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
NOTE FROM KL: Sports shirts & ‘comfortable but decent’ clothing is not a long-term solution to beat heat waves
IN BRIEF | 7 min read A commentary by Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) in Mediacorp Berita News Online. Read the article here:https://berita.mediacorp.sg/komentar/nota-dari-kl-baju-sukan-pakaian-selesa-tetapi-sopan-bukan-huraian-jangka-panjang-lawan-gelombang-haba-755421?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_14052023_berita This story first appeared in Mediacorp Berita News Online on 14 May 2023.
Upbeat Hari Raya Mood in Malaysia Belies Simmering Tensions
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).
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 What is the role of religion in shaping interactions and relations between the human and nonhuman in nature? Why are Muslim and Christian organizations generally not a potent force in Southeast Asian environmental movements? The Camphor Tree and the Elephant brings these questions …
NOTE FROM KL: Developing Civilized Malaysia, how far does Budget 2023 help the people?
IN BRIEF | 6 min read A commentary by Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) in Mediacorp Berita News Online. Read the article here: https://berita.mediacorp.sg/dunia/nota-dari-kl-membangunkan-malaysia-madani-sejauh-mana-belanjawan-2023-membantu-rakyat-742476?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_26032023_berita This story first appeared in Mediacorp Berita News Online on 26 March 2023.
Commentary: When shopping giant Mustafa meets retail paradise Johor Bahru
A commentary by Dr Serina Rahman (NUS Southeast Asian Studies) in ChannelNewsAsia online. Read the article here: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/mustafa-centre-jb-shopping-malaysia-economy-3375021 This story first appeared in ChannelNewsAsia online on 28 March 2023.
What might happen if Padang is made Unesco World Heritage Site
This story first appeared in The Straits Times on 27 March 2023. 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 …
What might happen if Padang is made Unesco World Heritage Site Read More »