The Commercialisation of Ramadhan: What Happened to the Ramadhan Spirit?

  Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is widely recognised as a period dedicated to fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection among Muslims worldwide. From dawn until sunset, we abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs, purifying the soul, fostering self-discipline, and deepening our respective connections with Allah. This month is also traditionally associated with self-reflection, heightened devotion, and acts of charity, which align closely with core Islamic values. In recent years though, observers have noted a shift in how Ramadhan is practiced with greater commercialisation, particularly over-consumption […]

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Unpacking the 2024 National Day Rally Across the Three Languages

2024 marked a pivotal year for Singapore as Mr Lawrence Wong delivered his first National Day message as the nation’s fourth Prime Minister. Following his ascension to office in May, PM Wong’s speech introduced “bold but necessary”[1] policies designed to fortify Singapore’s social compact in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. His speeches, delivered in English, Malay, and Mandarin, each touched on different aspects of this vision for Singapore’s future, though some elements stood out more strongly in certain languages. 

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