Singapore Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

This article is a preliminary observation of the recently established Buddhist College of Singapore (BCS). It seeks to propose, building on Kuah Khun Eng's notion of "Reformist Buddhism", that the college can be seen as a product of the... more

This article is a preliminary observation of the recently established Buddhist College of Singapore (BCS). It seeks to propose, building on Kuah Khun Eng's notion of "Reformist Buddhism", that the college can be seen as a product of the Reformist Buddhist movement in Singapore. By positioning the BCS within this larger context of Reformist Buddhist movement, this article argues that Reformist Buddhism has legitimized the process of rationalization and bureaucratization of the Buddhist institutions in the country. This has, to a large extent, contributed to the organizational and educational structure of the BCS.

Made in Nusantara serves as a comprehensive introduction to the history, sociology, ethnography, and musicology of historical and contemporary popular music in maritime Southeast Asia. Each essay covers major fgures, styles, and social... more

Made in Nusantara serves as a comprehensive introduction to the history, sociology, ethnography, and musicology of historical and contemporary popular music in maritime Southeast Asia. Each essay covers major fgures, styles, and social contexts of genres of a popular nature in the Nusantara region including Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and the Philippines. Trough a critical investigation of specifc genres and their spaces of performance, production, and consumption, the volume is organised into four thematic areas: 1) issues in Nusantara popular music; 2) history; 3) artists and genres; and 4) national vs. local industries. Written by scholars working in the region, Made in Nusantara brings local perspectives to the history and analysis of popular music and critically considers conceptualisations developed in the West, rendering it an intriguing read for students and scholars of popular and global music.

Video gaming is an increasingly popular activity among young people worldwide. The rapid evolution of video games has heightened concerns about their negative effects on children, and placed tremendous strain on parents to manage their... more

Video gaming is an increasingly popular activity among young people
worldwide. The rapid evolution of video games has heightened concerns about their
negative effects on children, and placed tremendous strain on parents to manage their
children’s video game play. Whereas previous research has identified parental mediation
of video gaming as comprising active, restrictive and co-playing strategies, this paper
seeks to show that parental mediation is a fluid process, where parents employ mixed
methods depending on different conditions. As such, this study argues that assessing the
effectiveness of parental mediation’s necessitates an extension beyond the current
analytical approach of observing monolithic categories. This study proposes the use of
parenting style, among the most influential and well-studied theories in parenting
literature, as a heuristic device to assess parental mediation’s effectiveness. Parenting
style literature claims authoritative and neglectful parenting as the most and least optimal
parenting style respectively.
While prior studies adopted correlational analyses of parental mediation strategies with
their outcomes and/or antecedents, this study sought to use independent samples t test to
describe effective parental mediation by comparing the differences between two groups
of parent-child dyads. Through the use of two established instruments (Pathological
Video Game Use scale and Parenting Style scale) in the video game use and parenting
literature, we define two dyadic groups – authoritative parents and their non-pathological
gaming children (GofAN), with neglectful parents and their pathological gaming children
(GofNP). Through online surveys with 433 parent-child dyads, our study explored the
differences in antecedents and outcomes of parental mediation between the two dyadic
groups. Our study found that the parents in the GofAN group had more negative
perceptions of video games, higher achievement values for their children, and practiced
the full range of mediation strategies more. Moreover, the children in the GofAN group
were found to be more obedient towards parental requirements, to play less video games,
and, to have higher English academic scores.

Welcome to this Special Issue of Array: Proceedings of Si15, the 2nd International Symposium on Sound and Interactivity. The articles in the present issue originated in the Si15 Soundislands Festival, which was held in Singapore 18–23... more

Welcome to this Special Issue of Array: Proceedings of Si15, the 2nd International Symposium on Sound and Interactivity.
The articles in the present issue originated in the Si15 Soundislands Festival, which was held in Singapore 18–23 August 2015. The festival events included five invited artist performances, two scientific keynotes and two days of proceedings, a commissioned sound installation, an afternoon of public talks, an internet panel, two pedagogic workshops, a concert with young performers, and more than fifty artworks and scientific papers in numerous forms and formats selected from an open call (http://soundislands.com/si15).
We are thrilled to present 20 articles, by 31 authors, emanating from Si15. The articles have been extended and thoroughly revised for this special issue of Array. They cover a range of topics related to aesthetics, percep-tion, technology, and sound art. We hope that you will enjoy the fruits of the authors' labour and therein discover many a stimulating thought.

This essay combines both the oral history and written sources to provide a unique view of the Sarawak river valley from early times until 1840. At times, it triangulates both histories to validate the oral history presented.

