Not many professors would manage to have their work studied in schools – locally and overseas – and featured in Singapore’s public places. The work of NUS English Language and Literature Emeritus Professor Edwin Thumboo – one of Singapore’s foremost pioneer poets – continues to gain appreciation, recognition, and relevance. After his 85th birthday in […]

The Singapore Literature Prize (SLP) is a biennial award that recognises the most brilliant literary works produced by Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents. From its inauguration in 1992, SLP has honoured over 80 literary talents whose texts have been published either locally or overseas. The award aims to recognise Singapore’s writers while drawing the public’s […]

Fearing the worst economic recession in Singapore due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Singaporeans are concerned about bread-and-butter issues such as job security. Unsurprisingly, immigration was a contentious topic in Singapore’s 2020 general election (GE2020). Opponents of immigration were quick to point out that prosperity has not flowed to every Singaporean, as foreigners have displaced locals […]

In its response to the Covid-19 outbreak, Singapore’s global success story transformed into a narrative of institutionalised neglect. Scrutiny was drawn to the dismal living conditions of migrant workers as their infections skyrocketed. With regards to potential improvements in the housing standards of worker dormitories, there are two key questions to consider: ‘who pays’ and […]

In Singapore’s 2020 general election (GE2020), the popular vote shifted against the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) as compared to GE2015, while the Workers’ Party seized a second group representation constituency (GRC) – Sengkang GRC – and retained Aljunied GRC with a convincing margin of almost 20%. In view of these results, Professor Ivan Png […]

Racial Harmony Day in Singapore is observed on 21 July each year in the spirit of celebrating its racially diverse and harmonious population. Activities held on this day are largely organised by schools and grassroots groups, and typically involve traditional costumes, games, and delicacies from Singapore’s four ethnic races. Notably, Racial Harmony Day is also […]

Singapore’s 2020 general election (GE2020) results have revealed a few things. The results have perhaps revealed Singaporeans’ desire for a ‘new balance in politics’, Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam mentions. Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong said that the People’s Action Party (PAP) must work on its appeal to young voters and address the economic pain […]

Assistant Professor Lin Weiqiang (NUS Department of Geography) was awarded the Social Science and Humanities Research (SSHR) Fellowship in 2019. Launched in 2018, the SSHR Fellowship aims to nurture local researchers by supporting them for five years in their independent research that adds value to Singapore. With this funding, A/P Lin is studying the future […]

In ‘Being Chinese overseas’, The Straits Times recounts the life and times of University Professor Wang Gungwu (NUS History) who celebrated his 89th birthday last month. An eminent scholar specialising in Chinese history and in particular the story of overseas Chinese, Prof Wang’s own formative years during late stage colonialism in Indonesia, Malaysia, mainland China, […]

‘Social distancing’ is a commonly used phrase in the current COVID-19 era. While the intent is to maintain physical distance and minimise social contact, the use of ‘social distancing’ could be a misnomer. In ‘Against the Grain: Is it really social distancing’, an article in The Edge Malaysia, Professor Syed Farid Alatas (NUS Sociology) distinguishes […]