenses that Raffles mentioned in letters. Among 30,000 artifacts from the 14th century were Chinese coins and pottery, Indian glass bangles, and gold jewelry.

Why did it take 30 years to change the story? “It takes overwhelming evidence to shift the mind-set of a people from one image of its past to another,” Professor Miksic said in an interview at his campus laboratory.

He said Singapore still tended to consider archaeology an “unaffordable luxury.” Private grants have largely financed his work. Now 67, he worries that his laboratory may close when he retires, for lack of funding. “It’s a field that is still not that appealing to enough Singaporean students,” he said. “There’s no money in it.”

Professor Miksic gives credit for the new history lesson to former students who have reached positions of authority in academia and in the Ministry of Education. Derek Heng, a former student who is a history professor at the recently created Yale-N.U.S. College, called the artifacts “tactile, visual ways to look at the past and reposition Singapore in history.”

Professor Heng surmised that one reason it had taken so long to change the narrative may have been the government’s fears of communal conflict in the 1960s and ’70s. Indonesia engaged in “Konfrontasi” — violent confrontation against the newly formed Malaysian state — in the early 1960s, which was followed by Malaysia’s ejection of Singapore in 1965. “There was a deliberate attempt not to talk about links to the ethnicity of the past,” Professor Heng said. “Now we are more confident to say we were once a Malay polity cutting straight down through Asia.”

Prof. Brian Farrell, who heads the history department at N.U.S., takes Mr. Heng’s idea a step further. “If Singapore before 1800 was a sleepy backwater, the Chinese majority could say, ‘We built Singapore; before it was a blank slate,”’ he said.

Another factor that delayed a rewriting was a 200-year period of decline, a sort of historical “black hole,” between the formerly thriving emporium and the establishment of the 19th-century British trading port, according to Kwa Chong Guan, an adjunct associate professor at N.U.S. who also advised on the textbook revisions. “Until a connection could be made, the tons of archaeological shards Miksic excavated remained of antiquarian interest,” he said.

In 2009, the professors Kwa, Heng and Tan Tai Yong published evidence from written Malay sources that bridged the gap and put Professor Miksic’s artifacts into a larger maritime trade framework. Their book, “Singapore: A 700-Year History — From Early Emporium To World City,” linked the port to the larger sultanate of Johor-Riau in the Strait of Malacca. Concurrently, Peter Borschberg, also a professor at N.U.S., published another important link: Dutch and Portuguese maritime accounts and maps showed that Singapore was on European radars well before Raffles arrived.

Other factors also may help explain the timing of the rewrite. “Now is a good time,” Professor Heng said. “There’s a need to develop a collective social memory. It’s become a political issue.”

Professor Heng suggested that one catalyst for change might have been a government announcement in 2011 of plans to run a motorway through Bukit Brown cemetery, a colonial-era Chinese municipal burial ground, slating hundreds of tombs for exhumation. Thousands of citizens signed petitions against the plan. “We have a fast-paced, highly urbanized society where people are getting disoriented,” he said. “There’s a huge momentum to look at heritage and our historical legacy.”

Singaporeans, he thinks, will feel more rooted if they see their early predecessors as part of a longer regional legacy, rather than a British colonial transplant.

“It’s time to sink new, deep psychological roots and construct an identity for ourselves,” he said.

Professor Miksic says the controversy over Bukit Brown proved that tangible heritage is important. “People want more than prosperity,” he said. “Once you have enough to live on, you want something to live for: identity, a desire to know your ancestors. It’s an innate part of what it means to be human.”

Demographic change is another relevant issue. A government white paper recently reaffirmed proposals to expand the population from 5.3 million to 6.9 million, raising hackles among those who blame inward migration for rising inflation, high home prices, crowded roads and public transport systems and a perceived lack of a level playing field in competition for top jobs.

While the government has slowed its migration plans, further inflows appear inevitable if Singapore is to remain competitive and position itself as a leading global city. Mr. Kwa argues that the rewriting of the island’s history will help citizens accept the population explosion and become more inclusive.

“Every generation has to rewrite its history,” he said. While it used to suit Singapore to see itself as a city-state with a British heritage, modern Singapore needs a different interpretation of history to reinforce a more global perspective, he suggested.

Professor Heng also sees the opening of Singapore to new migrants as a stimulus for reassessing its history: “If inward migration continues, we need to know who we are or we will get lost,” he said.

Professor Miksic goes a step further. “A short history puts a nation on shaky ground; a shallowly rooted place could be overturned quickly,” he said. “If you can show a long cohabitation between the Malays and the Chinese, it proves you have a pretty stable arrangement.”

The new syllabus is also designed to repair Singapore’s educational image, he said. Students are now being encouraged to interpret primary sources themselves to stimulate their reasoning and analysis, rather than relying on old-style rote learning: “One of the objectives is to overcome the stereotype that Singaporeans are not good at creativity,” he said. “There’s a good chance this will change the mind-set.”

