Asian Studies Commons^™

Smu At 25: Celebrating A Legacy Of Innovation And A Bold Vision For The Future, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

Twenty-five years ago, Singapore Management University (SMU) started out as a bold experiment in transforming the higher education in Singapore. Today, it has already gained the recognition of being a globally recognized institution at the forefront of transformative education and cutting-edge research, shaping future leaders in Asia and beyond. As SMU marks this milestone, the university is not just reflecting on its achievements but charting a path forward with renewed purpose.

Smu Announces New Leadership Appointments: Mr Kuok Khoon Ean And Justice Judith Prakash, As Pro-Chancellors, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

Singapore Management University (SMU) is pleased to announce key leadership appointments that will further strengthen its governance and strategic direction. These appointments underscore SMU’s commitment to delivering excellence in education, research, and community engagement. Effective 1 January 2025, SMU welcomes two distinguished individuals, Mr Kuok Khoon Ean and Justice Judith Prakash, as Pro-Chancellors.

40 Years Passing By In (A) “Heartbeat”, Christopher Janney

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

This article outlines the forty-year history go Christopher Janney’s iconic performance work “HeartBeat.” Trained as an architect and jazz musician, Janney combines these two disciplines to create large interactive light/sound installations and performances. On the one hand, he attempts to make architecture more like music, more “alive” using real-time sensing devices as on his “Harmonic Convergence” installation on the Miami International Airport. On the other hand, he attempts to make music more like architecture, more physical more visual. In his “HeartBeat” performance, a dancer wears a heartbeat device that amplifies his/her heartbeat in “real time.” Over this pulse, live musicians …

Yoga Sūtra Book Four And The Yogabindu, Christopher Key Chapple

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Four themes from the fourth pāda of Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra are examined here: karma (IV:2-13), individuality (IV:16), humility (IV:20-22), and freedom (IV:29-34). Affirmations and variant interpretations of these four are provided from Haribhadra Virahāṅka’s Yogabindu, most likely composed a century or two later.

Collective Karma: From The Yogasūtra To Taylor Swift, Zoë Slatoff

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

The Indian knowledge traditions speak at length about karma, which is divided into three categories—accumulated (saṃcita), ripe (prārabdha), and future (kriyamāṇa). While much is said about our individual karma and how it affects our repeated reincarnation in cyclic existence, how does this affect others and how do others affect us? In other words, as this paper explores, what is our reciprocal and collective karma?

Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology Of The Interplay Of Mind And Consciousness In Book Four Of The Yoga Sūtras, Melissa Townsend

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

This presentation explores how artistic practice can illuminate philosophical questions about the nature of mind, consciousness, and liberation as articulated in Book Four of the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. Through a series of paintings that visually translate these sūtras, I propose that art offers a unique, experiential means of engaging with the complex relationship between citta (mind) and puruṣa (consciousness).

The paintings function as a form of “visual ontology,” inviting viewers to engage with abstract philosophical concepts in a sensory, tangible way. By depicting the interplay between the mutable processes of the mind and the unchanging awareness of consciousness, these …

Laudate Deum: A Framework For Environmental Stewardship And Social Justice In The Philippines And Southeast Asia, Antonio Levy S. Ingles Jr.

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

This study explores the intersection of environmental initiatives and social justice movements in the Philippines, a nation rich in biodiversity but acutely vulnerable to climate change and ecological degradation. Using Laudate Deum as a guiding framework, the research examines how the principles of Immediate Action, Collective Responsibility, and Social Justice can inform collaborative strategies to address these challenges. Through an analysis of case studies, this paper highlights the socio-economic impacts of environmental crises, such as deforestation and pollution, and evaluates initiatives like mangrove reforestation and community-based waste management for their ecological and social benefits. The findings reveal that integrating Laudate …

A Qualitative Study Of Iranian Efl Teachers’ Perceptions Of A Digital Diversified Education, Seyed Mohammad Reza Marvasti Zadeh, Azizollah Dabaghi Varnosfadrani Advarnosfadrani, Mohammad Amiryousefi

The Qualitative Report

Because Iran is a country of learners of diverse languages, socio-economic classes, genders, and ages, digital diversified education seems appropriate to address needs in English language education. However, there is a notable gap in research on teachers’ perceptions about this type of education. To fill this gap, this study aimed to investigate the perspectives of Iranian teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) regarding a diverse digital education. Data were collected via an open-ended survey with 30 EFL teachers, both male and female, who were selected through convenience sampling. Analysis revealed several key themes, including the utilization of diverse …

