November 6, 2019

The launch of two new books on community development –Collected Readings on Community Development in Singapore and Community Development Arenas in Singapore – by Associate Professor Sushilan Vasoo (NUS Department of Social Work) was featured in The Straits Times. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat graced the event as the Guest of Honour.

In the two books, A/P Vasoo paints optimistic and pessimistic scenarios of where Singapore could be headed, depending on the level of communal cooperation. In his remarks, Mr Heng expressed confidence that Singapore belongs on the optimistic path, meaning it possesses a lively and vibrant environment in which people share and care for one another within supportive networks. He cited “STARdy Kaki” as an example – a tuition programme started by two teenage students for young children living in rental blocks. Importantly, Mr Heng attributed Singapore’s enduring success to the ability of Singaporeans to work together in overcoming past challenges such as the Asian financial crisis, Sars, and the global financial crisis.

As co-editor of Community Development Arenas in Singapore, Associate Professor Bilveer Singh (NUS Department of Political Science) likewise spoke about the importance of community development in Singapore as its building block in ensuring its survival against outsiders. As such, A/P Singh believes that the fostering of cohesion and bonds within Singapore “can never stop”.

Read the article here.