Professor Kwa said he believed that Yale-N.U.S., a liberal arts college — the first in Singapore — established in 2011 as a collaboration between Yale University and the National University of Singapore, would help build a new generation of Singaporean historians, raising the profile of humanities and softening Singapore’s image as a nation preoccupied by science and technology. Already, he said, more government scholarships are going to liberal arts candidates for study in the United States and Europe.

Student attitudes have become more skeptical in the past decade, said Quek Ser Hwee, a professor of history at the National University of Singapore, adding that no student now would ask her if she feared arrest for discussing heterodox views. Opinions expressed on the department blog are now quite wide-ranging, she observed, though they stop short of breaching the “out of bounds” limits that once were rigorously policed by colonial and post-colonial administrations: “It’s part of our DNA to know them,” she said.

Yet for all the cultural shifts, the number of students majoring in history has barely changed, possibly reflecting parental preferences for “concrete” degrees, such as law or medicine. “Singapore is still an iron rice bowl,” Professor Farrell said, “a place to make a living.”

View the original article.

Migrant Workers Habitats in Singapore - assignment by students of SE3216 (Semester 2, AY2013/2014)

"★ or ✗ ?" by Ghazrizal Azry Ghazali Nor is a Winner!

Highly Recommended by Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries - "It’s a Living - Work and Life in Vietnam Today"

Annual Teaching Excellence Award (ATEA) 2012/2013

Review of “Singapore & The Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800″ by The Taipei Times

Interview with Assoc Prof John Miksic for the International Institute for Asian Studies Newsletter

What I can do with a degree in Southeast Asian Studies?

Southeast Asia in Context Summer School 2014

Southeast Asian Night 2014, Wed 14 March 2014

Introduction to the Cam Script & Language - a workshop organised by NUS Southeast Asian Studies Society (Wed, 2 April 2014)

'Inside the World of Work' - Interview with Dr Gerard Sasges by Oi Vietnam Online Magazine

Support FASS in the 85th Anniversary Resilience Run on Saturday, 29 March 2014!

[Subjectivities]: Call for submissions for a new Southeast Asian Studies undergraduate biannual research journal.

Subjectivities

Digging Outside the Box: Volunteer Archaeology in Singapore - a talk by Assoc Prof John Miksic (Sat, 7 December 2013)

'Indiana Jones who pieces together S'pore's past' - Interview with Assoc Prof John Miksic by The Straits Times

I've been trying to tell people that Singapore has deeper roots that go far beyond the colonial pe-riod and date back 700 years. It gives me a real feeling of happiness when people accept that there is a lot more to Singa-pore history than the textbooks used to tell us.

Interview by My Paper - 'Early Singapore didn't need foreign protection', Assoc Prof John Miksic

Review of "Singapore & The Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800" by Asad Latif for The Straits Times

Taksu: An Evening of Balinese Dance, Wed 20 November 2013

ADMISSION IS FREE! 

NUS Quality Service Award 2013

Book Launch - Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800

Select Conversations with Gerard Sasges and Mai Huyền Chi (Sat, 19 October 2013), Launch of 'It's a Living: Work and Life in Vietnam Today'.

Join Dr Gerard Sasges and Mai Huyền Chi this Saturday, 19 October 2013 at the launch of 'It's a Living: Work and Life in Vietnam Today'.

Read more about the book here and details of the event in the poster attached below.

Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA) 2013

New Publication: Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800 by John N Miksic

Review of "It's a Living: Work and Life in Vietnam Today" by Asad Latif for The Straits Times

SE3880 Topics in Southeast Asian Studies (Death & Dying in Southeast Asia) by Dr Mohamed Effendy, Semester 1 AY13-14

New Publication: It's a Living - Work and Life in Vietnam Today by Gerard Sasges (ed.)

New Publication: A Mountain of Difference - The Lumad in Early Colonial Mindanao by Oona Paredes

Job Vacancy

Student Portal Announcement

New Publication: Ancient Harbours in Southeast Asia : The Archaeology of Early Harbours and Evidence of Inter-Regional Trade by John N Miksic and Goh Geok Yian (eds.)

Assoc Prof John Miksic receives the ODPRT Grant for Research Excellence

Tributes to the late Dr Pattana Kitiarsa

New Publication: The Contours of Mass Violence in Indonesia, 1965-68 by Douglas Kammen and Katharine McGregor (eds.)

Our administrative staff are winners again!

SEAS Alumnus Goh Kok Wee featured in The Straits Times, LIFE!, Saturday 27 October 2012

New Publication: The Spirit of Things: Materiality and Religious Diversity in Southeast Asia by Julius Bautista (ed.)

Dr Irving Johnson wins the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA) for the third year running!

