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Human Rights In Southeast Asia: Optimism Despite Teething Troubles, Knowledge@Smu
Human Rights In Southeast Asia: Optimism Despite Teething Troubles, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
The movement to advance human rights in Southeast Asia has been an uphill climb for activists, particularly in countries that do not recognise this to be of fundamental importance. However, there are signs that the region is warming up to such ideals, along with the rest of the world. Speaking at a Wee Kim Wee Lunchtime Seminar, prominent Singapore human rights activist Braema Mathi offers some reasons for optimism.
Questioning The Homo Economicus: Are Concepts Of Rationality And Self-Interest Outdated?, Knowledge@Smu
Questioning The Homo Economicus: Are Concepts Of Rationality And Self-Interest Outdated?, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Many classical economic theories rely on the assumption that people, and thus markets, are rather predictable; that humans are rational and self-interested beings. Yet, psychologists have argued that human behaviours are highly complex and cannot be understood in these simple terms. The emergence of interdisciplinary research in both economics and psychology has narrowed the gaps and challenged traditional thinking, as participants at a SMU Social Sciences Capstone Seminar found out.
Free Trade: Roadmap For Us-Asean Ties, Knowledge@Smu
Free Trade: Roadmap For Us-Asean Ties, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
The rise of Asia is demonstrated by its rapidly increasing share of global trade and is reinforced by the fact that for the first time, it overtook the European Union as the largest US export destination in 2010. Asia’s economic and security significance has shaped American foreign policy with the new goal of re-engaging in the region. However, the US still lacks a comprehensive roadmap for its trade policy in Asia. SMU law professor Pasha Hsieh unveils a proposal to reinvigorate US-ASEAN trade ties.
Religion, Science And Morality: Concentric Circles Or Mutually Exclusive?, Knowledge@Smu
Religion, Science And Morality: Concentric Circles Or Mutually Exclusive?, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Much has been said about the relationship between religion and science. What exactly does it mean when the two comes into play with morality? A scientist and professor of philosophy give their take in a seminar in SMU.
Human Trafficking: An Ancient Trade With A Modern Face, Knowledge@Smu
Human Trafficking: An Ancient Trade With A Modern Face, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Most people consider slavery to be extinct today. However, the practice has merely gone underground and is manifested today as human trafficking— a problem not seen or experienced directly by us in our daily lives. This invisible trade of human cargo is one of the most lucrative illegal businesses in the world today. Prominent expert on human trafficking Siddharth Kara shed light on the issue and look at ways to combat human trafficking in a seminar held in SMU.
Finding Solutions For Challenging Social Dilemmas: Something To Talk About, Knowledge@Smu
Finding Solutions For Challenging Social Dilemmas: Something To Talk About, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
In a globalised world where problems are more complex, it is increasingly important for various sectors of society to work together towards a shared solution. But it may be difficult getting the different groups to work hand in hand. Social innovators shared at a SMU Lien Centre of Social Innovation conference on how the public and private sector can reshape itself to work with one another to achieve common goals.
Addressing Singapore's Unmet Social Needs: How To Help Vulnerable Groups, Knowledge@Smu
Addressing Singapore's Unmet Social Needs: How To Help Vulnerable Groups, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
While the basic social needs in Singapore, such as food, clothing and shelter, are met through direct government interventions and the contributions of non-governmental social service activities, there are still some vulnerable groups that need attention. SMU's Lien Centre for Social Innovation has identified six particularly vulnerable groups in a recently released report entitled, 'Unmet Social Needs in Singapore'. The paper, authored by former Nominated Member of Parliament Braema Mathi and Lien Centre research manager Sharifah Mohamed, provides recommendations on how these groups may be helped.
Beneath And Beyond The Chinese Miracle, Knowledge@Smu
Beneath And Beyond The Chinese Miracle, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
China’s rapid economic growth has masked a worrying trend that personal income growth is falling increasingly behind. If this is not addressed, China will remain stuck to its export-driven model. Huang Yasheng, a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and SMU's Ho Bee Professor in Chinese Economy and Business, believes that the country’s leaders need to figure out how to boost personal income and domestic consumption, and not focus simply on gross domestic product.
