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Do you remember the lyrics to “Count on me Singapore”? What about the National Day favourite – “Home”? Every year, a new National Day song is launched to commemorate 9 August, the day of the nation’s independence. Leading up to this date, radio and television stations broadcast the new National Day song while students learn …
Music and cultural politics: ideology and resistance in Singapore Read More »
Every 9th August, thousands across this island nation witness one of the most spectacular displays of national identity in the world. The National Day Parade (NDP) occurs on a date that pertains to Singapore’s own history, unlike most of the other public holidays celebrated by its citizens which originate from diverse cultural and religious identities. …
Consuming the Nation: National Day Parades in Singapore Read More »
How does Singapore’s unique food heritage intertwine with our memories of times past? The Singapore Food Festival, held annually from June to July for more than 20 years, features activities such as heritage trails, culinary workshops, and competitions to celebrate Singapore’s international reputation as a food nation. A/P Kelvin Low (Dept of Sociology) in his …
Tasting Memories, Cooking Heritage: A Sensuous Invitation to Remember Read More »
One of the perennial questions asked concerning Singapore politics is that of the present and future role of the opposition. It is a question of ever increasing importance as the Old Guard of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), so long known for its cautious – and some would say restrictive – approach to governance, …
Illiberal democracy and the future of opposition in Singapore Read More »
The history of Singapore Botanic Gardens is now a walk in the park thanks to Assoc. Prof. Timothy Barnard’s (Department of History, NUS) latest book, Nature’s Colony: Empire, Nation and Environment in the Singapore Botanic Gardens (2016). Salient events from Singapore’s colonial era leading to her independence in the 20th century are masterfully woven into …
Nature’s Colony: Empire, Nation and Environment in the Singapore Botanic Gardens Read More »
How did discourses of the economy shape the coping strategies pursued by the government and firms during the Asian Financial Crisis? Beginning in Thailand in July 1997 with the devaluation of the Thai baht, the Asian Financial Crisis (AFC) rapidly swept across Southeast Asia and Japan to trigger the devaluation of Asian currencies and slumping …
The Singapore Research Nexus will be hosting a book launch event for Professor Chua Beng Huat’s (Dept of Sociology, NUS) new book, “Liberalism Disavowed: Communitarianism and State Capitalism in Singapore”. It will be held on 14 August 2017 (Monday), 6.45 – 8.30pm at The POD, Level 16, National Library Board. ABSTRACT That the majority of …
Photo Credit: A/P Matthias Roth Why should we be concerned with PM 2.5? The Indonesian practice of using forest fires to clear farmland cheaply has led to an annual ‘haze season’ in Indonesia and its proximate neighbours. On 21 June 2013 Singapore experienced its strongest haze period yet, with a 3-hour Pollutant Standards Index …
What makes Toa Payoh Central a hip place to hang out at night? Toa Payoh Township, one of Singapore’s earliest state-planned housing estates, welcomed its first residents on 20 June, 1966. Within this satellite town sits its town centre – Toa Payoh Central, an unlikely hub of activity in this seemingly quiet neighbourhood. The atmosphere …
Is Singapore truly cultivating an environmentally conscious culture? Every 5 June, Singaporeans participate in Eco Action Day to commemorate the United Nations Environmental Programme World Environment Day. This campaign encourages Singaporeans to adopt more environmentally-friendly practices within their workplaces and homes. Yet, do all environmental programmes really cultivate a true spirit of eco-friendliness among individuals? …