Asian Studies Commons^™

Pakistan's Contribution To The Global Rise In Conventional Pollution, Emily Warner

CMC Senior Theses

This thesis examines the impact of conventional pollutants on the environment, communities, and individuals in Pakistan. It begins by investigating the causes of conventional pollutants and exploring Pakistan’s agricultural industry, domestic practices, non-renewable energy sources, and industrial practices (the brick industry, leather tanning industry, and textile industry). It then analyzes factors that continue to contribute to conventional pollution in Pakistan such as economic incentives, politics, and traditional practices within industries. Exploring the measures that have been taken by Pakistan and other organizations to decrease conventional pollutants, it then suggests potential opportunities for improvement.

The Road That Never Existed: Orientalist Myth Making Within The Historiography Of The Silk Road, Margaret Kathryn Curtin

History - Master of Arts in Teaching

I. Synthesis Essay………………………………....4

II. Primary Documents and Headnotes………....28

III. Textbook Critique……………………………...40

IV. New Textbook Entry………………………......45

V. Bibliography…………………………………....48

The Othering Of An Empire: A Historiographical And Pedagogical Assessment Of Orientalism, Genghis Khan, And The Mongol Empire, Edward Stehr

History - Master of Arts in Teaching

I. Synthesis Essay………………………………....3

II. Primary Documents and Headnotes………....28

III. Textbook Critique……………………………...40

IV. New Textbook Entry…………………………..44

V. Bibliography…………………………………....50

R&D Subsidies In Permissive And Restrictive Environment: Evidence From Korea, Yumi Koh, Gea M. Lee

Research Collection School Of Economics

This paper investigates the extent to which a regulatory environment for R&D subsidies shapes the magnitude and direction of R&D subsidies set by a government and consequent innovation paths. When the WTO adopted a permissive regulatory environment, we find that the Korean government increased R&D subsidies significantly (89.21%) and selectively so for firms and industries with higher returns. Recipient firms conducted less basic research and more development research. Improvements in innovations were mostly incremental and minor. However, such changes did not persist once the WTO switched to a restrictive regulatory environment. Our findings show that the regulatory environment imposed by …

The Demands Of Displacement, The Micro-Aggressions Of Multiculturalism: Performing An Idea Of "Indianness" In Singapore, Orlando Woods, Lily Kong

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

This paper explores the ways in which state-defined discourses of multiculturalism can unintentionally create a framework through which micro-aggressions are enacted against those interpreted as "other". These definitions cascade down from the state to majority and then minority ethno-national groups, who leverage positions of relative dominance to establish the terms of acceptance and integration into society. By negotiating these terms, ethnicity becomes a performative construct through which difference is asserted and reified. We illustrate these ideas through an empirical analysis of Singapore's minority Indian community, and how Singaporean Indians perform an idea of "Indianness" in response to their Singaporean Chinese …

Personal Service Companies And The Tax Avoidance Surcharge In Singapore, Vincent Ooi, Ben Chester Cheong

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

Incorporation of personal service companies provide tax and non-tax advantages. With the introduction of a tax avoidance surcharge in Singapore, incorporation for non-tax advantages risks additional “tax costs” if challenged by the revenue authorities, introducing uncertainty and litigation costs. Instead of relying on a GAAR, targeted measures should restrict tax advantages to the first company incorporated by each individual taxpayer.

Editor’S Note, Deepak Shimkhada

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

This special issue of Monsoon is dedicated to the studies honoring the goddess traditions in South Asia. The onset of the Monsoon Season in South Asia typically commences in June and continues until late August and early September. The publication of this issue, therefore, has been strategically timed to coincide with that season, which is a vital source of sustenance for millions of individuals in this part of the world. This anthology consisting of five papers—written by scholars with expertise in the field of goddess and women studies—speak unequivocally about the goddesses or women for their strength, beauty, wisdom, and …

Constructing Jain Goddess Padmavātī In Gujarati Literature, Venu Mehta

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Worship of the goddess Padmāvatī emerged more than a thousand years ago. This article explores three songs about her in Gujarati by Paṇḍit Vīrvijayajī (1773-1852). By analyzing the style and form of his work, one learns a great deal about devotional liturgies that commemorate goddess Padmāvatī’s protection of the Jina Pārśvanātha and, in turn, his protection of her.

