Indonesia is considering allowing dual citizenship for a limited group of highly skilled Indonesians living abroad, including scientists, engineers, doctors and AI researchers. Dual citizenship remains relatively uncommon in Asia. So why do countries such as Japan, China, South Korea and Singapore restrict it, while the Philippines and Cambodia allow it? Prof Elaine Ho spoke […]

The Asia Research Institute (ARI) brings experts from across disciplines together to tackle pressing problems, nurtures budding researchers and promotes international partnership.

Senior Research Fellow Dr Theodora Lam from ARI’s Migration and Mobilities cluster was awarded the Commendation Medal (Pingat Kepujian) at the Singapore National Day Awards 2026. The Commendation Medal, instituted in 1996, recognises individuals for commendable performance and conduct, as well as significant efficiency, competence, and devotion to duty.

Formal religious affiliation has been slipping in the city state, but surveys show belief in a higher power endures. South China Morning Post, 1 August 2026 

Although some aspects of her life are unconventional, the Bishop of Penang, Cardinal Sebastian Francis – a man named cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis – has decided to open a cause to explore the possible canonization of Sybil Kathigasu (1899–1948), a Malaysian national heroine. The Diplomat, 20 April 2026

Stefan Huebner has been re-elected as President of the Society of Floating Solutions (Singapore) (SFSS). SFSS will convene the Sixth World Conference on Floating Solutions (WCFS 2026) in Singapore from 19–21 October 2026, focusing on the theme “Marine Infrastructure for Energy, Food, Climate Resilience and Ocean Space Utilisation.” Society of Floating Solutions (Singapore), 8 March

Migration and Mobilities cluster Researcher Yoga Prasetyo was interviewed about his experience as a child in South-East Asia raised without his mother. ABC News Australia, 15 February 2026

For decades veteran Singaporean diplomat Kishore Mahbubani has challenged what he sees as Western complacency, warned of the irreversible rise of Asia, and argued that the global order must adapt to a world no longer dominated by Europe and the United States. Channel 4, 6 February, 2026

DUBAI: Moving beyond the usual “Middle East vs. West” frameworks, research at Singapore’s top university examines Arabia–Asia connections, shedding new light on centuries of trade, political and cultural ties that were long obscured by European colonialism. It all began with an endowment from Muhammad Alagil, a Saudi philanthropist and chairman of Jarir Group — one

Prof Elaine Ho, Research Leader of ARI’s Migration & Mobilities cluster, appeared on CNA Insider: Being Singaporean to share insights on what shapes Singapore’s national identity and how perceptions have changed over time. She discussed survey findings showing that some Singaporeans feel the influx of new citizens has diluted national identity, as newcomers may not