Exploring Students' Computer-Supported Collaborative Argumentation With Socio-Scientific Issues, Wenli Chen, Yiting Han, Jesmine Tan, Aileen Siew Cheng Chai, Qianru Lyu, Lyna

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Background: This study examined the effect of computer-supported collaborative argumentation (CSCA) on secondary school students' understanding of socio-scientific issues (SSI). Engaging students in collaborative argumentation is known to help with deepening their understanding of SSI. Methods: In this study, a mixed-method design is used to investigate 84 students' collaborative argumentation processes and outcomes. The statistical analysis, epistemic network analysis and qualitative uptake analysis results showed that CSCA was effective in supporting secondary school students' evidence-based argumentation skills on SSI. Findings and Conclusion: Several cases were presented to show how students engaged in CSCA to explore meaningful learning opportunities and how …

A Qualitative Study Of The Career Experiences Of Asian And Asian American Female Administrators In U.S. Higher Education, Yunru Shen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the experiences of Asian and Asian American women administrators’ career paths in U.S. higher education. The research fills a gap in the literature regarding the careers of Asian and Asian American women administrators. The recruitment process was completed between May 13 and July 9, 2024. Recruitment emails were sent to 25 potentially qualified participants, including a network of 17 people made up of mentors, professors, and colleagues, as well as eight professional associations and LinkedIn. The participants were six Asian and Asian American biologically female administrators at U.S. colleges and universities. These participants currently hold …

Thai Parents’ Reasons For Sending Their Children To Premium-Fee International Schools: Strategies For Establishing International Schools, Issara Wongcharoensin

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

The study investigates the factors influencing Thai parents’ decisions when selecting international schools in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. It examines how parents’ preferences for educational outcomes shape their choice among UK, US, or IB programs. Key findings reveal that dissatisfaction with Thai public schools drives many families to enroll their children in international schools. These institutions are valued for their supportive community atmosphere, opportunities for foreign college placements, and superior infrastructure. Preferences for different programs reflect distinct priorities: UK programs are preferred for their extracurricular activities, punctuality, and academic reputation; US programs for their emphasis on critical thinking, multiculturalism, and …

Buddhism, Daoism, And Jeet Kune Do: A Contemporary Analysis Of Nondual Traditions In A New Age Martial Art, James H. Sutton

Journal of Conscious Evolution

Traditional martial arts are known for their focus on spiritual cultivation through a combination of self-defense training and contemplative practices like meditation. Traditional martial art systems tend to utilize nondual traditions commonly associated with Buddhism and Daoism; however, modern martial art practices, particularly those of MMA, no longer place a strong emphasis on such traditions. In turn, this has led to the development of high-performance sport athletes who emphasize self-defense efficiency in combat (usually combat sports) over all other attributes while also mixing “arts” or “styles” as necessary for the individual’s own self growth. I dub these as “new age” …

Graduate Socialization Experiences Of International Married Women From South Asia, Paushali Saha

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study examined the graduate socialization experiences of international married women from South Asia using phenomenology. Prior research has shown that graduate socialization processes like relationships with faculty, opportunities to conduct research, and networking with others in the field are key to success in graduate school and obtaining desired positions after school. Interviews with four married South Asian women revealed that for them, faculty relationships were imperative to their success. Additionally, their husband and family support made a big difference in their ability to engage in their graduate studies and be successful. They also reported the multiple roles they hold …

Catalysing Growth: State Of Asean University Innovation And Entrepreneurship: Report 2024, Abdullah Khurshid, Dexter Ye Kai Tan, Gabrielle Lay Khim Tan

Research Collection Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Over the past few years, Southeast Asia has captured global attention with its remarkable economic growth, driven by strong tailwinds. This has led to the expansion of its middle-class consumer base that is actively participating in while benefitting from the region’s rapidly expanding digital economy. In such a climate, there is tremendous potential for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) to be a critical economic driver. Homegrown startups in different Southeast Asian countries have introduced technology-first solutions that have scaled across the region, pushing businesses to innovate rapidly. Moreover, startups promote inclusive growth by leveraging scalable internet platforms and novel technologies to …

A Phenomenology Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Chinese International Students In The Us During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Linlin Wu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study investigates the lived experiences of Chinese international students during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to delve into how these individuals articulate their experiences during the pandemic, with a particular focus on how their geographical location influenced their experiences. To achieve this, the study employs an innovative approach, integrating a phenomenological method with comparative analysis to elucidate the similarities and differences between students who remained in the US and those who returned to China.

