Recently, an Instagram reel of OMGxBH (a social media platform launched by Berita Harian to spur youth-oriented conversations) went: “Kalau ada Rumi, baru orang muda pergi Geylang?” This reel was released as part of marketing efforts to promote the completion of the first phase of rejuvenation works in the Geylang Serai Cultural Belt, and this particular question can be briefly translated into “Only if there is Rumi, then will the youth visit Geylang?” For those unacquainted, Rumi The Poet’s cup (abbreviated as Rumi) is a highly youth-frequented Muslim-owned cafe located […]
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Improving Maternal and Child Health, Achieving Resilient & Inspiring Families
Strong marriages lead to stable families, which are vital building blocks for a healthy society. Optimal health and family wellness during the first 1,000 days of life are essential for unlocking the full potential of the next generation. This crucial period of human development starts from the time a foetus is first formed in the womb, all the way until the child reaches the age of 2 years. Research has shown that due to rapid brain growth and development during these first 1,000 days, the environment and experiences that are […]
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Navigating Faith: The Religious Experience of Muslim Migrant Domestic Workers in Singapore
Recently, the Centre for Research on Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA) spearheaded a webinar focusing on the religious experiences of Muslim migrant workers in Singapore1. The webinar addressed several critical issues, including the diverse socio-religious realities of Muslim migrant workers in Singapore, the significance of religious spaces for these workers, and the accessibility of religious education tailored to their specific jurisprudential backgrounds.
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Altruism in Singapore
Singapore, a nation known for its efficiency and pragmatism, also boasts a strong vein of altruism. From the ubiquitous “uncle” or “auntie” offering unsolicited advice on public transport to the robust network of grassroots volunteers, helping others seem ingrained in the social fabric. Is this generosity sincere or does self-interest lurk beneath the surface?
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Volunteering – Should You Bother?
In a hyper-competitive environment that is Singapore, it may be counter-intuitive for a young professional to devote time to helping others in the community when he or she is already facing the pressures of balancing professional and family demands. Why bother to volunteer for the community? I am mildly ashamed to admit that a lot of my earlier decisions on volunteering were not a result of thoughtful deliberation but based on my gut instincts.
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Ageing with Agency: A Guide to Thriving in Your Golden Years
The idea of a centenarian – a person who has reached (or even surpassed) the age of 100 – once seemed improbable, like something out of a science fiction movie, where technology could attain feats beyond the human imagination. However, in 2020, the number of centenarians in Singapore doubled from 700 in 2010 to 1500[1]. This remarkable growth challenged our preconceived ideas about longevity and raised hopes that we might significantly extend human life expectancy. Building on this optimism, Laura Carstensen of Stanford University suggested that half of the five-year-olds […]
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Navigating the Path: A Chinese Convert’s Journey in Singapore
As a Chinese convert to Islam living in Singapore, my journey as a convert has been one of both hardship and immense reward. I have faced challenges such as isolation from friends and social circles, dealing with cultural differences, and learning about a new religion. However, I have also experienced the joy of discovering Islam, the beauty of the Muslim community and the deep sense of peace and fulfilment that comes with submitting to Allah’s will.
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Challenges Faced by Transnational Couples in Singapore
Transnational couples, defined as partnerships involving individuals from different nationalities, have become increasingly common in our globalised world. Singapore, a vibrant and multicultural society, has witnessed a rising number of transnational couples in recent years. However, despite the advantages of cultural diversity and personal growth that these relationships bring, they also come with a host of challenges. This article explores the challenges that transnational couples face in Singapore, including nationality, employment, adjustment, language barriers, and housing stability. NATIONALITY Nationality plays a multifaceted and pivotal role in shaping the challenges that […]
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Career Planning as a Valued Foresight for the Malay Community
According to the 2015 General Household Survey, Malay workers comprise less than 10 percent of PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) in Singapore. This is a significant underrepresentation compared with all other ethnicities[1]. Conversely, Malay workers are overrepresented in vocations that expose them to greater unemployment risks. For instance, the survey noted that proportionally, there are more Malays working in rank-and-file roles in the sales and services sectors, one of the areas most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
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State of Malay-Muslim Entrepreneurship in Singapore
Ever since the founding of modern Singapore, Malay-Muslim (MM) entrepreneurs have continued to play a key part in the writing of the nation’s story. The combination of Indian-Muslim and Arab traders who entered the region in the search of new markets, together with the existing local Malays, saw the birth of a dynamic entrepreneurship ecosystem, that has continued to exist till today.
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