Arts, aspirations and anxieties: cultural policy in Singapore

On 9 August 2015, Singapore celebrated its 50th year of national independence, a milestone for the nation as it has overcome major economic, social, cultural and political challenges in a short period of time. While this was a celebratory event to acknowledge the role of the government of the People’s Action Party (PAP), it was also marked by national mourning, as founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew died in March 2015. This book critically reflects on Singapore’s 50 years of independence. Contributors interrogate a selected range of topics on Singapore’s history, culture and society – including the constitution, education, religion and race – and thereby facilitate a better understanding of Singapore’s shared national past. Central to this book is an examination of how Singaporeans have learnt to adapt and change in the face of policies introduced by the PAP government since independence in 1965. All chapters begin their histories from that point in time, and each contribution either focuses on an area that has been neglected in Singapore’s modern history or offers new perspectives on the past. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, this book presents an independent and critical take on Singapore’s post-1965 history. A valuable assessment for students and researchers alike, Singapore is of interest to specialists in Southeast Asian history and politics.