WPS 133 In Search of Authenticity in Historic Cities in Transformation: The Case of Pingyao, China

In an historic city, physical setting generates the uniqueness of a place, and the activities in the physical setting enrich its cultural value. Along with the demands of modernization, the development of heritage tourism indeed facilitates urban conservation in Asia, but it also challenges the meaning of the “authenticity” of an historic city. In the […]

WPS 133 In Search of Authenticity in Historic Cities in Transformation: The Case of Pingyao, China Read More »

In an historic city, physical setting generates the uniqueness of a place, and the activities in the physical setting enrich its cultural value. Along with the demands of modernization, the development of heritage tourism indeed facilitates urban conservation in Asia, but it also challenges the meaning of the “authenticity” of an historic city. In the

WPS 132 The Kopitiam in Singapore: An Evolving Story about Migration and Cultural Diversity

This paper tells the story of migration and diversity in Singapore through a particular feature of Singapore — the kopitiam (coffeeshop). Found mostly in the HDB (Housing and Development Board) public housing estates in which 85% of Singapore’s population live and in historical ethnic enclaves, the kopitiam may be viewed as a quintessential feature of

WPS 132 The Kopitiam in Singapore: An Evolving Story about Migration and Cultural Diversity Read More »

This paper tells the story of migration and diversity in Singapore through a particular feature of Singapore — the kopitiam (coffeeshop). Found mostly in the HDB (Housing and Development Board) public housing estates in which 85% of Singapore’s population live and in historical ethnic enclaves, the kopitiam may be viewed as a quintessential feature of

WPS 131 Changing Marriage Patterns in Asia

This paper provides an overview of changing marriage patterns in East, South and Southeast Asia. It begins by relating marriage patterns to kinship systems. Differences in kinship systems go a long way towards explaining differences in marriage arrangements and stability of marriages in different parts of Asia, and also the greater resilience of the system

WPS 131 Changing Marriage Patterns in Asia Read More »

This paper provides an overview of changing marriage patterns in East, South and Southeast Asia. It begins by relating marriage patterns to kinship systems. Differences in kinship systems go a long way towards explaining differences in marriage arrangements and stability of marriages in different parts of Asia, and also the greater resilience of the system

ARI Annual Report 2009

MESSAGE FROM CHAIR OF MANAGEMENT BOARD Prof Chong Chi Tat The 2009 Annual Report gives an overview of the key activities and achievements of the Asia Research Institute during the year: Several scholars have joined ARI as senior researchers; the Asian Migration Cluster has secured a large research grant from the Ministry of Education; the

ARI Annual Report 2009 Read More »

MESSAGE FROM CHAIR OF MANAGEMENT BOARD Prof Chong Chi Tat The 2009 Annual Report gives an overview of the key activities and achievements of the Asia Research Institute during the year: Several scholars have joined ARI as senior researchers; the Asian Migration Cluster has secured a large research grant from the Ministry of Education; the

Dynamics of the Cold War in Asia: Ideology, Identity and Culture

This book focuses on the neglected cultural front of the Cold War in Asia to explore the mindsets of Asian actors and untangle the complex cultural alliances that undergirded the security blocs on this continent. Our research is based primarily on archival sources, including government documents, diplomatic dispatches, and personal records. Some chapters also investigate

Dynamics of the Cold War in Asia: Ideology, Identity and Culture Read More »

This book focuses on the neglected cultural front of the Cold War in Asia to explore the mindsets of Asian actors and untangle the complex cultural alliances that undergirded the security blocs on this continent. Our research is based primarily on archival sources, including government documents, diplomatic dispatches, and personal records. Some chapters also investigate

Imperial Alchemy: Nationalism and Political Identity in Southeast Asia

The mid-twentieth century marked one of the greatest watersheds of Asian history, when a range of imperial constructs were declared to be nation-states, either by revolution or decolonisation. Nationalism was the great alchemist, turning the base metal of empire into the gold of nations. To achieve such a transformation from the immense diversity of these

Imperial Alchemy: Nationalism and Political Identity in Southeast Asia Read More »

The mid-twentieth century marked one of the greatest watersheds of Asian history, when a range of imperial constructs were declared to be nation-states, either by revolution or decolonisation. Nationalism was the great alchemist, turning the base metal of empire into the gold of nations. To achieve such a transformation from the immense diversity of these

Nagapattinam to Suvarnadwipa: Reflections on the Chola Naval Expeditions to Southeast Asia

The expansion of the Cholas from their base in the Kaveri Delta saw this growing power subdue the kingdoms of southern India, as well as occupy Sri Lanka and the Maldives, by the early eleventh century. It was also during this period that the Cholas initiated links with Song China. Concurrently, the Southeast Asian polity

Nagapattinam to Suvarnadwipa: Reflections on the Chola Naval Expeditions to Southeast Asia Read More »

The expansion of the Cholas from their base in the Kaveri Delta saw this growing power subdue the kingdoms of southern India, as well as occupy Sri Lanka and the Maldives, by the early eleventh century. It was also during this period that the Cholas initiated links with Song China. Concurrently, the Southeast Asian polity

Building the Tatmadaw: Myanmar Armed Forces since 1948

Ever since Myanmar regained her independence in January 1948, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) has been crucial in restoring and maintaining law and order. It is one of the most important institutions in Myanmar politics. Various aspects of the Tatmadaw have been studied. The most notable area of study has been the political role of

Building the Tatmadaw: Myanmar Armed Forces since 1948 Read More »

Ever since Myanmar regained her independence in January 1948, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) has been crucial in restoring and maintaining law and order. It is one of the most important institutions in Myanmar politics. Various aspects of the Tatmadaw have been studied. The most notable area of study has been the political role of

Casting Faiths: Imperialism and the Transformation of Religion in East and Southeast Asia

How did European imperialism shape the ideas and practices of religion in East and Southeast Asia? Casting Faiths brings together eleven scholars to show how Western law, governance, education and mission shaped the basic understanding of what religion is, and what role it should play in society. From ARI workshop on Casting Faiths: The Construction

Casting Faiths: Imperialism and the Transformation of Religion in East and Southeast Asia Read More »

How did European imperialism shape the ideas and practices of religion in East and Southeast Asia? Casting Faiths brings together eleven scholars to show how Western law, governance, education and mission shaped the basic understanding of what religion is, and what role it should play in society. From ARI workshop on Casting Faiths: The Construction

China’s Urban Planning Under the Market Economy (in Chinese)

Reform and opening up to change the fate of Chinese cities. 80 years after the last century. The development of coastal cities. The speed and intensity than ever before. Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in the 1980s known as the coming out of the city overnight. Shows that the rapid development of urbanization in China clues.

China’s Urban Planning Under the Market Economy (in Chinese) Read More »

Reform and opening up to change the fate of Chinese cities. 80 years after the last century. The development of coastal cities. The speed and intensity than ever before. Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in the 1980s known as the coming out of the city overnight. Shows that the rapid development of urbanization in China clues.