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Publication POTHUMANISM AND THE STATE CONTROL OF FEMALE MIGRANT SEX WORKERS IN SINGAPORE: THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND FUTURE(2024-09-16)FSWs in Singapore have shared a tumultuous relationship with the Singapore government since colonial times. In both contemporary and non-contemporary eras, FSWs have commonly been reduced to commodities, where traditional, essentialist views of gender roles prescribe the unfair and discriminatory expectations for women to serve as sex workers and provide pleasure for men, which is further compounded by the Confucianist rhetoric of gender in the context of Singapore. Not only is this form of patriarchy normalised in the society, the state’s institutionalisation of it further exacerbates the treatment and marginalisation of FSWs in Singapore. And yet, even though FSWs have consistently been oppressed in Singapore since the start, the state’s control over FSWs and their bodies in recent years through state apparatuses, such as the MSS and heightened surveillance in both offline and online spaces, has become growingly concerning. The topic of sex work continues to be avoided or portrayed in a negative light by the government and state-controlled media, while government control over FSWs further tightens with the use of technology and the desire of the state to present a clean image of Singapore. As sex work remains a taboo topic among Singaporeans in tandem with the extending control over sex workers’ lives, FSW become increasingly isolated from society and vulnerable to abuse. The prevalence of technology has also been both a curse and blessing to FSWs in Singapore with how it perpetuates further scrutiny over them, while offering alternative ways for FSWs to circumvent the oppressive systems in place against them. Here, I argue that the development of the current sex work industry in Singapore under the PAP is largely akin to that of ‘societies of discipline’ which is humanist in nature, with only a gradual shift towards ‘societies of control’ that manage posthumanist tendencies, a perspective which can aid in establishing a framework for us to explain the existing government policies towards sex work and predict future developments around the sex industry in Singapore. Ultimately, the practical application of posthumanist ideals vis-à-vis sex work in Singapore can optimistically open up more possibilities as to how the oppression FSWs face in Singapore can be mitigated, since the very basis of justifying sex work through humanist beliefs will be challenged.Publication CHINESE CELEBRITIES AS DIPLOMATS? CHINA'S STRATEGIC INTERACTION WITH INTERNATIONAL FANS TO EXPAND SOFT POWER ADMIDST HEIGHTENED INTER-STATE TENSION(2024-09-16)This paper intends to expand the existing research on Chinese soft power by exploring the interplay between the Chinese state, celebrities, and non-Mainland fans. China has rapidly developed and built its international presence in the past decades. Since Xi Jinping’s presidency, the state has invested in various instruments, especially soft power, to meet its foreign policy objectives. In this context, scholars have highlighted the Chinese government’s aggressive control over its celebrities to advance its global image and political agenda. However, few have investigated the influence of Chinese idols in global politics or even the impact of the state on international fans. Furthermore, the increased inter-state tensions are an alarming trend that affects several domains in the globalised world. This paper then focuses on the Nine-dash Line conflict as the central turning point regarding the Chinese government’s changes in its attempts to sway international fans’ attitudes through Chinese celebrities on social media. In tracking the developments of the Nine-dash Line conflict, this paper contends that the Chinese state continuously garners control over Chinese celebrities’ international discourse power. The interactions between the Chinese idols and their non-Mainland fans reflected negotiations in the celebrities’ and the bureaucracy’s social media political signalling strategy. Based on the findings, the Chinese stars’ subsequent gentle enforcement of political views on global media platforms led to the relatively effective exportation of the Chinese state’s political claims in inter-state tensions to fans abroad. Interestingly, the non-Mainland fans also adjusted their attitudes towards the celebrities’ political involvement on social media. Overall, the Chinese government consistently adjusts its policies to influence discourse among international Chinese pop culture fans through celebrities to bolster its soft power overseas.Publication FLUID BOUNDARIES: NAVIGATING SINGAPOREAN WATER IDENTITY(2024-09-16)Singapore’s water identity is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has evolved in response to the challenges and opportunities presented by globalisation. While current academia has explored how water can influence identity, there is a shortage of literature that specifically examines Singapore’s water