Women’S Voices From History: Gond Rani Durgawati And Rani Lakshmibhai, Nandini Sengupta, Moupia Basu

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Two strong women are compared and contrasted in this article. Gond Rani Durgawati (1524-1564) led a resistance movement in Jabalpur against the Mughal rule of Akbar. Rani Lakshmibai (1828-1858) organized the people of Jhansi against Sir Hugh Rose, an officer defending the interests of the British East India Company. Both women continue to be remembered for their bravery and their loyalty to the people they ruled.

The Jaina Goddess Padmāvati In Karnataka, Robert Zydenbos

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Stories about Padmāvati played an important role in the founding of the Ganga Dynasty (ca. 350-1000 C.E.) and the Hoysala Dynasty (ca. 950-1350 C.E.) in what is now the modern state of Karnataka. Although not without its critics, goddess worship has been integral to Jainism as practiced in south India for more than a millennium. This article surveys primary and secondary literature written about Padmāvati and describes worship at the main shrine dedicated to her, located in Hombuja in central Karnataka.

Mai Bhago And Amrita Devi Bishnoi: Women Of Strength, Sowmya Ayyar

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Mai Bhago (1670-1720), also known as Bhag Kaur, distinguished herself on the battlefield to defend the Sikh faith. Amrita Devi Bishnoi (d. 1730) is said to have sacrificed her life with 362 others to protect the Khejari trees in the Rajasthan desert. Both women continue to inspire social justice and ecological activism.

An Examination Of Gandhian Economic And Political Thought And Its Relevance To The Empowerment Of Women, Purnima Mehta Bhatt

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) sought to alleviate poverty and empower women. His commitment to nonviolence and the economic ideal of “small is beautiful” continue to inspire grassroots movements around the globe. This article discusses the Chipko movement of northern India, the protection of rain forests in Kerala’s Silent Valley, the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), and Medha Patkar’s valiant though ultimately futile attempt to save the Narmada River from a massive government damming project. The ongoing legacy of these movements can be found in AWAG, the Ahmedabad Women’s Action Group and Women’s Shanti Sena (Peace Force).

Indigenous Stitch-Arts Of India: Tradition And Revival In A Global Age, Punam Madhok

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Stitch art allows for the creative expression and economic support of countless women throughout India. This article examines four notable styles: chikankari, flora and fauna stitched in white thread on fine white cotton, rabari, the stitching of mirrors into colorful cloth, phulkari, resplendent flowery motifs sewn into shawls in Punjab, and kantha, Bengali patch work yielding quilts and seating mats. In addition to describing each technique, this article discusses how women have been economically empowered through this art by such organizations as Self-Help Enterprise (SHE) in Kolkata and Adithi, a women’s cooperative, in Bihar.

The Role Of The United States In Advancing Democracy In Developing Countries: The Case Of Bangladesh, 2008-2020, Abdul Halim

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The United States has been working in close collaboration with the government of Bangladesh (GoB) to promote democratic norms and practices in the country. Over the past five decades, various US agencies have provided about $8 billion in foreign aid to Bangladesh (U.S. Department of State, 2022) with a significant percentage of these funds devoted to promoting democratic governance in the recipient nation. This study seeks to investigate the impact of US aid on democratization in Bangladesh from 2008 to 2020. Utilizing bi-variate statistical models, this essay analyzes four distinct measures of US-funded projects that directly promote democracy and their …

Thailand's Tourist Destination Image And Their Intentions To Revisit, Juxin Mou

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The robust expansion of global tourism, compounded by the pivotal role of modern technology, has intensified competition within the tourism market. This dynamic landscape has prompted nations to focus keenly on the development of tourism and the cultivation of a positive destination image. A strong, appealing image is crucial—it not only draws tourists but also amplifies the destination's competitive edge. Indeed, a favorable destination image can enhance visitors' perceptions, boost their satisfaction, and increase their likelihood to return. In the context of China's soaring economy and rising living standards, the appetite for outbound tourism among Chinese citizens has surged, propelling …

Food Tourism As A Means Of Promoting Food Sustainability: A Case Study Of Street Food In Bangkok, Marissa Soltoff

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

In 2002, the Thai government lauched two gastrodiplomacy initiatives to promote cultural awareness, increase export revenue, and boost tourism by increasing the number and quality of Thai restaurants abroad. These iniatives have been vastly successful and have since been emulated by other countries. This paper builds on the gastrodiplomacy initiatives' success by exploring the possibility of the same methods being applied to promotion of food sustainability. This research addresses the questions surrounding the factors that both enable and risk food sustainability, the sustainability projects currently being pursued in Thailand, any possible link between food sustainability and gastrodiplomacy with regards to …

