Events
Discussing Orang Laut Advocacy
This January, we go on air with Dr Vivienne Wee, an anthropologist with extensive field research in the Indonesian and Singapore region, and Firdaus Sani, founder of Orang Laut SG (@oranglautsg). In the agenda this time, we’re packed with a presentation, dialogue, and a Q&A session where you will be able to engage our speakers with all the burning questions that you may have regarding all things Orang Laut! With this, we hope to uncover experiences, current trends, and challenges in the Orang Laut advocacy scene.
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.