To describe the prevalence of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and its risk factors in a multi-ethnic Asian population. This population-based study of 10,033 participants (75.7% response rate) included Chinese, Indian and Malay persons aged... more

To describe the prevalence of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and its risk factors in a multi-ethnic Asian population. This population-based study of 10,033 participants (75.7% response rate) included Chinese, Indian and Malay persons aged 40 years and older. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination, standardized interviews and laboratory blood tests were performed. Digital fundus photographs were assessed for presence of RVO following the definitions used in the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Regression analysis models were constructed to study the relationship between ocular and systemic factors and RVO. Age-specific prevalence rates of RVO were applied to project the number of people affected in Asia from 2013 to 2040. The overall crude prevalence of RVO was 0.72% (n = 71; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.54-0.87%). The crude prevalence of RVO was similar in Chinese, Indian and Malay participants (p = 0.865). In multivariable regression models, significant risk factors of RVO included increa...

Intellectual disability is known to be associated with a high incidence of psychiatric co-morbidity and problem behaviours. However, there are many challenges in trying to meet the mental health needs of people with an intellectual... more

Intellectual disability is known to be associated with a high incidence of psychiatric co-morbidity and problem behaviours. However, there are many challenges in trying to meet the mental health needs of people with an intellectual disability, and these are often not adequately addressed in Singapore's current healthcare system. This article outlines the present service provisions for this area in the country and details the importance of, as well as difficulties in the integration of health and social care measures in service development and delivery.

Singapore's status as a trading hub is probably as old as the settlement itself. In earlier times its history was tightly knit to the development and prosperity of its port. Today's global trading hub, however, is broadly conditioned by... more

Singapore's status as a trading hub is probably as old as the settlement itself. In earlier times its history was tightly knit to the development and prosperity of its port. Today's global trading hub, however, is broadly conditioned by its position within a global communications regime that includes various modes of transportation by sea, land and air, as well as electronic forms of communication such as telephony and the internet. Transport and telecommunications infrastructure are certainly prerequisites for success, but Singapore's rapid rise in becoming a global trading hub cannot be explained by these factors alone: the hub is backed by an array of industries that directly or indirectly support transport and trade at large, ranging from warehousing to finance and trade. All these activities, moreover, are regulated and driven by policies that have been carefully formulated and put into place over the past five decades. Then there is Singapore's greatest asset today: its people. In the context of this introduction, it is of course impossible to give a detailed or even comprehensive overview of the historical developments that have evolved and today underpin the global trading hub. What is possible, however, is to single out some of the developmental highlights as well as explain their historic relevance and interdependence. In the following sections I shall do so with an eye cast on history and chronological development as well as moving from the larger picture to the particular. As the SG50 celebrations move into the past, the Republic will begin to look toward 2019, the bicentennial of the British colonial settlement's founding. Like SG50, the bicentennial will offer a unique opportunity to look back and take stock, though the time horizon taken on during the bicentennial will be rolled back well beyond 1965 to the beginning of the 19 th century or perhaps even before. There will be a fresh, vigorous debate about what makes Singapore a special place. One question is likely to feature prominently: Just how much of Singapore's historic success is locationally pre-conditioned?

Four orange-pigmented isolates, L7-456, L7-484T, L9-479 and L9-753T, originating from surface-sterilized leaf tissues of Jatropha curcas L. cultivars were characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on... more

Four orange-pigmented isolates, L7-456, L7-484T, L9-479 and L9-753T, originating from surface-sterilized leaf tissues of Jatropha curcas L. cultivars were characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that all four isolates belong to the genus Aureimonas . In these analyses, strain L7-484T appeared to be most closely related to Aureimonas ureilytica 5715S-12T (95.7 % sequence identity). The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains L7-456, L9-479 and L9-753T were found to be identical and also shared the highest similarity with A. ureilytica 5715S-12T (97.5 %). Both L7-484T and L9-753T contained Q-10 and Q-9 as predominant ubiquinones and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol and an aminophospholipid as the major polar lipids. C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 were the major fa...

The Singapore government has traditionally invested heavily in, and focused on, the development of the hard sciences since gaining independence in 1965. This bode well for the fate of sustainability studies as the state, in the initial... more

The Singapore government has traditionally invested heavily in, and focused on, the development of the hard sciences since gaining independence in 1965. This bode well for the fate of sustainability studies as the state, in the initial decades, focused heavily on performance legitimacy, emphasising issues of survivability and economic progress. With the country now at the top of global charts on many rankings on economic prosperity, the city-state has steadily begun to examine issues of nation-building rather than state-building. This can be attributed, in part, to the paradox of soft authoritarian regimes that invest heavily in human capital, because in the long run, an educated electorate will want, as active and informed citizens, to participate effectively in politics. The social sciences are slowly evolving to look at the Singapore model from a comparative perspective, moving away from the dominant narrative of “Singaporean exceptionalism”, which overstates the uniqueness of the city-state.

