Shows
The Historyogi Podcast#43 - Mayhem in May: The 1957 Asian Flu epidemic in colonial Singapore (with Liam Hoo)Singaporeans are generally familiar with the Covid 19 pandemic and the Sars epidemic from 2003. But did you know Singapore faced a flu epidemic in 1957? Today, we speak to Liam Hoo, author of a new journal article on the 1957 Asian Flu’s impact on Singapore. We discuss the poor response of the colonial authorities as well as how media coverage shaped social responses to the flu outbreak. The curious case of Pulau Sudong provides an interesting example of how these factors came together.
2025-09-0829 min
The Historyogi Podcast#42 - The First Fools: Lesser-known histories of Singapore's Old Guard (with Peh, Derek & Jaime)Singapore’s Old Guard leaders are well known as politicians and cabinet ministers. But the ten of them also had lesser-known passions and careers beyond politics. Today, we speak to Peh, Derek and Jaime, co-writers of the book The First Fools: B-Sides Of Lee Kuan Yew’s A-Team. In this episode, we focus on three specific Old Guard leaders: E.W. Barker, Othman Wok and Yong Nyuk Lin, and learn about what kept them going amidst the huge challenges of Singapore’s early years.
2025-08-0328 min
The Historyogi Podcast#41 - The story of Lee Ek Tieng: The Green General who cleaned up Singapore (with Samantha & Matthew)Singapore has a long standing reputation as a clean and green city. It is also known as the Garden City. But did you know things were completely different in the 1960s? People were crammed in overcrowded and unsanitary living spaces and public areas, allowing diseases and pollution to spread easily. A pioneer civil servant, Lee Ek Tieng, stepped up to implement major reforms to improve Singapore’s environment. Today, we speak to Samantha Boh and Matthew Gan, co-writers of the new book “Lee Ek Tieng: The Green General of Lee Kuan Yew”. We discuss how this Green General marshalled resour...
2025-05-1229 min
The Historyogi Podcast#40 - Malayan Classicism: The history of classical architecture in Singapore (with Soon-Tzu Speechley)Across Malaysia and Singapore, thousands of historic buildings are richly ornamented with motifs drawn from Ancient Greece and Rome.These classical details mix with ideas drawn from other architectural traditions from across Asia in a style that is unique to the region. Today, we speak to Dr Soon-Tzu Speechley, Lecturer in Urban and Cultural Heritage at the University of Melbourne, about his book Malayan Classicism, which explores how the British Empire’s classical architecture was transmitted, translated, and transformed in the hands of local builders and architects.The paperback version of Malayan Classicism is nowavailable.
2025-02-0912 min
The Historyogi Podcast#39 - From Streets to Stalls: The history of hawker policies in Singapore (with Ryan Kueh)Singapore’s hawker centres are a cultural institution, serving a huge variety of affordable dishes to the masses. In 2020, Singapore's hawker culture was even added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. But how did hawker centres and hawker culture evolve through our history? Today, we speak to Ryan Kueh, author of the book “From Streets to Stalls: The History and Evolution of Hawking and Hawker Centres in Singapore”. We discuss how the colonial government managed hawking and the extensive reforms enacted by the PAP government in the late 1960s.
2024-11-2824 min
The Historyogi Podcast#38 - The Lion's Roar: The tenacity of S Rajaratnam, Singapore's first foreign minister (with Irene Ng)In 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia, shattering the hope of a shared postcolonial future. The new country needed as many friends as it could get. The man who led the effort to secure Singapore’s place on the global stage was S. Rajaratnam, our first Foreign Minister. Today, we speak to Irene Ng, author of The Lion’s Roar, which is the second of a two-part biography on Rajaratnam. While he is best known for drafting the National Pledge, Rajaratnam also helped establish Singapore’s foreign policy principles and tackled some of the country’s major challenges during the early years.
2024-09-1053 min
The Historyogi Podcast#37 - History on Screen: Showcasing Singapore's past in short films (with Leon Cheo)Singapore’s short film industry is a small but vibrant one. With limited budgets, filmmakers aim to spotlight events and issues that rarely surface in more mainstream platforms. One such filmmaker is Leon Cheo, who has directed short films that focus on Singapore’s history. Today, we speak to Leon about his films Two is Enough (about the Stop at Two population control campaign in the 1970s) and 302 (about gay servicemen in the army in the mid-2000s). We also discuss the challenges in finding props and locations that accurately depict the past in a highly modernised city like Sing...