The analysis identified four principal themes among students in the US: 1) Online Learning Challenges, (2) Social Life Adaptation, (3) …

Preparing Accountants Of The Future: Examining An Accounting Data And Analytics Undergraduate Program In Singapore, Poh Sun Seow, Gary Pan, Clarence Goh, Duan Ning, Magdeleine Lew

Research Collection School Of Accountancy

Due to technological innovations, there is a need for universities to produce accounting graduates who are proficient in data and analytics, in addition to core accounting skills. A university in Singapore launched the accounting data and analytics (AD&A) second major program to provide students with skillsets in data and analytics. The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of the AD&A program. 100 participants were surveyed, involving 70 graduates of the program and 30 employers. The results show that both graduates andemployers were satisfied with the program. The results also show that the program adequately equips graduates with …

Enhancing Student Engagement In Introductory Economics With Interactive Videos And Synthesized Readings In Flipped Learning, Bei Hong, Duan Ning, Magdeleine Lew

Research Collection School Of Economics

A major challenge faced by university economics instructors is to find more time to incorporate active learning into the classroom, which encourages student participation. As a result, more instructors choose to flip their classrooms, in which students are encouraged to perform preparatory reading or watch videos to participate more meaningfully and learn more effectively. This study aims to examine how pre-lecture materials enhance student participation by examining the effectiveness of two types of materials: interactive videos and synthesized readings. The synthesized readings contain essential information extracted from the textbook and is presented in a structured manner with highlighted key points. …

Q&A With Professor Lily Kong, Royal Geographical Society

Oral History Collection

SMU President Professor Lily Kong has been conferred the Royal Geographical Society (with the institute of British Geographers) Victoria Medal 2024 for conspicuous merit in social and cultural geography and in urban research. The Medal recognises Prof Kong’s exceptional intellectual leadership, demonstrated through her scholarship and contributions to the internationalisation of geography. She is also the first Asian woman, in over 120 years, to be accorded this honour. In an interview, Prof Kong shared about her role and work as the first Singaporean woman to be appointed President of any university in Singapore, as well as the highlights of her …

Influences Of Cultural Capital And Internationalization On Global Competence In Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review, Yiying Teng, Meghan E. Cosier

Education Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: In an increasingly global economy, the global competence of students in higher education is a critical area of importance. The purpose of the study was to explore the research on factors that influence an individual’s global competence in both international and Chinese contexts.

Methods: Under the umbrella of cultural capital theory and Internationalization, a systematic literature review analyzed and synthesized the empirical studies of global competence from 2013 to 2022.

Results: This research revealed that students with higher cultural capital backgrounds obtain more educational opportunities and further exhibit better global competence achievement. Internationalization abroad is a direct and practical …

Predicting The Future Of Myanmar’S Civil War: Can Half A Century Of Military Rule Be Defeated?, Nathan Ritterling

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

In 2021, the military of Myanmar launched a coup in response to their overwhelming defeat in the 2020 elections, resulting in an end to the country’s tentative move towards democracy and in intense violence to suppress opposition to the coup. Anti-junta forces quickly formed in the aftermath to directly oppose the military and return the country to democratic rule, and began collaborating with long-standing ethnic militias in their efforts. This has led to a state of prolonged civil war, as the two sides fight for dominance over the nature of Myanmar’s future government. This paper investigated the potential outcome of …

Career Readiness: A Study Of Vietnamese University Students' Views On Post-Graduation Prospects, Tobias Amstutz

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study examines Vietnamese university students' perceptions and attitudes towards post-graduation job prospects, which could serve as an economic indicator. Utilizing survey data from over 200 students across institutions and disciplines, the research investigates how factors such as confidence in educational preparation, chosen field of study, and perceived job readiness relate to demographic characteristics and intentions to pursue the same academic path.

The most significant findings of the study reveal that English language confidence and major fields of study were influential factors in shaping students' perceptions and attitudes. Students with higher English confidence had statistically significantly higher levels of job …

Smu Opens Representative Office In Vietnam To Boost Knowledge Exchange With Businesses, Academia And Upskill Talent Pipeline Locally, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

Singapore Management University (SMU) announced the establishment of its representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, known as the SMU Overseas Centre Ho Chi Minh City (OCHCMC), taking a significant step in its mission to foster knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration as a gateway university in Asia. This strategic move, which follows the successful launch of SMU's two overseas centres in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2022 and Bangkok, Thailand in 2023 is part of SMU’s Vision 2025 which aims to boost Asian growth by offering a deep understanding of Asia’s economy, polity and society. By utilising the university's resources and offerings, …