Decoration of Honour for Dr Pattana Kitiarsa

New Publication: The Court of Surakarta by John N Miksic

a

New Publication: The Buddha on Mecca's Verandah: Encounters, Mobilities, and Histories along the Malaysian-Thai Border (Critical Dialogues in Southeast Asian Studies) by Irving Chan Johnson

Wijit: Thai Art by Leong Chao Yang (Year 2 student, Southeast Asian Studies major)

Students from the SE3224 course on a field trip to Buddhaisawan Chapel, Bangkok, in February 2012.

My final art project Phra Wessuwan displayed at the exhibition.

The exhibition, Wijit: Thai Art by NUS Students, was held from 7 to 16 August at NUS Central Library.

Congratulations to our administrative staff!

New Publication: Philippine Ancestral Gold by John N Miksic, Florina H. Capistrano- Baker and John Guy (eds.)

New Publication: Rethinking Cultural Resource Management in Southeast Asia: Preservation, Development, and Neglect by John Miksic, Goh Geok Yian and Sue O'Connor (eds.)

Medals & Prizes Winners, AY2010-2011

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded medals & prizes for AY2010-2011:

Special Book Prize (ARS 2) – Yue Jie Zheng Bryan

The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Prize (ARS 3) – Tan Huiwen Marianne

Kernial Singh Sandhu Prize (ARS 4) – Wee Feng Yi

The Benjamin Batson Gold Medal (MA in Southeast Asian Studies) –  Faizah Bte Zakaria

The New York Times: Glitter That Epitomized an Ancient Culture

New Publication: Decentring & Diversifying Southeast Asian Studies: Perspectives from the Region by Goh Beng Lan (ed.)

New Publication: Old Javanese Gold by John N Miksic

New Publication: Borobudur: Majestic Mysterious Magnificent by John N Miksic and Timbul Haryono

New Publication: Research on the Ceramics Discovered at the Trowulan Site in Indonesia by John N Miksic and Meitoku, Kamei

New Publication: Figuring Catholicism: An Ethnohistory of the Santo Niño de Cebu by Julius Bautista

New Publication: The A to Z of Ancient Southeast Asia by John N Miksic

New Publication: Christianity and the State in Asia: Complicity and Conflict by Julius Bautista and Francis Khek Gee Lim (eds.)

Publication of Ms. Ng Sue Chia’s Honours Thesis (BA Hons, Cohort 2002-2003)

An Honour’s Thesis from the SEASP by Ms Ng Sue Chia (Honours Cohort 2002/2003) titled, “Threads of Gold: The Rise of Indochinese Enterprises in Terengganu” was spotted by a German Publishing house (VDM-Publishing) which approached her for the publication of her thesis. Retaining the original thesis title, the published book will be launched some time in September 2009 and available for purchase on Amazon.com and Nobles & Barnes.com.

Congratulations to Sue Chia on this accomplishment!

Ng Sue Chia, Threads of Gold: The Rise of Indochinese Enterprises in Terengganu, Germany: VDM Verlag, 2009.

It has been more than 20 years since the Cham community settled en masse in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Yet, hardly much is written about them. This book aims to provide an ethnographical study and examine the immediate history, networks and identity of the Cham Diaspora. The locals had assumed that they are either ‘Malays’ from Cambodia or ‘Vietnamese Muslim converts’. They are Muslim-Cham from Cambodia and Vietnam, who fearing the assaults of the Pol Pot regime and possible threats to their identity-and-religion, have from 1975 begun to flee to various United Nations-run refugee camps in Thailand, hoping to be resettled in Malaysia. From their initial occupations as petty traders and odd job labourers, they have emerged as successful textile and gold retailers in KT. They have also built a socioeconomic network within their community on which they could depend for various form of support.

This book would be of interest to anthropologists and political analysts who are studying minority group relations and the social- political dynamics of refugees-local population interactions.

The Preservation Monument Board (PMB) Honours Thesis Research Grant

Medals & Prizes Winners, AY2008-2009

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded medals & prizes for AY2008-2009:

Special Book Prize (ARS 2) – Wee Feng Yi

The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Prize (ARS 3) – Chen Zhihui Pearlyn

Kernial Singh Sandhu Prize (ARS 4) – Koh Swee Hong Edwin

The Benjamin Batson Gold Medal (MA in Southeast Asian Studies) –  Nyan Ming Ren Francis

New Publication: From Distant Tales: Archaeology and Ethnohistory in the Highlands of Sumatra by John N Miksic, Dominik Bonatz, J. David Neidel & Mai Lin Tjoa-Bonatz (eds.)

Dr Irving Johnson featured in 'Hot Profs in NUS' - The Ridge, August 2007 Issue

SEAS Alumnus Wang Zineng featured in NUS Centre for the Arts (CFA) Artzone Magazine Issue 2, Aug - Oct 2007

Thai Princess performed with the NUS Thai Music Ensemble

Spotlight on Southeast Asian Studies (FASS Ascent, Vol. 15, No. 1)