2024-07-3133 min
The Usual PlaceThe FOMO over old buildings in SingaporeIs our celebration of old buildings, or even old-school businesses, a little too late? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives.In the last few months before Peace Centre closed in 2024, people flocked to the Sophia Road mall to soak up the vibes. Golden Mile Complex in Beach Road, an architectural icon that is conserved, also came alive with new explorers along its corridors in the lead-up to its closure in 2023.I wanted to find out if these last hurrahs could have come earlier.
2024-07-1841 minThe Straits Times PodcastsThe FOMO over old buildings in SingaporeIs our celebration of old buildings, or even old-school businesses, a little too late? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives.In the last few months before Peace Centre closed in 2024, people flocked to the Sophia Road mall to soak up the vibes. Golden Mile Complex in Beach Road, an architectural icon that is conserved, also came alive with new explorers along its corridors in the lead-up to its closure in 2023.I wanted to find out if these last hurrahs could have come earlier.
2024-07-1841 min
The Historyogi Podcast#36 - Enigmas: The story of Singapore's first spy chief (with Simon Tay)Most of us are familiar with famous intelligence agencies such as the American CIA, the British MI6 and Israel’s Mossad. But did you know Singapore has its own spy agency known as the Security and Intelligence Division (SID)? Its first chief was Tay Seow Huah, who helped build Singapore’s early intelligence capabilities during the height of the Cold War and was involved in handling the Laju terrorist incident. Today, we speak to his son Dr Simon Tay, Chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, about his new book, Enigmas, which describes his father’s life and unusua...
2024-06-3036 min
The Historyogi Podcast#35 - Housing a nation: The history of urban redevelopment in Singapore (with Loh Kah Seng)The Singapore Heritage Fest this year celebrates our nation's rich built heritage. One of the most striking examples of this are the public housing estates which dominate Singapore’s urban landscape. How did we remake the island’s colonial era urban spaces into Singapore’s earliest HDB estates? How did rehousing Singaporeans change our lifestyles and hopes for the future? What does the kampong spirit mean when we think about the past? To answer these questions, we speak to Dr Loh Kah Seng, author of the book Squatters into Citizens. In this special episode, let’s learn about the history...
2024-05-2038 min
The Historyogi Podcast#34 - From Imperial to Singaporean: The history of animals in Singapore (with Timothy Barnard)When we study and discuss history in Singapore, we usually focus on the social and political history of this country. However, the people’s relationship with this island’s natural environment also tells a rich story of its own. Today, we speak to Associate Professor Timothy Barnard from the National University of Singapore about his new edited book, Singaporean Creatures. We discuss environmental history during the colonial era from his previous book and how early national development policies regulated and restructured Singapore’s relationship with animals.
2024-04-2234 min
The Historyogi Podcast#33 - Temple Tracks: The history of Indian labourers in the Malayan Railways (with Vineeta Sinha)When we think about the history of Indians in British Malaya, their work in the rubber estates usually comes to mind first. But Indians also helped construct, operate and maintain the Malayan Railways that stretched across the peninsula and connected Singapore as well. Along with the tracks came numerous Hindu temples and shrines that shaped Malaya’s religious landscape. Today, we speak to Professor Vineeta Sinha from the National University of Singapore about her new book Temple Tracks. We discuss the history of Indian labourers in the Malayan Railways, their role in religion-making via temple construction, and how these ra...
2024-02-1837 min
The Historyogi Podcast#32 - Arc of Containment: UK & US engagement in cold war Malaya & Singapore (with Ngoei Wen-Qing)When we think about Southeast Asia during the Cold War, we usually think just about Indochina and the Vietnam War. But British counterinsurgency strategies and engagement with nationalist elites in Malaya and Singapore also influenced America’s anti-communist policies in the region. Today, we speak to Associate Professor Ngoei Wen-Qing from the Singapore Management University about his book Arc of Containment. We discuss why Britain and America shared ideas on containing communist threats in Southeast Asia and how Singapore and Malaya managed the transition from British imperialism to American hegemony during the Cold War.
2024-01-2136 min
The Historyogi Podcast#31 - Before he was President: Yusof Ishak & the role of Yang di-Pertuan NegaraBefore he was President of Singapore, Yusof Ishak was the Yang di-Pertuan Negara which directly translates to “He Who is Made Lord”. Singaporeans generally know little about this role, other than it was the predecessor of the current presidency and a symbol of self-government. But in fact, the British, Federation of Malaya, and Singapore leaders all actively struggled to define the Yang di-Pertuan Negara’s powers and symbolism so that the office would align with their political vision for the island. Today, we speak to Muhammad Suhail, a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, who has authored a new bo...