Bad Genius: An Analysis Of Filmic Representations Of Thailand’S Social Issues And Chinese Viewers’ Perspectives, Shuwen Sun

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Bad Genius is a thought-provoking Thai movie that profoundly reflects the modern side of society by telling the story of examination malpractice and social class issues. The purpose of this article is to analyze the social issues involved in the film and explore the criticism of the education system and social injustice. At the same time, the article will introduce the Chinese audience's evaluation of the movie in order to analyze the reasons for its high box office in the Chinese market. By comparing the educational background and social values of Thailand and China, we can better understand why Bad …

Thailand's Role In Asean's Preventive Diplomacy, Usaimeen Waenalai

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This research delves into Thailand's pivotal role in the context of ASEAN's preventive diplomacy efforts, aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of the nation's contributions and challenges in maintaining regional stability and conflict prevention. As a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Thailand's diplomatic engagements have significant implications for the collective security of the region. The study employs a multidimensional approach, combining historical analysis, policy evaluation, and case studies to elucidate the evolution of Thailand's preventive diplomacy strategies within the ASEAN framework. The research begins by examining the foundational principles and historical antecedents of preventive diplomacy, …

Impacts Of The Social Media On Thailand's Tourism Industry: Impacts Of User-Generated Contents In The Social Media On Tourists' Behavior And Motivations, Shu Jin

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study explores the significant transformation of the global tourism industry in today's digital era, especially for prominent tourist destinations like Thailand, due to social media. As one of Thailand's primary sources of revenue, the tourism industry has embraced social media as a major channel for information dissemination, shaping travelers' experiences and behaviors. The traditional methods of promotion and information delivery are evolving, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where tourism recovery efforts focus on digital marketing and social media interaction to attract and retain travelers. The increased usage of social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, …

Moken Engagement With Tourism In The Surin Islands, Robert Louis Brandon Jr

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The Andaman coast is home to the Moken who are traditionally sea nomads. In Thailand, they have undergone changes to their traditional life as they deal with the state policy and the tourism industry, where they contend with obstacles to their wellbeing as a people via marginalization and insecurity. This research paper focuses on the situation in the Surin Islands, a national park since 1981 and home to the Moken Village with around 300 residents. The residents receive hundreds of tourists daily, and this paper describes the engagement between Moken and visiting tourists. The researcher gathered data from field observation …

Vietnam Economic Influence In Laos During 2002-2020, Chayapat Wareenil

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This thesis examines Vietnam’s role in the Lao economy from 2002 to 2020 to study how Vietnam plays an important role in the Lao economy in an era where economic tools are a tool to expand influence and make Vietnam have competitors such as China and Thailand in playing a role in Laos. This thesis uses “Interdependence Theory” as a tool for explaining the relationship between Vietnam and Laos. The study found that although Vietnam may not be the country that invests the most in Vietnam, but Vietnam still plays an important role in Lao economy. Vietnam’s role in the …

The Role Of Tica In Thailand's Technical Assistance To The Countries In Mekong Subregion, Sathavee Supakatisan

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Technical assistance had been one of Thai foreign policy tools since the very end of Cold War until recent time. The function of Thai technical assistance was to facilitate better cooperation with other countries especially neighboring in Mekong subregion for mutual benefits. During the late 1980s, Thailand utilized her experiences as a recipient country by giving technical and economic assistance via DTEC, an official aid reception agency, to Indochina and Myanmar in order to extend her good will towards these countries for the purpose of economic and political development within in the region. In 2003, Thailand declared herself as a …

Trendy Asian Desserts And Urban Youth Identity Creation: Comparing Young People's Cultural Practices And Social Media Activities In Singapore, Bangkok And Kuala Lumpur, Shangya Li

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Urban Southeast youth create a type of dessert-centered cultural capital based in their encounters with Asia-centered desserts in trendy urban cafes. They turn these encounters into digital products to share online. This helps them create a refined Asian cosmopolitan identity grounded in localized forms of food culture and history. This identity distinguishes them from earlier generations and situates themselves in a cosmopolitan middle class. The research examines young people’s onsite and online behaviors with four kinds of Asian desserts: Shibuya toast, Kakigori, Bingsu and Bubble tea in cafes and restaurants found in three cities – Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. …

Consumer Protection In Asean's E-Commerce: Common Issues And The Path Towards Harmonization Of Regulatory Frameworks, Yi-Hsuan Tseng

