Some of my favorite publishing companies and bookstores often curate their bookshelves according to events or themes. Verso books and Haymarket books did a great curation and sale of books during the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the unjust treatment of the protestors as a form of urgent reading for those of us who areContinue reading “Curated Bookshelf: Singapore’s 53rd birthday”
Tag Archives: singapore
Book review: Living with myths in Singapore
Singapore is a mythic nation. It is mythic in the sense that what Singaporeans take to be ‘reality’ and ‘common sense’ are in fact shaped by a group of myths. The popular idea that good, robust government policies are the main reason for Singapore’s success – and thus should remain mandatory – is an exampleContinue reading “Book review: Living with myths in Singapore”
Book review: “Thomas Stamford Raffles: Schemer or Reformer?”
Singapore intends to commemorate (and by extension celebrate) the bicentennial anniversary of colonial rule. As of 2019, it would have been 200 years since the British landed on our shores and strongarmed the local rulers to sign an unjust treaty. The prime minister has stated that it is not a time to celebrate, but aContinue reading “Book review: “Thomas Stamford Raffles: Schemer or Reformer?””
Review: Sovereign Women in a Muslim Kingdom
Ratu Safiatuddin Tajul Alam, Ratu Nurul Alam Naqiatuddin Syah, Ratu Inayat Zaqiatuddin Syah, Ratu Kamalat Syah. These were the names of the Aceh’s four queens who ruled for almost 60 years.
Jawi in Braille
In 1947, the Jawi script was very much alive and thriving in the Malay community