To explore the collaboration experiences of junior physicians and nurses in the general ward setting. Junior physicians and nurses do not always work collaboratively and this could affect the quality of patient care. The understanding of... more

To explore the collaboration experiences of junior physicians and nurses in the general ward setting. Junior physicians and nurses do not always work collaboratively and this could affect the quality of patient care. The understanding of the issues affecting junior physicians and nurses working together is needed to inform strategies to improve interprofessional collaboration. Nineteen junior physicians and nurses were interviewed in 2012 and 2013. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Junior physicians and nurses acknowledged the importance of working collaboratively to achieve better patient care, but they are struggling to cope due to heavy clinical workload, organisational constraints and differing power relationships. Nurses have to take on more responsibilities in the decision-making process of patients' care to foster effective interprofessional collaboration. The study calls for educational and organisational strategies to improve interprofess...

This study sought to explore the job satisfaction level of migrant nurses working in a multicultural society and, more specifically, the relationship between their job satisfaction levels, work environment, their intentions to leave and... more

This study sought to explore the job satisfaction level of migrant nurses working in a multicultural society and, more specifically, the relationship between their job satisfaction levels, work environment, their intentions to leave and the predictors of their intentions to leave. Nursing shortages have led to the increasing trend of employing migrant nurses, which necessitated studies examining nurses' migration. A cross-sectional, correlational design using a stratified random sample was conducted on 495 migrant nurses working in a tertiary public-funded hospital in Singapore. The results showed that migrant nurses were satisfied with their jobs; with job satisfaction negatively correlated with work environment. Interestingly, pre-existing groups of Chinese migrant nurses did not help newly arrived Chinese migrant nurses to assimilate better. Predictors of migrant nurses' intentions to leave included having supportive nurse managers and nursing practice environment. The pr...

By systematically examining six diverse countries, The Early Advantage 1 sheds light on new and exciting approaches to early childhood education and care. Brimming with fresh insights, the text provides concrete examples of successfully... more

By systematically examining six diverse countries, The Early Advantage 1 sheds light on new and exciting approaches to early childhood education and care. Brimming with fresh insights, the text provides concrete examples of successfully implemented strategies and methods that warrant attention from other countries wishing to improve their early childhood services. The Lion City (or Singapura) presents a fascinating story of rapid transformation and success. This holds true whether speaking about the economy, the well-being of the citizenry, the nature of the overall services provided, or the evolution of early childhood care and education (ECEC). This chapter unveils how such progress came to be achieved in ECEC, delineating the challenges that such success evokes. Ultimately, it is a story of carefully hewn harmonization and balance.

The youth’s state of mental health and related high rates of depression worldwide is a growing concern, and Singapore is not an exception (National Youth Council, 2018; World Health Organization, 2018a). These emotional disorders not only... more

The youth’s state of mental health and related high rates of depression worldwide is a growing concern, and Singapore is not an exception (National Youth Council, 2018; World Health Organization, 2018a). These emotional disorders not only affect the everyday functioning of the youths, but also impair their development into healthy adults. Some populations however, seem to be more vulnerable than others; and this is the case with Polytechnics students in Singapore who certainly need psychological support, mentoring and intervention. The PERMA theoretical model of well-being (Seligman, 2011), when translated into positive education interventions (Seligman, Ernst, Gillham, Reivich, & Linkins, 2009), is known to foster the overall psychological well-being of individuals and to contribute to their flourishing (Hoare, Bott, & Robinson, 2017; Norrish, Williams, O’Connor, & Robinson, 2013). This quasi-experimental study tested the effects of a 10-week mentoring programme for a group of Polytechnic students with the aims of enhancing their happiness, well-being and school life satisfaction. The participating students were recruited amongst the full-time students of a Polytechnic in Singapore. The participants self-selected themselves in either the experimental (n = 20) or the control group (n = 14) depending on their availability and desire to partake in the 10-week Positive Psychology Interventions. While there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups, there were significant differences within each group. The results of paired t-tests showed more significant statistical improvements in the variables of Engagement, Meaning, Accomplishment and Student Life Satisfaction within the experimental group, as compared to the control group. The results of this study seemed to imply that the Positive Psychology Interventions need to be strengthened in terms of duration and reinforcement for the effects to be more visible and sustainable.