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The purpose of this study is to examine legal documents to identify disparities in consumer protection regulations in ASEAN's e-commerce and to propose recommendations to benefit from harmonization of regulatory framework. The study’s scope includes ASEAN’s six key internet economies: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Textual and comparative analyses of legal documents in the six ASEAN member countries reveal considerable variations in crucial issues in ASEAN’s consumer protection laws, potentially resulting in unequal protection levels for consumers from different ASEAN countries, where Singapore is the best practice. As a result, the study suggests that other ASEAN countries …

Chinese Language Education In Asean Confucius Institutes: Case Studies Of Universities In Thailand, Malaysia, And Singapore, Pengyu Lin

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This thesis will examine how Confucius Institutes in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore use localized forms of Chinese language education to create richer opportunities for Chinese and ASEAN citizens to communicate. Using concepts from Chinese language education and Intercultural Communication Studies, the thesis will identify specific ways that Chinese language education has been adapted in Confucius Institute programs at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore to suit local cultural, social, and political contexts and to enhance intercultural dialogue. To analyze how the Chinese language teaching models used in Confucius Institutes …

Identities Of Women In Indian Art And History, Nalini Rao

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

The stereotypical image of Indian women portrayed in the art of stone sculpture is often interpreted as images of beauty that are sensuous, religious as well depict social life. There are historical reasons for depicting her as such. This paper inquires into the changing depiction and social forces that influenced feminine imagery. This paper examines the portrayal of beauty through idealization of female body which has evolved over the centuries in India. It also aims to understand their changing status and explores issues of feminine identity, status, and empowerment largely in ancient and medieval India. It also provides a brief …

Employer Branding In The Healthcare Sector: The Role Of Instrumental And Symbolic Image Attributes Among Potential Applicants And Doctors, Jiaxin Luo, Aristides I. Ferreira, Filip Lievens, Beatriz R. Trigo

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

This study draws from the instrumental-symbolic framework to analyze the employer image of public hospitals among final-year students and employed doctors. We examine the relative importance of perceived instrumental and symbolic employer image attributes in public hospitals in China among two groups of individuals (211 final-year students and 200 currently employed doctors). Both instrumental and symbolic attributes are significantly related to hospitals' attractiveness as an employer. Symbolic trait inferences explain incremental variance in employer attraction beyond instrumental attributes. Although both attributes explain similar portions of the variance in the two groups, the attributes that emerge as significantly related to hospitals' …

Design Education As A Catalyst For Innovation: A Case Study From Singapore, Tamas Makany, Nur Hidayah Abu Bakar, Cheaw Hwei Low

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

This case study presents some of the critical milestones of design education in Singapore. We begin with a brief overview of the 50-year history of design’s central role in Singapore’s nation-building, culminating in the Design 2025 Masterplan and the formation of the Design Education Advisory Committee (DEAC), a roadmap and an approach to shape the future of design education while nurturing a culture of innovation with a societal focus. The case study then outlines two recent prototypes: (1) Cross-IHL Learning Bootcamps and (2) Seamless Career Pathway - both fostering a strong connection between academic institutions and the design industry. Finally, …

Hawker Culture And Its Infrastructure: Experiences And Contestations In Everyday Life, Lily Kong, Aidan Wong

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

Hawker foods characterize urban Asia, with similarities and differences across cities that forge both cultural commonalities and distinctions. From the itinerant to the fixed location, from the temporary sites to the purpose-built, hawker foods are served in informal settings, with varying degrees of tradition and innovation, hygiene and squalidness, local authenticity and globalized influence. In the side-streets of Beijing where local delicacies such as scorpion are served, to the abundant food cart vendors on Bangkok streets, to the warung (small, typically family-owned eateries) in Surabaya, and the carefully planned and designed hawker centres in Singapore, hawker culture is a distinctive …

Covid-19 And Investor-State Disputes: Have The Stars Aligned For Mediation?, Mark Mclaughlin

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

In response to the global pandemic, governments have compelled the production of ventilators, limited service provision to “essential” goods, suspended bills for electricity, gas and water, and implemented price and export controls. Regulatory measures have consciously inhibited economic activity and disrupted investment interests. Inevitably, foreign investors are among those adversely affected by measures directed towards the containment of COVID-19. Since the first bilateral investment treaty (“BIT”) was concluded in 1959, international investment agreements (“IIAs”) have served as derogations to the general international law principle that States have absolute discretion to restrict and regulate foreign investors within their territories.2 As such, …