News

Arrests of left-wing forces a condition for Singapore becoming part of Malaysia in 1963, says historian

October 6, 2019

In the second session of the Singapore Bicentennial Conference held on 1 October, with the theme of ‘Separations & Connections’, Professor Tan Tai Yong (NUS Department of History) spoke about Singapore’s merger and subsequent separation with Malaysia as an example of contesting visions and ideas in its history. Furthermore, he added that merger with Malaysia …

Arrests of left-wing forces a condition for Singapore becoming part of Malaysia in 1963, says historian Read More »

Singapore must adapt to great power rivalry to thrive, say experts

October 5, 2019

In the first session of the Singapore Bicentennial Conference held on 30 September, with the theme of ‘War & Wealth’, Associate Professor Peter Borschberg (NUS Department of History) notes that Singapore has always occupied a contested geopolitical space, in view of the tensions between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific region today. To …

Singapore must adapt to great power rivalry to thrive, say experts Read More »

Against the grain: The political ecology of the haze

October 4, 2019

In September 2019, Singapore’s Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading reached the ‘unhealthy’ level – the first time since August 2016. Forest fires in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan were reported to have contributed to Singapore’s hazy conditions, which was facilitated by wind patterns and spells of dry weather. Professor Syed Farid Alatas (NUS Department of …

Against the grain: The political ecology of the haze Read More »

Singapore’s history of separation sets it apart from Hong Kong

October 4, 2019

On 1 October, the final day of the two-day Singapore Bicentennial Conference, University Professor Wang Gungwu (NUS Department of History) delivered a session on the divergences between Singapore and Hong Kong – despite their similar histories as British colonies. Prof Wang argued that Singapore has since been successful in forging a national identity after a …

Singapore’s history of separation sets it apart from Hong Kong Read More »

Health Accessibility in Singapore

October 1, 2019

The International Day for Older Persons is celebrated worldwide on October 1st to raise awareness about the issues affecting the elderly and acknowledge their contribution to society. The day’s 2015 theme, “Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the Urban Environment”, ties in well with “Geographical Accessibility of Community Health Assist Scheme General Practitioners for the Elderly …

Health Accessibility in Singapore Read More »

Heritage Boutique Hotels as ‘Experienscapes’: Three Views from Singapore

September 24, 2019

World Tourism Day, marked every 27th of September, recognises tourism as a key sector of the global economy, contributing to 10% of the world’s GDP and providing one in ten jobs. A key part of a tourist’s travel experience is their chosen place of stay. Whether you see yourself as a penny-pinching backpacker or a …

Heritage Boutique Hotels as ‘Experienscapes’: Three Views from Singapore Read More »

Tuition has ballooned to an S$1.4b industry in Singapore. Should we be concerned?

September 17, 2019

According to the Household Expenditure Survey (HES) in 2017/18, Singapore households spent S$1.4 billion on tuition, up from S$1.1 billion in 2012/13. The tuition industry has expanded over the years, with an increase of tuition and enrichment centres from 700 in 2012 to more than 950 today. In an editorial in the Straits Times, Dr …

Tuition has ballooned to an S$1.4b industry in Singapore. Should we be concerned? Read More »

Kumar’s Gender Transgressing Performance: Combining Drag and Comedy

September 16, 2019

Not many Singaporeans may remain unaware of Kumar and his position as an iconic local drag comedian, with Kumar sharing his personal journey in his memoir, From Rags to Drags (3-Monkeys Cafe, 2011). Kumar’s success, in his adoption of drag as part of his performance, reveals the stark contrast between society’s prejudice against sexual and …

Kumar’s Gender Transgressing Performance: Combining Drag and Comedy Read More »

The history of the Group Representation Constituency

September 13, 2019

With talk of the 14th General Election (GE) round the corner, Associate Professor Bertha Henson and Ms Christalle Tay (NUS Department of Communications and New Media), in an editorial in Yahoo! News, offer a timely introduction to the history of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) scheme in Singapore and its place in the political scene. …

The history of the Group Representation Constituency Read More »

Boundaries review committee formed…so now what?

September 12, 2019

The formation of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) in August 2019 suggests that the 14th General Election (GE) will be held soon. In an editorial in Yahoo! News, Associate Professor Bertha Henson (NUS Department of Communications and New Media) presents the pre-elections landscape in Singapore, past and present, and the implications of the EBRC’s …

Boundaries review committee formed…so now what? Read More »