Existing migration research has framed ‘middling migrants’ mainly in terms of transnational fluidity and flexibility, thus overlooking the issue of integration. This article adds to a burgeoning scholarship advocating a more locally... more

Existing migration research has framed ‘middling migrants’ mainly in terms of transnational fluidity and flexibility, thus overlooking the issue of integration. This article adds to a burgeoning scholarship advocating a more locally embedded perspective (e.g. Meier, 2015b. Migrant Professionals in the City: Local Encounters, Identities, and Inequalities. New York and London: Routledge) by investigating the integration of immigrant teachers working in mainstream primary and secondary schools in the Asian city–state of Singapore. It is found that these immigrant teachers faced differentiated formal inclusion with respect to legal settlement, whereas their professional integration experiences also diverged between those who embodied certain ‘mainstream’ characteristics and those who did not. In negotiating professional integration, ‘non-mainstream’ immigrant teachers adopted a spectrum of strategies, but on the whole prioritised the pragmatic imperative to ‘fit in’, resulting in what may be termed muted diversification. In terms of broader ethnic and migration scholarship, this account serves to highlight the ways in which locally specific institutional and sociocultural conditions differentially shape middling migrants’ experiences in respect to settlement and work. With regard to the Singaporean context, this article fills an empirical gap in migration research while also reflecting on the accommodation and management of diversity in education.

The Tiger Balm Gardens or Haw Par Villa, built in the 1930s by overseas Chinese pharmaceuticals tycoon Aw Boon Haw, has been and remains a symbol of the positioning of Singapore’s Chineseness. In the colonial era, it marked the success... more

The Tiger Balm Gardens or Haw Par Villa, built in the 1930s by overseas Chinese pharmaceuticals tycoon Aw Boon Haw, has been and remains a symbol of the positioning of Singapore’s Chineseness. In the colonial era, it marked the success not only of one man but also of the Chinese migrant community. In the later period of nation-building, it was initially considered as a challenge to multiracialism and nationhood. However, as state policy shifted towards an ethnicized cultural identity as prompted by the rise of Asia as a major economic force, especially China, the Villa was renovated first into an orientalized theme park and then resuscitated as the repository of diasporic Chinese entrepreneurship. Amidst these state initiatives, the history of the Villa and its founder were sidelined.

It has been reported by Singaporean NGOs and newspapers that Bangladeshi temporary migrants working as cleaners in Housing Development Board (HDB) residential estates face some of the greatest difficulties – with respect to their working... more

It has been reported by Singaporean NGOs and newspapers that Bangladeshi temporary migrants
working as cleaners in Housing Development Board (HDB) residential estates face some of the greatest
difficulties – with respect to their working and living conditions – amongst Singapore’s nearly one million
temporary migrant workers. Our paper presents the findings of a qualitative study of the working and
living conditions of Bangladeshi HDB cleaners, based on semi-structured interviews with 11 of these
workers. Our study asked two research questions: first, what are the most pressing problems faced by
these workers, and, second, what factors give rise to these problems? We find that the most pressing
problems faced by these Bangladeshi HDB cleaners are: high recruitment fees and renewal fees, problems
with their work contract, low income, heavy workload and long working hours, the lack of leave days,
overcrowded accommodations, and unsanitary living conditions. Interviews suggest that the major factors
that give rise to these problems are: employer sponsorship of visas and threat of deportation, worker levy
and salary deductions, vulnerabilities in home country, and the lack of a mandated minimum living wage.
As Singapore continues to employ migrant workers to contribute to the country’s economy and society,
the findings of this study point to serious mistreatment of a sub-population of temporary migrant
workers. The findings suggests the need for better enforcement of labour laws and structural reforms to
reduce migrant workers vulnerability, such as ending employer sponsorship of visas.

The now accepted doubling of the Third World urban population – with a tripling of the urban footprint by 2030 – has offered a frightening urban future. In 30 years the same amount of urban land will be demanded as has been generated... more

The now accepted doubling of the Third World urban population – with a tripling of the urban footprint by 2030 – has offered a frightening urban future. In 30 years the same amount of urban land will be demanded as has been generated throughout history in the previous 6,000 years. Moreover, this growth is projected to be predominately low-rise with a largely poor population. The specter of massive squatter fringe settlements by the informal squatter sector as in the past would devastate cities as we know them. Speed and scale are the new challenges. Lacking are viable proactive approaches for housing the low income, and predictions for the future are grim if no innovative approaches are found and adopted. Environmental concerns now enter and make the urban future even more problematic. We must develop powerful proactive strategies, which demands considerable creativity if we are to avoid an unthinkable future.