2023-08-2835 min
The Historyogi Podcast#30 - Writing a fair history of NTUC FairPrice (with Sue-Ann Chia)NTUC FairPrice is such a household icon in Singapore that it’s more famous than the union movement itself. But how did NTUC come to operate a supermarket chain in the first place? Today, we speak to Sue-Ann Chia, co-editor of a new book titled “The Price of Being Fair” which chronicles FairPrice’s 50 years in business. We discuss FairPrice’s beginnings during heavy inflation, the pivotal decisions and costly mistakes it made, the supermarket wars, and its crucial role in national supply chain resilience.
2023-08-0620 min
The Historyogi Podcast#29 - A Historyogi Episode From An Even Smaller Island (with Neil Humphreys)In 1996, an Ang Moh arrived in Toa Payoh to start a new life. He loved Singapore’s idiosyncrasies so much that he decided to turn his humorous observations of everyday life here into a series of books. Today, we speak to Neil Humphreys, author of Notes From An Even Smaller Island (2001) and numerous other titles, about his take on 1990s Singapore, kiasu behaviour, colonial history and what he considers most unique about this little island.
2023-07-3037 min
The Historyogi Podcast#28 - The Beginner's Guide to Singapore's Queer history (with Roy Tan)Long before Pink Dot and the repeal of Section 377A, Singapore had a colourful Queer history of recreation, repression, and resistance during the 20th century. Today, we speak to Roy Tan, a veteran activist and archivist who founded the Singapore LGBT Encyclopedia Wiki. We discuss the history of activism, AIDS, gay bars, entrapment operations, media portrayals and early advances in transgender rights. Please note that this episode contains mentions of suicide and historical terms that may be offensive now.
2023-06-1844 min
The Historyogi Podcast#27 - The story of Choo Seng Quee, Singapore's greatest football coach (With Reynold Pereira)Looking at Singapore’s football scene today, it is hard to imagine that we once enjoyed a golden age in football. But we did enjoy that golden age. The man often credited for nurturing it is Choo Seng Quee. Also known as Uncle Choo, he coached the Singapore national team to victory at the iconic 1977 Malaysia Cup final. Today, we speak to Reynold Pereira, author of a new book on Uncle Choo, about the legendary coach’s philosophy and how he shaped some of Singapore’s best football players.
2023-06-0527 min
The Historyogi Podcast#26 - The history & cultural impact of Singapore's early shopping malls (With Liew Kai Khiun)The physical shopping mall is increasingly seen as out of date with the rise of online shopping. However, shopping malls were once considered major symbols of Singapore’s rapid modernisation. They became homes to youth culture, video arcades and even artistic protest. Today, we speak to Assistant Professor Liew Kai Khiun from Hong Kong Metropolitan University about his edited book “The Singapore Mall Generation”.
2023-04-1832 min
The Historyogi Podcast#25- Journeying through Singapore's little-known LGBT history (With Isaac Tng)Singapore is a city renowned for its reputation as a stern, conservative environment. But history reveals a more colourful past, where queer people carved out spaces for their own voices despite overwhelming discrimination. Today, we speak to Isaac Tng, who has curated a walking tour exploring Singapore’s LGBT past, and discuss the significance of learning that history.
Sign up for the walking tour here.
2023-03-1320 min
The Historyogi Podcast#24 - Curating 135 years of student writing at Raffles Institution (With Theophilus Kwek & Lara Tan)Raffles Institution celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2023. The school is more than an institution, weaving itself into Singapore’s history through the decades. Nowhere is this documented better than in The Rafflesian, which has been the official school magazine since 1886, and many other student publications. Today, we speak to Theophilus Kwek and Lara Tan about 135 years of student writing they have helped curate in the new anthology titled “Some Dreams From Now”.
2023-02-2826 min
The Historyogi Podcast#23 - The history & design of Singapore's Kranji War Memorial (With Athanasios Tsakonas)Generations of Singapore students will remember going on learning journeys to the Kranji War Memorial. But few of us know why it's in Kranji in the first place or how its design came about. Today, we speak to Athanasios Tsakonas, an Australian architect, who has researched the history of Kranji War Memorial’s construction and its perception by various groups in Singapore and abroad.