identity. Furthermore, existing studies often focus on nationalism and Singapore’s water identity, leaving out globalisation. Therefore, this paper seeks to bridge this gap by exploring the relationship between globalisation, water and identity and Singapore through the question: How has Singapore's water identities been formulated (or shaped) by globalisation? This paper will be inspired by Robert and Lamp’s Six Faces of Globalisation to explore the how globalisation means different things to different people. This understanding acknowledges that issues like globalisation and water identity have different meanings across various contexts, people, places and networks. Through the use of a diverse range of sources, including visuals, literary works, oral records, and social media posts, the study uncovers four distinct yet interconnected water identities in Singapore: historical, existential, economic, and cultural. Each of these identities are shaped by globalisation in their own ways, leading to the Singapore water identity to be characterised as multi- faceted. Ultimately, this paper concludes that Singapore’s water identity is not a singular narrative but rather a confluence of all these identities, each shaped by globalisation in their own way, while also interconnected with one another. What comes to light is the reality that Singapore’s identity is multifaceted as well as malleable and vulnerable to change and influence of all nature. As Singapore continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by globalisation, its water story will undoubtedly continue to evolve, reflecting the dynamic interplay between local experiences and global forces that shape its identity. All in all, this paper serves as to not only enhance the field of Global Studies but also to allow for individuals, organisations, governments to develop better policies and make better decisions through multi-faceted ways of understanding.Publication WE DON'T READ THE FOOD LABELS: AN INVESTIGATIVE NEWS STORY ON SINGAPOREANS' MISCONCEPTIONS OF NUTRITION LABELS AND WHY THAT IS CONCERNING(2024-11-11)My investigative journalism thesis aims to fulfil a public service role of journalism by raising awareness of the correct interpretations of government-initiated nutrition labels in Singapore. The final product, which involves three news articles, is especially important given the degree of misinformation surrounding labels on packaged food and their long-term health consequences within the local population. For the scope of the articles, two Singapore government-mandated symbols: Nutri-Grade and Healthier Choice stickers, and the levels of their understanding were studied. In terms of long-term health consequences, the articles focus on diabetes, as it is the most severe of all chronic diseases in Singapore (Ministry of Health, 2017). The main article began with startling statistics that highlighted the poor level of nutrition literacy in Singapore. The project utilises a self-administered online survey to gain insights into Singaporean’s level of existing nutrition knowledge and their purchasing habits. The survey results are analysed by Singapore-accredited dieticians to gain insight into the health implications of such decision-making. Results from the survey, along with comments from dieticians form the basis of the reporting for the main investigative story. The investigative article was successful in correcting misconceptions about Nutri Grade and raising awareness of the importance of mindful food purchasing. The supporting articles were successful in raising awareness about diabetes, an issue Singapore’s government wants to tackle with Nutri-Grade.Publication CRAFTING CULTURAL NARRATIVE: THE ROLE OF A CREATIVE DIRECTOR IN UNVEILING THE FLUIDITY AND HYBRIDITY IDENTITIES OF CHINESE SINGAPOREANS THROUGH EDUTAINMENT(2024-04-10)This paper underscores the relevance of utilizing appropriate visual media in creating cultural narratives through an edutainment driven project titled “wHUAtru”, thereby fostering deeper appreciation and connection to an individual’s Chinese Singaporean identity. Given Singapore’s predominantly Chinese population, it is vital to explore the intricate factors affecting one’s Chinese Singaporean identity. Despite the rise in shortform Chinese entertainment content across various channels, such as @ChineseHackersSG, @HeyKaki.sg and @anythingdn.sg, there remains a significant gap in showcasing the nuanced aspects of Chinese culture and representation among Chinese Singaporeans. While the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre aims to raise awareness of Singapore Chinese culture, its top-down efforts primarily target students through guided tours and information-heavy exhibitions. As a result, there is a notable imbalance between educational and entertaining content in the representation of the Chinese Singaporean identity. To address these gaps, “wHUAtru” was launched under my direction as Creative Director. It aims to unearth the fluidity and hybridity of the Chinese Singaporean identity and foster curiosity about one’s roots via edutainment.