Life isn't divided up into neat disciplinary boxes. Learning about the world shouldn't be boxed in either.
Why limit learning to just one box? At the Department of Southeast Asian Studies, we break free from narrow disciplinary boundaries and offer a dynamic, subject-oriented curriculum. Our truly interdisciplinary approach blends diverse perspectives and methodologies from the humanities and social sciences, all deeply rooted in local experiences and knowledge. For students seeking a more holistic way to explore the world, this is where your journey begins.
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NEW PUBLICATION: Escaping Kakania Eastern European Travels in Colonial Southeast Asia
Escaping Kakania Eastern European Travels in Colonial Southeast Asia Escaping Kakania is about fascinating characters—soldiers, doctors, scientists, writers, painters—who traveled from their eastern European homelands to colonial Southeast Asia. Their stories are told by experts on different countries in the two regions, who bring diverse approaches into a conversation that crosses disciplinary and national borders. The 14 …
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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 …
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Claiming the Right to Nasi Lemak, Laksa and now Roti Kaya
Op-Ed by Dr Serina Rahman, Lecturer from NUS Southeast Asian Studies.
Dr Faizah Zakaria Receives John A. Lent Prize for Exceptional Scholarly Paper at AAS 2024 Conference
Dr Faizah Zakaria has received the esteemed John A. Lent Prize at the Association for Asian Studies AAS 2024 Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington! Awarded by the Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei (MSB) Studies Group, this prestigious accolade celebrates Dr. Zakaria’s exceptional paper presented at last year’s Association for Asian Studies meeting. Her scholarly contribution stood …
Immersed in the World of Pencak Silat Bawean Dheun: SE3233 Students Experience Martial Arts Mastery!
Students in SE3233: Martial Arts in Southeast Asia were immersed in the world of Pencak Silat Bawean Dheun today! Dr. Effendy invited this thriving Singaporean silat group to Utown Dance Atelier 2, where they shared their passion and expertise in this unique martial art form. We were all honored to have Mr. Farid, his wife …
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, …