2023-02-1430 min
The Historyogi Podcast#22 - Gender, sexuality & power dynamics in Colonial Singapore (A conversation with Aydin Quach)Large numbers of Chinese men arrived in colonial Singapore to do domestic work in European households. They often worked under the supervision of white women who managed the households while their husbands took care of official business. Other Chinese men joined the local sex trade, servicing male European clients. Today, we speak to Aydin Quach, a graduate student from the University of British Columbia, on how gender, sexuality and power dynamics functioned in colonial Singapore society.
2022-09-1830 min
The Historyogi Podcast#21 - The Cold War history of the Philippine Chinese (A conversation with Chien-Wen Kung)From the 1950s to the 1970s, no Chinese community in Southeast Asia was more vigilant in identifying and rooting out suspected communists, and committed to mobilising against the People's Republic of China as the Philippine Chinese. Today, we speak to Assistant Professor Chien-Wen Kung from the National University of Singapore, about his new book, Diasporic Cold Warriors. He argues for a networked and transnational understanding of the ROC-KMT party-state and demonstrates that Taipei exercised a form of non territorial sovereignty over the Philippine Chinese with Manila's participation and consent.
2022-09-1136 min
The Historyogi Podcast#20 - Building opposition alliances in electoral autocracies (A conversation with Elvin Ong)Building opposition pre-electoral alliances significantly enhances the chances of opposition victory against dominant incumbent autocrats. But opposition parties, including in Singapore, frequently find it difficult to make the costly compromises necessary for inter-party cooperation. When and how do opposition parties build pre-electoral alliances? Today, we speak to Assistant Professor Elvin Ong from the National University of Singapore, about his new book Opposing Power: Building Opposition Alliances in Electoral Autocracies.
2022-09-0432 min
The Historyogi Podcast#19 - The history of Buddhist advocacy & diplomacy in Singapore (A conversation with Jack Chia)Venerable Hong Choon may not be a familiar name to many younger Singaporeans. But the former President of the Singapore Buddhist Federation played an important role in diplomacy between Singapore and the People’s Republic of China in the 1980s. Today, we speak to Assistant Professor Jack Chia from the National University of Singapore, on Venerable Hong Choon’s diplomatic legacy as well as the history of Buddhist advocacy in Singapore.
2022-08-2823 min
The Historyogi Podcast#18 - The Eight Immortals of Singapore's Civil Service ( A conversation with Peh Shing Huei)Singapore’s pioneer generation of political leaders, known as the Old Guard, are well known in our history. However, the civil servants who oversaw the implementation of policies and projects during that era have largely been forgotten. In fact, eight individuals were so influential they were known as the eight immortals: George Bogaars, Andrew Chew, Hon Sui Sen, Howe Yoon Chong, Lee Ek Tieng, Ngiam Tong Dow, JY Pillay and Sim Kee Boon. Today, we speak to Peh Shing Huei, editor of the book The Last Fools: The Eight Immortals of Lee Kuan Yew on their stories & lessons for ci...
2022-06-0625 min
But Then How?S02E05 - Proud and Shameful History ("Historyogi" Dhevarajan Devadas)Types of History, Using tiktok to share about history, Each generation’s proud and shameful momentsDhev is pursuing a Master of Arts in History at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He publishes a newsletter, the Historyogi Post, a newsletter on history and politics in Singapore for researchers, history buffs and the general public. He also has an accompanying podcast.Dhev’s Links: Dhev's Website The Historyogi Newsletter The Historyogi PodcastJoin the BTHpod Telegram channel now for the latest updates and to interact with other listeners.Follow But Then How...
2022-04-1251 min
The Historyogi Podcast#17 - Workers' perspectives of Singapore's industrial history (A conversation with Loh Kah Seng)The political story of Singapore’s industrialisation is well-known, including the role of Jurong Industrial Estate and Dr Goh Keng Swee. However, the stories of the Singaporeans who worked in these factories have rarely been discussed in detail until now. Today, we speak to Dr Loh Kah Seng, co-author of the book Theatres of Memory: Industrial Heritage Of 20th Century Singapore, on who worked in Singapore’s early factories, what the workplace environment was like, and the important role of technical education in creating a qualified workforce.
2022-02-1839 min
The Historyogi Podcast#16 - The rise of Hindu nationalism in India & beyond (A conversation with Mohan Dutta)Hindutva, the predominant form of Hindu nationalism in India, has emerged as a powerful and polarising force. Hindutva aims to ultimately transform India from a secular republic into a Hindu state. Since the election of Narendra Modi in 2014, followers of Hindutva have become bolder in targeting minorities and critics with intimidation and violence. These tensions have also affected the global Indian diaspora. Today, we speak to Mohan Dutta, Dean’s Chair Professor of Communication, and Director of the Centre for Culture-Centred Approach to Research & Evaluation (CARE) at Massey University, on the reasons behind Hindutva’s surge in prominence and what...