HDB flats in Singapore are available for rent either directly in the Housing and Development Board (HDB), or from the open market. People who choose to rent throughout the HDB will have to face several eligibility conditions, and this... more

HDB flats in Singapore are available for rent either directly in the Housing and Development Board (HDB), or from the open market. People who choose to rent throughout the HDB will have to face several eligibility conditions, and this alternative is only open to Singapore citizens.

As population demographics change and economic crises spread and deepen, welfare reform has become an urgent problem in many developed countries. As elsewhere in East Asia, the state in Singapore has in recent years stepped up its efforts... more

As population demographics change and economic crises spread and deepen, welfare reform has become an urgent problem in many developed countries. As elsewhere in East Asia, the state in Singapore has in recent years stepped up its efforts to deal with issues of healthcare, education, support for care, retirement and even unemployment. Much of this has been in response to demographic shifts, economic trends and, importantly, political pressures. This article evaluates the possibilities and limits of recent reforms. It looks at some promising aspects of reform, such as increases in spending in certain areas, before examining the limitations of the reforms. These include the fact that most resources have been directed toward supporting businesses, while increases in direct spending on citizens have been limited and conditional
rather than universal; furthermore, little or no attention has been paid to the issue of women’s underemployment. These features suggest constraints within the logic and principles of welfare, which continue to define citizens as having limited rights and entitlements, and citizenship as entailing regular
employment and heavy obligations toward the family. The analysis of reforms sheds light on how the appearance of expansion can mask continuing limitations. The case of Singapore illustrates the importance of looking not just at expenditure but also at the principles and logics in which welfare reforms are embedded, in a variety of national contexts.

The Changi story is synonymous with suffering, hardship, and the Australian prisoner-of-war experience in the Second World War. It is also one of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and survival. Combining prisoners’ cartoons, paintings,... more

The Changi story is synonymous with suffering, hardship, and the Australian prisoner-of-war experience in the Second World War. It is also one of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and survival. Combining prisoners’ cartoons, paintings, photographs, and essays, The Changi Book provides a unique view of life in the camp: medical innovation; machinery and tools made from spare parts and scrap; black markets; sports and gambling; entertainment; a library and university. Seventy years after its planned publication, material for The Changi book was rediscovered in the Australian War Memorial archives and appears here for the first time along with insights from the Memorial’s experts, providing unique historical insights into some of the stories and characters behind its rich Changi collection.

Current practices and available resources for nutrition therapy in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in the Asia Pacific-Middle East region are expected to differ from western countries. Existing guidelines for nutrition management... more

Current practices and available resources for nutrition therapy in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in the Asia Pacific-Middle East region are expected to differ from western countries. Existing guidelines for nutrition management in critically ill children may not be directly applicable in this region. This paper outlines consensus statements developed by the Asia Pacific-Middle East Consensus Working Group on Nutrition Therapy in the Paediatric Critical Care Environment. Challenges and recommendations unique to the region are described. Following a systematic literature search from 2004-2014, consensus statements were developed for key areas of nutrient delivery in the PICU. This review focused on evidence applicable to the Asia Pacific-Middle East region. Quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Enteral nutrition (EN) is the preferred mode of nutritional suppor...

An Insanity Defence precludes criminal liability, as the defendant was rendered incapable of understanding the consequences of the action. Due to the global relevance of the Indian Penal Code and the fact that "insanity is probably best... more

An Insanity Defence precludes criminal liability, as the defendant was rendered incapable of understanding the consequences of the action. Due to the global relevance of the Indian Penal Code and the fact that "insanity is probably best suited for universal adoption since [it is] common to all human societies," this paper compares Singapore and India in how each state incorporates mental illness into its criminal law. While India and Singapore both adhere strictly to the common law M’Naghten Rules, Singaporean law through the concept of diminished responsibility has included provisions that nuance the role of mental illness in the commission of crimes. Although judges are not medical professionals, significant progress has been made in reliably diagnosing impulse control disorders, and making room for irresistible impulses in both criminal laws is thus long overdue.

In our first report in Skills Next, we look at top research and skills training programs that are succeeding internationally, and highlight for Canadian policymakers key features driving success. The future of work will disrupt... more

In our first report in Skills Next, we look at top research and skills training programs that are succeeding internationally, and highlight for Canadian policymakers key features driving success. The future of work will disrupt traditional labour employer-worker relations in five distinct ways. So by looking at skills training programs around the globe, what can be learned about developing digital tools for citizens, building innovation hubs, effective public-private partnerships, responsible public spending, and legal reforms that policymakers can use at home?