Constructing Singapore

Singapore has few natural resources but, in a relatively short history, its economic and social development and transformation are nothing short of remarkable. Today Singapore is by far the most successful exemplar of material development in Southeast Asia and it often finds itself the envy of development in Southeast Asia and it often finds itself the envy of developed countries. Furthermore over the last three and a half decades the ruling party has presided over the formation of a thriving community of Singaporeans who love and are proud of their country.

This book presents possible alternatives and interpretations to the well established notion in the mostly western discourse on public space. The discourse on public space as understood in the democratic-rationalist tradition, when applied to the Singaporean public space, would offer much criticism but would not be adequate in identifying alternative processes that allow for transformative potentials in public space. Thus said, the objectives of this book are: 1. To develop a conceptual frame of reference to construct the discourse on Singapore public space 2. To form a preliminary model of Singapore public space through analyzing case studies 3. To understand the modes, methods of production and representation of these public spaces within the rapidly changing urban context 4. To situate these constructions of public space and its possible trajectories within the larger discourse on public space, and to examine the viability of such a construction and interpretive model of public space

This book presents a collection of essays of how the city-state of Singapore's societal dynamics have evolved from the time of its birth as a nation in 1965 to the present. Key areas of Singapore society are explored, contributing to the understanding of the social organisation of the city. This study reveals a shift from the modernisation studies in the 1970s to a more political-economic turn, as a consequence of the influence of dependency and world systems theories. Topics covered include: urban studies, family, education, medical care, class and social stratification, work, language, ethnic groups, religion and crime and deviance.

Written to educate and equip aspirant professionals, industry practitioners, and students in the knowledge and practice of contract administration and procurement in the Singapore Construction Industry, this book discusses the roles and relationship of the different parties (e.g. Owner, Architect, Quantity Surveyor), tendering procedures, project delivery methods, payments, variations, final account, and other aspects for the administration of construction contracts in Singapore. The book is drafted in an easy, readable form. Technical jargon is minimised. The topics span across common issues and less common ones that practitioners and students should be aware of in the industry. Most of the examples are obtained from the industry (with modifications) and reflect current industry practices. Time-lines, flow-charts, sample forms, sample letters and other documents illustrating the processes are provided in this work, for the easy understanding of the readers. The contract administration process takes into account the Singapore Institute of Architects' Measurement Contract, 9th Edition, the Public Sector Standard Conditions of Contract for Construction Works, 7th edition, and also the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act.

This study looks at how the construction industry of developing countries can be improved, with special attention to the role and importance of a central agency in administering the industry's continuous development.The book first reviews the nature and problems facing the construction industry in developing countries and the recommendations commonly made, which in turn show the need for action of a different nature. Part 2 then focuses on the Singapore experience over a 25-year period as it attempted to develop its industry without a central agency for construction development, later set up as the CIBD of Singapore, while Part 3 considers the circumstances behind the Board's formation and assesses its work. Lessons from Singapore's experience especially relating to the setting up and work of a central agency, and factors contributing to the success of such an agency, are discussed in the final part.

Singapore fell to Japan on 15 February 1942. Within days, the Japanese had massacred thousands of Chinese civilians, and taken prisoner more than 100,000 British, Australian and Indian soldiers. A resistance movement formed in Malaya's jungle-covered mountains, but the vast majority could do little other than resign themselves to life under Japanese rule. The Occupation would last three and a half years, until the return of the British in September 1945. How is this period remembered? And how have individuals, communities, and states shaped and reshaped memories in the postwar era? The book response to these questions, presenting answers that use the words of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, British and Australians who personally experienced the war years. The authors guide readers through many forms of memory: from the soaring pillars of Singapore's Civilian War Memorial, to traditional Chinese cemeteries in Malaysia; and from families left bereft by Japanese massacres, to the young women who flocked to the Japanese-sponsored Indian National Army, dreaming of a march on Delhi. This volume provides a forum for previously marginalized and self-censored voices, using the stories they relate to reflect on the nature of conflict and memory. They also offer a deeper understanding of the searing transit from wartime occupation to post-war decolonization and the moulding of postcolonial states and identities.

This book discusses higher education research as a field of study in Asia. It traces the evolution of research in the field of higher education in several Asian countries, and shares ideas about the evolving higher education research communities in Asia. It also identifies common and dissimilar challenges across national communities, providing researchers and policymakers essential new insights into the relevance of a greater regional articulation of national higher education research communities, and their further integration into and contribution to the international higher education research community as a whole.