Events
Discussing Orang Laut Advocacy
The Orang Laut community in Singapore continues to face negative impacts from relocation. In response, there has been a growing movement to advocate for this community, which holds rich traditional environmental knowledge and cultural heritage. This webinar, the second instalment of RIMA’s advocacy series, explores the experiences and challenges of Orang Laut advocacy We examine the advocates’ intended outcomes and discuss what makes their advocacy efforts effective. This webinar ultimately aims to hold recognition for these pioneering advocacy initiatives. In this webinar, we heard from an anthropologist, Dr Vivienne Wee, who talked about the past of Orang Laut in Singapore and the region. We also heard from an advocate, Firdaus Sani, who shared his experiences advocating for the Orang Laut community.
Discussing Contemporary Malay Language and Literature Advocacy
This discussion explored the ongoing efforts to preserve and evolve the Malay language in Singapore, focusing on how these efforts have adapted to contemporary challenges. The speakers emphasized the need for a cohesive ecosystem, including both senior and emerging advocates, to overcome challenges like fragmented efforts and resource limitations. Key initiatives aim to engage youth through digital platforms and bilingual content, making Malay literature more accessible and relevant. The advocacy efforts strive to balance respect for tradition with innovation, ensuring the language and its literary forms remain vital in a globalized, English-dominant society.
Religious Experience of Muslim Migrant Workers in Singapore
The socio-religious experiences of Muslim migrant workers in Singapore are shaped by factors such as socio-economic status, housing conditions, and their involvement in religious spaces. Mosques play a significant role in providing a sense of community and familiarity, but challenges persist, including employer reluctance to accommodate religious practices and limited religious education opportunities. While some workers, like Omar Sunny, have been able to improve their socio-economic situation through upskilling, there is still much to be done to better integrate migrant workers into the larger Muslim community. Concrete efforts are needed to enhance religious education and foster greater inclusivity.