2022-01-3037 min
The Historyogi Podcast#15 - Are dialogues still relevant with rising polarisation? (A conversation with Nazhath Faheema)A series of racist incidents took place in Singapore last year, raising questions about how we should tackle such issues more decisively. Opinions are split on whether there should be more dialogue or whether culprits should face stiffer legal penalties. Today, we speak to Nazhath Faheema, Founder and President of hash.peace, a social harmony advocacy group, on whether dialogues are still relevant and how groups with sharply differing views can engage each other more productively.
2022-01-0436 min
The Historyogi Podcast#14 - What does AUKUS mean for Singapore & the Indo-Pacific? (A conversation with Euan Graham)In September this year, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia announced the AUKUS security pact, which includes an agreement to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. This development has been both welcomed and criticised by countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Today, we speak to Dr Euan Graham, Senior Fellow for Asia Pacific Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, on what’s the rationale for AUKUS, the reactions of China and ASEAN nations, and what AUKUS means for Singapore.
2021-10-1431 min
The Historyogi Podcast#13 - Shaping Singaporeans' attitudes towards China (A conversation with Sense Hofstede)The rise of an increasingly affluent and assertive China is dramatically changing our strategic environment. As a Chinese majority country, Singapore’s ties with China have special significance. Today, we speak to Sense Hofstede, a PhD candidate in Comparative Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore, on the complex history of the local Chinese community’s ties with China and its interests, Singapore’s Mandarin media coverage of China, and potential risks for Singapore from the US-China strategic rivalry.
2021-09-1633 min
The Historyogi Podcast#12 - Collecting the oral histories of Queer Singaporeans (A conversation with Hannah)Oral history is an increasingly popular method of recording the experiences of groups that may be left out of official documented archives or from national narratives. Today, we speak to Hannah, founder of the Singapore Queer Oral History Archive (Link), on why she has embarked on this project to collect the stories of Singapore’s LGBT community and how she hopes these stories will be used.
2021-08-3117 min
The Historyogi Podcast#11 - The history of Singapore's Blogfather (A conversation with mrbrown)Lee Kin Mun, better known as mrbrown, is known as the Blogfather of Singapore and has become a cultural icon with his skits and witty takes on life here. Today, we speak to mrbrown on his beginnings, reactions to his memorable bak chor mee podcast and newspaper column, his creative process, and his endurance as an influencer for more than two decades. Listen also to a special message from Kim Huat.
2021-08-1550 min
The Historyogi Podcast#10 - How can we effectively tackle racism in Singapore? (A conversation with Sharvesh)Singapore has recently seen a surge in discussions on racial discrimination after several troubling incidents, including physical attacks. Today, we speak to Sharvesh, co-founder of the Instagram account @minorityvoices, on what the spike in discussions about racism means, whether it is valid to criticise anti-racism advocacy as “importing Western influence”, and how the majority can meaningfully engage in fighting racism and discrimination.
2021-06-2923 min
The Historyogi Podcast#9 - The history & effects of Singapore's media regulation policies (A conversation with Cherian George)Singapore Press Holdings recently announced major structural changes to its media business, which has suffered losses for many years. Today, we speak to Professor Cherian George, a media scholar from Hong Kong Baptist University’s School of Communication, on the history of Singapore’s media regulation, the application of “calibrated coercion” by the state, whether social media can ever be a true replacement, and the price Singaporeans have to pay for the state’s media policies.
2021-05-2329 min
The Historyogi Podcast#8 - How should Singapore handle death, grief & funerals? (A conversation with Bernard Chen)The ongoing pandemic has caused a wave of death, grief and mourning across the world. But even before Covid-19, Singapore has been dealing with how best to support an ageing population as our seniors gradually pass on. Today, we speak to Bernard Chen, who previously worked in the funeral industry and has written extensively about bereavement issues, on what reforms are needed in the local funeral services profession, how we can facilitate conversations around death and feelings of loss, and why he thinks younger people should also be equipped with knowledge on preparing for death. Please note that this...
2021-05-1033 min
The Historyogi Podcast#7 - The history & significance of The Substation in Singapore (A conversation with T Sasitharan)The Substation, an independent arts venue at Armenian Street, recently announced its impending closure to much dismay after operating for 31 years. Today, we speak to Mr T Sasitharan, Cultural Medallion winner and former Artistic Director of the Substation, on the Substation’s history and significance. We also discuss what needs to change in the state’s approach to the arts, and whether Singapore has a place for art that makes one uncomfortable.