When It Comes To Poverty Reduction, Less May Be More, Knowledge@Smu
When It Comes To Poverty Reduction, Less May Be More, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Most people expect strong economic growth to be closely linked to a decline in poverty. By the same token, fast-developing economies should experience fast-shrinking poverty rates. But, in reality, this link between growth and poverty is seldom consistent. In 'Small Works: Poverty and Economic Development in Southwest China', political scientist John A. Donaldson discusses an alternative take on mediating the effects of economic growth on the poor through a multi-method study of two Chinese provinces.
Watching The Clock: Challenges For The World's Fastest Growing Economies, Knowledge@Smu
Watching The Clock: Challenges For The World's Fastest Growing Economies, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Time seems to move a little faster in economies with greater wealth, higher education and more demanding jobs; sometimes driven by personal ambitions to achieve more, or perhaps because society demands it. Speaking at a Wee Kim Wee Centre Lunchtime Seminar, renowned China expert Wang Gungwu says that life on the fast lane has become so ingrained in our thinking of modern societies that it is no longer questioned but accepted as a condition of development: Speed up or get left behind.
The Rise Of Asia, The Rise Of A New World Order, Knowledge@Smu
The Rise Of Asia, The Rise Of A New World Order, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
As world economies continue to recover from the global recession, growth in developed, industrialised countries such as the US, UK and Japan will be dwarfed by that of developing Asia. Speaking at SMU's Shaw Foundation Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series, Harvard University's Dale W. Jorgenson provides a forecast of when China will overtake the US, the G7's future composition, and implications for the rest of the world
Reclaiming ‘People Power’ For The People, Knowledge@Smu
Reclaiming ‘People Power’ For The People, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
The recent ‘Arab Spring’ did not only topple some long-time rulers, it also served as a reminder to all that governments, regardless of political systems, draw their strength and authority from its people, says Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. Speaking at SMU’s Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series, the premier shares his views on the challenges and promises that come with ‘people power’ revolutions.
The Bald Eagle Finds Friends In The Lion City, Knowledge@Smu
The Bald Eagle Finds Friends In The Lion City, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
This century is widely said to be starring Asia, as the centre of economic growth shifts convincingly to the world’s largest continent. However, Asia is not going to hog the stage alone, for the United States, by far the most power economic, military and political entity, has indicated its desire to play a role together. In Singapore, the Americans are finding a friendly and valuable partner in this venture, explains US ambassador David Adelman at a Wee Kim Wee Centre talk.
For A Better World, Ask "Inconvenient" Questions, Knowledge@Smu
For A Better World, Ask "Inconvenient" Questions, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Democratic societies require the participation of its citizens in order to function. A quick, obligatory visit to the polling station counts, of course, but that may not be enough. If a country is "to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress", citizens must care enough to share their constructive views – and in the absence of that, ask "inconvenient questions". Speaking at SMU's Wee Kim Wee Centre Lunchtime Talks, Viswa Sadasivan, a Nominated Member of Parliament in Singapore, believes that such questions are necessary to "provoke and stimulate" the country's leaders to greater heights. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As 2012 Beckons: How Will Leadership Succession Shape Us And China Policies In A Year Of Change?, Knowledge@Smu
As 2012 Beckons: How Will Leadership Succession Shape Us And China Policies In A Year Of Change?, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
China’s President Hu Jintao has ended his state visit to America last month with not just US$47 billion worth of commercial deals, but also some conciliatory gestures. Nevertheless, the looming question is what will happen in 2012, with a new team of Chinese leaders taking over, while US President Barack Obama stands for re-election. Events over the past year have marked more ups than downs in the relationship between these two giants. What worries the Chinese leaders? What are domestic issues affecting their conduct of foreign policy? University of Virginia's Harry Harding shares his take with SMU.