Who Watched Pre/Post-Lecture Tutorial Videos? Does Flipped Learning Help Beginners In Economics?, Bei Hong

Research Collection School Of Economics

The modern-day classroom is characterized by academic diversity, with students from varied backgrounds and with different levels of prior knowledge. To cater to the diverse abilities of students, this paper explored the use of flipped learning as a teaching approach in an introductory economics course. We investigated the effectiveness of 40 pre-lecture videos covering basic concepts and 27 post-lecture tutorial videos focusing on practice in improving students' exam outcomes, especially for beginners in economics who may require more support from instructors than other students. We collected data about video engagement and students' grades in progress assessments. Surveys were conducted to …

What Does Singapore Need From Its Next Generation?, Lily Kong

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

In a commentary, SMU President Professor Lily Kong, who is also a Public Service Commission member, emphasised the critical need for a cultural shift among Singapore's youth to ensure the nation's sustained prosperity. Prof Kong advocated for fostering independence of thought, creativity, and interpersonal skills alongside academic excellence, stressing the importance of moving beyond complacency. She urged intentional efforts to instil qualities such as curiosity, resilience, and a growth mindset, exemplified by SMU's initiative to make global exposure a graduation requirement. Prof Kong emphasised the necessity for the younger generation to think critically, challenge norms, and connect ideas across different …

Beyond “The Forgotten War”: A Multidimensional Exploration Of The Korean War And Its Enduring Impact, Matthew Weishaupt

History - Master of Arts in Teaching

I. Synthesis Essay...................3

II. Primary Sources................20

III. Textbook Critique..............30

IV. New Textbook Entry..........34

V. Bibliography.......................40

Smu Launches Urban Institute Focused On The Study Of Asian Cities, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

As Asian cities urbanise at an unprecedented rate, urban policy-makers face the increasingly complex and pressing challenge of balancing urban growth with resilience and sustainability. With migration and the rapid flow of ideas online, old and new city-making practices have become uncomfortably entwined, resulting in contestation for space, resources, and municipal services. In response to megatrends that underscore the critical need to prioritise urban research, Singapore Management University (SMU) today launched the SMU Urban Institute (UI), a new research institute dedicated to multi- and inter-disciplinary research on cities in Asia. SMU UI will look beyond the development of infrastructure, and …

Singapore Management University Report To Stakeholders 2023/24, Singapore Management University

Report to Stakeholders

The past year has been one of significant growth and achievement for Singapore Management University. As we navigated an increasingly complex and challenging world, SMU remained committed to doing the best by our students, harnessing the collective brain trust that our faculty represent, and the professional expertise of our staff, to deliver impact on our community, country, and region. Our focus on nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers continues to be at the heart of our educational mission, and our dedication to the highest quality research for academic and societal impact remains our commitment.

Supporting Out-Of-School Girls And Children And Youth From Marginalised Groups In The Asean Region: A Review Of Promising Practices, Anna Dabrowski, Syeda Kashfee Ahmed, Payal Goundar, Debbie Wong, Jeaniene Spink

International Education Research

Investing in girls’ and women's education can transform the experiences of individuals, as well as shape communities into the future. Girls who are given opportunities to receive an education are more likely to lead productive lives, participate in decision making processes, and shape the trajectories of others. The work of the ASEAN-UK SAGE programme reflects an overarching aim to better understand the challenges facing different types of girls and women in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, identify promising practices that can support girls and women, and create tangible recommendations for those responsible for supporting girls and women's …

Smu Welcomes Two New Members To Its Board Of Trustees, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

The Singapore Management University is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Trustees with effect from 12 January 2024. Their appointment will be for an initial term of three years. The new members are: (1) Dr Andrew David Hamilton – President Emeritus, New York University, (2) Mr Don Lam – Chief Executive Officer & Founding Partner, VinaCapital Group.

Using Team Rewards And Individual Assessment To Incentivize Collaboration In Team Projects, Prasart Jongjaroenkamol

Research Collection School Of Accountancy

Team projects are commonly used in higher education across different disciplines to promote cooperation among students. However, achieving this objective can be challenging. To address this issue, educators have explored various strategies, such as implementing peer evaluation or having periodic consultations with teams. In this paper, I present a novel approach to team assessment that combines team rewards with individual assessment. In this assessment, each team member independently takes a quiz, and the team's score is determined by the average performance of its members. Consequently, the team reward becomes intricately tied to the individual learning outcomes of all team members. …