This book is based on the Institute of Policy Studies’ ‘Ethnic Relations Project’. It aims to understand the current state and complexity of ethnic pluralism in Singapore, and to identify key trends and issues in various areas impacting ethnic pluralism and social cohesion. It also seeks to promote professional, intellectual and public dialogue on important issues based on research findings and recommendations.
In line with its aims, the book is problem- and policy-driven with a focus on policy implications and where policy meets culture, and each chpater concludes with general or specific policy recommendations towards improving ethnic relations and social cohesion. All the articles are based on empirical and scholarly research, employing multidisciplinary perspectives and a range of methodologies, and cover political history, legal-structural institutions, state policies, education, social services, media culture and community.
Lai Ah Eng is currently Research Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies, Singapore. She received training in economics at University Sains Malaysia, development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies, Sussex, and social anthropology at Cambridge University. She has worked in various research capacities at the Consumers’ Association of Penang (Malaysia). Housing & Development Board (Singapore), the National Archives of Singapore, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (Singapore), and tutored at the Departments of Sociology and Social Work, National University of Singapore. Her research areas cover issues of multiculturalism, family, gender, community and social change. She is also the author of a prize-winning monograph on ethnic relations in Singapore and articles on ethnic, gender and family issues.
