Life isn't divided up into neat disciplinary boxes. Learning about the world shouldn't be boxed in either.
Why limit learning to just one box? At the Department of Southeast Asian Studies, we break free from narrow disciplinary boundaries and offer a dynamic, subject-oriented curriculum. Our truly interdisciplinary approach blends diverse perspectives and methodologies from the humanities and social sciences, all deeply rooted in local experiences and knowledge. For students seeking a more holistic way to explore the world, this is where your journey begins.
News
Just Do It by Ei Xu Han (Year 4 student, Social Work major)
Ei Xue Han, a Social Work major, tells us that “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.” Read more about Xue Han’s learning journey through Southeast Asian art, dance and music.
Buddhist values brought to life, artistically; Murals are anthropologist’s labour of love at temple
Saturday 29 November 2014, The Straits Times. INSIDE Uttamayanmuni Temple in Choa Chu Kang, the biggest of six Thai buddhist temples in Singaproe, one man has quietly taken on a project that could span decades. Associate professor Irving Johnson of the National University of Singapore Southeast Asian studies is spending most of the school break […]
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! Wee Min Er, a 2nd year Southeast […]
Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA) 2014
Congratulations to Assoc Prof Irving Johnson and Dr Julius Bautista on being awarded the FASS Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA) 2014 for their work in 2013/2014. Keep up the good work!
Topeng Calonarang – A Story of Magic and Power
NUS Department of Southeast Asian Studies, with support from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and NUS Office of Student Affairs, is proud to present Topeng Calonarang – A Story of Magic and Power. Topeng Calonarang tells the story of the exploits of the widow witch of Dirah and King Erlangga of Kediri, East […]
Uncovering secrets of 19th century S’pore; Muslim cemetery in Kampong Glam a treasure trove of port town’s past
Friday 5 September 2014, The Straits Times. TUCKED in a corner off Victoria Street is a little known Muslim cemetery that houses the remains of royalty and luminaries from early Singapore. Shrouded in heavy foliage and thick with weeds, it holds the secrets of a cosmopolitan Singapore in the 19th century, with tombstones bearing influences […]