In ‘Newcomers lend a hand in their adopted home’, The Straits Times captures the spirit of volunteerism that has emerged in Singapore amongst recent immigrants and new citizens during the Covid-19 crisis. Examples such as the ItsRainingRaincoats initiative that has aided migrant workers, and more individual grassroots efforts that often go unnoticed, such as distributing […]

The sudden shift to home-based learning and working from home has revealed Singapore’s digital divide. Whereas most families readily transformed their homes into workplaces and schools, some underprivileged families struggled to make the switch. In light of Singapore’s ‘new normal’, should access to technology and wireless services be considered a ‘universal necessity’ and a ‘public […]

Many may recognise the iconic gold lion wearing a white shirt with a heart logo as the national mascot of the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM), started in 1997. However, did you know that the movement began as the National Courtesy Campaign (NCC), launched on 1st June 1979 by our founding father Mr Lee Kuan Yew? […]

Singapore, along with the rest of the world, has undergone significant upheaval during the health crisis of Covid-19.  Every sector of society has experienced a break in their usual routine, and it remains to be seen what the long-term effects will be on the new way that we live our lives. Professor Wei-Jun Jean Yeung […]

In 2019 the Singapore International Festival of the Arts (SIFA), previously known as the Singapore Festival of the Arts, marked its 32nd year ever since its establishment as a biennial event in 1977. Taking place from 16th to 2nd June, the festival brought yet again an exciting cultural smorgasbord of performances, films, talks, workshops, installations, […]

Over 40 years ago, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) first organised International Museum Day on 18 May 1977, which was celebrated by museums worldwide. Its purpose was to raise awareness of the function of museums, how they are ‘an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and […]

Little is known about the origins of Mother’s Day, celebrated on the second Sunday of May, despite its widespread observance throughout the world. Although usually regarded as a day to appreciate the contribution and devotion of a mother to her family, its bears greater significance. In 1908, Anna Maria Jarvis, the founder of the modern […]

  To what extent do internet technologies play a role in political elections? The 2011 Singapore General Election (GE2011) has often been hailed as an “Internet Election”, ushering in a new era where mass participation through social platforms on the internet amplified oppositional politics and voices. While opposition legislative representation in Singapore had never exceeded […]

On 25 April 2006, the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) was set up as part of the National Research Foundation (NRF), a department of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The SAB serves as a multi-disciplinary arm of the NRF, with expertise in broad areas of technology so as to better advise the PMO on areas of […]

The Speak Good English Movement (SGEM) launched on 29 April 2000. The campaign painted Singlish as an impediment to procuring greater economic and social benefits. However, recently there have been attempts to revive and promote Singlish as a cultural marker of Singaporean identity. Professor Robbie Goh (NUS Department of English Language and Literature) breaks down […]