Proximity To Power: How People Keep Governments Honest, Knowledge@Smu
Proximity To Power: How People Keep Governments Honest, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
It is widely accepted that governments are likelier to cater to majority needs. However, history has shown, time and again, that unhappy minorities are a force to be reckoned with. Inequality, on top of an absence of channels by which people may voice their needs and discontent, will motivate insurrections – especially if the dissenting minorities are concentrated within the country's capital city. According to a study conducted by assistant professors Do Quoc-Anh and Filipe Campante from SMU and Harvard University respectively, an "honest", accountable government may have just as much to do with geography as it does with leadership. …
Asia Alone? Not Time Yet To Jettison Ties, Knowledge@Smu
Asia Alone? Not Time Yet To Jettison Ties, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Much has been written about the relationships between America and Asia, largely built on the rubble of the Cold War. It is now a very different world. Following the recent financial crisis, the strains and changes in the relationship between has been further accentuated. A growing number in Asia were talking of extending the de-coupling beyond just economical ties. Simon Tay, chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, provides his views on how Asia and America should change and engage each other for the post-crisis future. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Understanding The Rapid Rise Of Charismatic Christianity In Southeast Asia, Knowledge@Smu
Understanding The Rapid Rise Of Charismatic Christianity In Southeast Asia, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
There seems to be something about speaking in tongues, prophesy, sing-a-longs and loud music bands that augurs well with the well-heeled, educated, middle-class, ethnic Chinese Southeast Asian. Juliette Koning, a visiting professor at SMU, and her colleague first took notice of this as they were conducting research in the region; of how urban and upwardly mobile ethnic Chinese communities seemed to be drawn to this particular brand of Christian worship. An in-depth study that followed confirmed their observations. What's more, they found that while church attendances all across Asia have been expanding rapidly, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia are said to …
Malaysian Maverick: The Man Who Will Not Be Ignored, Knowledge@Smu
Malaysian Maverick: The Man Who Will Not Be Ignored, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
It's hard not to sit up and pay attention when one of the region's most influential political leaders speaks. But what happens when the rhetoric takes a turn towards anti-Semitism, anti-Westernisation and the antiquated? With more than two decades in office, Mahathir Mohamad is Malaysia's longest-serving chief executive and arguably one of the country's most respected figures. Retired since 2003, the nation's 'Father of Modernisation' has been through two heart surgeries, started a bakery business, and still, somehow, maintained a strong vocal presence in politics – with some degree of success – through his blog, news commentaries and public-speaking engagements. …
Peddling Propaganda To Sceptics: The Men In White Experience, Knowledge@Smu
Peddling Propaganda To Sceptics: The Men In White Experience, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
One would think that writing a book based on Singapore’s ruling party would be relatively easy, especially if the authors are seasoned journalists with the oldest dominant newspaper of a country where the same party has ruled since independence. To the contrary, said Leong Weng Kam, Richard Lim and Sonny Yap, veteran Straits Times writers and authors of Men In White: The Untold Story of Singapore’s Ruling Political Party – a book that was not to be "propaganda", but try selling that to party-detractor, opposition, former-detainee interviewees, and then peddling the same claim to the general reading public.
When Foreigners Influence Domestic Change: A Case For Transnational Advocacy, Knowledge@Smu
When Foreigners Influence Domestic Change: A Case For Transnational Advocacy, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Like it or not, socio-environmental issues extend beyond geopolitical boundaries. Southeast Asians might remember the Indonesian haze that had affected the region's air quality, for instance – an issue that was eventually addressed with the help of foreign groups; or the recovery efforts of the 2004 tsunami, which also involved many international entities. According to Yooil Bae, a political science professor at SMU, foreign groups can bring new insights and methods. But while there are benefits to knowledge-sharing and cooperation, the process can be tricky, especially when such advocacy groups clash with the state.
Donald Tsang's Vision For An Integrated Asia, Knowledge@Smu
Donald Tsang's Vision For An Integrated Asia, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Stem protectionism, step-up education, reduce our reliance on the West, emphasize strong Asian values, integrate currencies and promote trade partnerships – these are items that show up on Donald Tsang's wish list of things by which Asia might be united. What's more, he believes his vision of an Asian bloc will likely take shape within this very century. Speaking at SMU's Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia public lecture series, the Hong Kong Chief Executive explained why Asian countries must forge closer links with one another, and how the region can eventually present itself to be a foundation of stability …
Thio Li-Ann On Free Speech, Social Values And Sustainable Democracy, Knowledge@Smu
Thio Li-Ann On Free Speech, Social Values And Sustainable Democracy, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
It has been two years since Thio Li-ann delivered the parliamentary speech that would thrust her into the epicentre of a nationwide debate. Her arguments for the continued criminalisation of homosexual acts in Singapore earned her both praises and death threats. And it was perhaps this incident that first led her to scrutinise, more deeply than before, the notion of free speech in society. "Equality is a fundamental tenet that we all have, as citizens of a democracy. But what happens if you have a bigger amplifier or a louder voice than I do? Can speech kill speech?" she asked …
Inter-Disciplinary Approaches To International Law: Legal & Non-Legal Rituals For Genocide Survivors, Knowledge@Smu
Inter-Disciplinary Approaches To International Law: Legal & Non-Legal Rituals For Genocide Survivors, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Legal processes, however powerful and authoritative they might be, are not cure-alls. Case in point: victims of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia are still seeking healing and closure thirty years on. While the international tribunal might be able to hold the perpetrators accountable, there is a disconnect between what this international legal procedure can achieve, and what the victims want, notes SMU law professor Mahdev Mohan. To help the victims, he said non-legal actions are needed.