2021-05-0326 min
The Historyogi Podcast#6 - The Beginner's Guide to the Five Power Defence Arrangements (A conversation with Euan Graham)The Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) turn 50 this year. However, the FPDA, which brings together Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, is little known by the public and even by non-defence officials. Today, we speak to Dr Euan Graham, Senior Fellow for Asia Pacific Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, on the FPDA’s history, its relevance to the defence interests of member countries, and the challenges it faces given the rapid changes to the region’s strategic environment.
2021-03-2131 min
The Historyogi Podcast#5 - The history of Singapore's fight against AIDS (A conversation with Roy Chan)AIDS is an illness that still carries social stigma and moral indignation. The situation was especially worse during the 1980s and 1990s when most patients died painful deaths and moral panic influenced public rejection of those from marginalised communities. Today, we speak to Professor Roy Chan, President of Action for AIDS, on the early fight against AIDS in Singapore, its impact on the gay community, how things have changed since then, and what Singapore still needs to do to decisively defeat the disease.
2021-03-2131 min
The Historyogi Podcast#4 - The Beginner's Guide to the South China Sea dispute (A conversation with Collin Koh)The South China Sea dispute has gained increasing prominence in recent years, with China being especially aggressive with its claims. Today, we speak to Dr Collin Koh, Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, on some basic questions about the dispute. We discuss its history, the significance of the nine-dash line, the actions of various claimant states as well as the United States, ASEAN’s lack of unity, the feasibility of a code of conduct, the role of Chinese fishing fleets, and the stakes for a non-claimant state like Singapore.
2021-02-2532 min
The Historyogi Podcast#3 - What should Stamford Raffles' place be in Singapore's history? (A conversation with Faris Joraimi)In recent years, there has been a growing movement to confront the ugly history of colonialism. In particular, activists have targeted enduring symbols of colonialists & slave traders, such as place names and statues. In Singapore, discussion has centred around the problematic history of Sir Stamford Raffles. Today, we speak to Faris Joraimi, a co-editor of the book “Raffles Renounced: Towards a Merdeka History” on how we should view the legacy of Raffles as well as Singapore’s history as part of the Malay world.
2021-02-1433 min
The Historyogi Podcast#2 - Understanding the History of Disease Control in Singapore (A conversation with Loh Kah Seng & Hsu Li Yang)As Singapore and the rest of the world battle the covid 19 pandemic, the history of infectious diseases provides some lessons on how their spread is affected by social and cultural factors, and cannot be resolved with purely medical responses. Today, we speak to historian Dr Loh Kah Seng and Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang, an infectious diseases expert, on their book “Tuberculosis – The Singapore Experience, 1867–2018, Disease, Society and the State”.
2021-01-1936 min
The Historyogi Podcast#1 - Behind the History in Charlie Chan Hock Chye (A conversation with Sonny Liew)In 2015, the graphic novel The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye captured public attention when its grant was withdrawn by the National Arts Council. Despite this, the book gained widespread critical acclaim both locally and internationally for its creative take on Singapore’s history. Today, we speak to its author Sonny Liew on his research process and whether the book sparked the right kind of debate over Singapore’s history.
2021-01-1930 min
socialservice.sg presents: "Before the Ballot"#GE2020 Nomination Day, the debate, and mid-campaign impressions (Dhevarajan Devadas and Mohamed Salihin Subhan)In “What can we learn?”, we chat with academics and experts to understand the election through more analytical lenses.
Today, we have two guests. We are halfway through GE2020, and we therefore have a conversation about Nomination Day, the televised English debate, as well as mid-campaign impressions. Dhevarajan Devadas is a public policy researcher and historian, and Mohamed Salihin Subhan is a political science PhD student in the University of British Columbia.
2020-07-0435 minsocialservice.sg presents: "Before the Ballot"#19 - The historical roots of electioneering and campaigning in SingaporeWith the general elections on the horizon, this is set to be Singapore’s first pandemic election, or the country’s first true “Internet election”. In the next few weeks leading up to Polling Day, we speak to voters, observers, and researchers, with the hope of better understanding what is at stake and making an informed decision.
Today, we focus on the historical roots of electioneering and campaigning in Singapore. Why is the election campaign period just nine days? What is the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee and how did it come about? And what is the role of the P...
2020-06-2333 min