Busker in an underpass (Photo by Ng Shi Wen)

Sustaining the muscles of active citizenry and ground-ups for a more participatory democracy (Vincent Ng; COVID-19, one year on)

Posted on July 1, 2021February 19, 2022 by guanyinmiao

One year ago, we documented community initiatives and discussed structural challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore. One year later, we are inviting the same guests back to talk about their work, how they are feeling, and what they think we have learnt or have yet to learn from the pandemic. Today, we have Vincent Ng, general manager of the co-operative A Good Space. We talk about his personal and professional development, including the co-operative’s work and his vision for active citizenry in the country.

A lady in green with a blue umbrella (Photo by Ng Shi Wen)

Intersectional climate justice, climate change and its unequal effects, and aspirations for a low-carbon Singapore

Posted on April 22, 2021February 19, 2022 by guanyinmiao

It has been more than 18 months since Singapore’s first climate rally at Hong Lim Park in September 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic, as we have documented time and time again in this podcast, has only highlighted and exacerbated existing socio-economic inequalities in the country. With one of SG Climate Rally’s founding members, Estella Ho, we talk about intersectional climate justice and the unequal effect of climate change. In addition, we also learn more about her activist and advocacy work with the movement, in terms of her experience working with government agencies, working with other groups and organisations in the same space, and dealing with burnout.

Contested framings of climate change and climate governance in Singapore: PhD student Belicia Teo

Posted on April 22, 2021February 19, 2022 by guanyinmiao

In a commentary on climate governance for academia.sg, Belicia Teo made the case that the impact of climate change is not equal, and that, as a consequence, identifying and addressing these risks “should be up for debate and public scrutiny”. This was important, she added, so as to address differences in norms and values in Singapore. Her research was based on 10 interviewees from six climate groups, and we invited her to elaborate how the Singaporean state and climate groups framed climate change, as well as the differences in these framings. In addition, what should we expect from the state and the climate groups in the future?

Study areas at the National Library Board

OpenJio and the challenge of sustaining youth volunteerism and interest in social causes

Posted on March 18, 2021February 19, 2022 by guanyinmiao

If you’re not on the Telegram channel OpenJio, you might be missing out on the latest events and causes in Singapore’s social sector. But in addition to learning more about the initiative, how do we sustain the interest of youths and young adults in these social events and causes? In our conversation with core team member Amos Liu, we also talk about his personal volunteerism journey and some challenges OpenJio faces.

Conversations / forums / panel discussions / seminars / talks / workshops (on socio-politics) are overdue for a disruption

Posted on January 31, 2020February 4, 2021 by guanyinmiao

Discursive events on socio-politics in Singapore are often well-intentioned – to increase civic engagement and awareness of issues – yet given their proliferation the quality and value of these events cannot be taken for granted. As someone who has organised and has been involved in these endeavours (and been critical of dialogues and forums and large-scale seminars), highlighting these seven opportunities for disruption stems from the desire to challenge ourselves and the sector to do even better.

socialservice.sg

A website, podcast, and newsletter dedicated to social service research, practice, and policies in Singapore

Tag: Civic Engagement