Pluralism In Singapore: Something To Talk About, Knowledge@Smu
Pluralism In Singapore: Something To Talk About, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Diverse societies may offer richer experiences and perhaps, higher creativity. Cities like Tokyo, New York and London are often held up as shining examples of how diversity can live alongside affluence. But diversity, in and of itself, does not guarantee a cosmopolitan society – especially when differences between groups go unresolved. Such issues were raised at Singapore’s National Day Rally 2009, where examples of inter-group tensions were spelt out. How can Singapore, with her multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious inhabitants, inculcate a wider appreciation for pluralism? And is it possible for groups that disagree fundamentally on contentious issues, to co-exist peacefully?
The Tricky Business Of Copying, Stealing And Protecting, Knowledge@Smu
The Tricky Business Of Copying, Stealing And Protecting, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
People click “yes” and “agree” on pop-up windows on their computer screens without much thought and without really knowing what they are agreeing to. But does the act of clicking bind a person, contractually? Terms and conditions presented on electronic devices have been known to be lengthy and dreary, thereby unappealing to the masses. Most people do not have the patience to read the entire list of items, so they choose, instead, to turn in their rights altogether – blindly. Why have people become indifferent and what are the implications for businesses? Andrea Matwyshyn, a speaker at the Wharton-SMU Research …
Powerful Politicians And Their Hand In Corporate Downsizing, Knowledge@Smu
Powerful Politicians And Their Hand In Corporate Downsizing, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
What is the relationship between government spending and the private sector? Do private companies really benefit from government spending? Would the appointment of politicians in key government committees have an impact on the allocation of government funds? Why do some states receive more government funds than others? These were questions that inspired an analysis into the public-private dynamic, presented at the Singapore Management University recently.
The Red, Yellow And Orange Colours Of Thai Reform, Knowledge@Smu
The Red, Yellow And Orange Colours Of Thai Reform, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Thailand’s constitution has undergone numerous changes in tandem with the rise and fall of a long line of political players. The shadow of instability lingers. In recent years, two opposing camps have been drawing all the attention: the “yellow” pro-monarchy camp, versus the red-shirt supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. According to Andrew Harding, a visiting law professor at Singapore Management University, the views of the in-betweens, the so-called “orange” camp, which represents the ordinary, nonpartisan Thai citizens, might be the way forward.
Labour Protests: Bringing The Courtroom Into The Streets Of Southern China, Knowledge@Smu
Labour Protests: Bringing The Courtroom Into The Streets Of Southern China, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Demonstrations can be a loud, disruptive, and sometimes destructive form of expression. Aside from provoking attention, most demonstrations fail to yield effective outcomes. In Southern China, the growing instances of labour protests have sparked governmental concerns. Though demonstrations are unlawful in the country, the Chinese government has resisted complete repression. Instead, they have been known to assist the protestors by facilitating favourable outcomes. This is referred to as a “street as a courtroom” phenomenon. Law professor Xin (Frank) He from the City University of Hong Kong explains this anomaly.
Political Participation: Influences And Implications, Knowledge@Smu
Political Participation: Influences And Implications, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Education has always been viewed as a predictor of a nation’s level of political participation. The levels of political activity in Latin America and East Asia, however, disprove this belief. SMU economics professor Davin Chor and Harvard public policy professor Filipe R. Campante attempt alternative explanations from an economic perspective. In the paper, “Schooling, Political Participation, and the Economy”, factors such as resources and human capital were examined.