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  • About RSIS
      IntroductionBuilding the FoundationsWelcome MessageBoard of GovernorsHonours and Awards for RSIS Staff and StudentsRSIS Endowment FundEndowed ProfessorshipsCareer OpportunitiesGetting to RSIS
      Staff ProfilesExecutive Deputy Chairman’s OfficeDean’s OfficeManagementDistinguished FellowsFaculty and ResearchAssociate Research Fellows, Senior Analysts and Research AnalystsVisiting FellowsAdjunct FellowsAdministrative Staff
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      Research CentresCentre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS)Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre)Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS)Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS)International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR)
      Research ProgrammesNational Security Studies Programme (NSSP)Social Cohesion Research Programme (SCRP)Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme
      Other ResearchFuture Issues and Technology ClusterResearch@RSISScience and Technology Studies Programme (STSP) (2017-2020)
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Research@RSIS

Welcome to this section on research projects of RSIS researchers. RSIS encourages collaboration, a value we embrace. By sharing these ongoing projects, we invite interested and like-minded parties to collaborate with our researchers.

This section is updated every quarter. Please contact the respective researchers if you would like to work together with them.

Updated as of September 2024.

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Research

IDSS (2)
NTS (5)
CENS (0)
CMS (0)
ICPVTR (0)
NSSP (0)
STSP (0)
SRP (1)
SCRP (3)
OTHERS (1)
Digital Religion: Technology Reshaping Religious Practices and Communities
Dr Leong Chan-Hoong Senior Fellow and Head of Social Cohesion Research Programme
Dr Amanda Huan Research Fellow
Ms Yvonne Yap Ying Ying Associate Research Fellow
Ms Claribel Low Associate Research Fellow
Ms Lam Teng Si Senior Analyst

As digital technologies become increasingly accessible and prevalent, religious practices, beliefs and communities have been gradually shaped by the affordances of online platforms. The study of digital religion explores these developments and intersections, which broadly encompass phenomena such as online worship, digital rituals and the evolution of virtual communities. Specifically, the digitalisation and mediatisation of religion—intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic—has given rise to several trends:

• The rise of new religious practices (e.g. rituals, worship, educational content)
• Religious leaders becoming active on social media as content creators and influencers
• Changing behaviours in the consumption of religious content which may in turn impact inter-group and inter-faith relations

As such, this project seeks to address the gaps in existing literature concerning digital religion in Singapore and beyond, exploring how various religions navigate the online space.

Theme: 
Region:  Southeast Asia and ASEAN
Identify, Codify, and Evaluate Pro-Social Practices and Norms that Foster Cohesion
Dr Leong Chan-Hoong Senior Fellow and Head of Social Cohesion Research Programme
Dr Amanda Huan Research Fellow
Ms Claribel Low Associate Research Fellow
Ms Lam Teng Si Senior Analyst
Ms Yvonne Yap Ying Ying Associate Research Fellow

Pro-social norms and practices that foster tolerance and acceptance of multiracial and multireligious diversities are important to maintaining a stable and cohesive society. To ensure Singapore's social fabric remains resilient to the increasingly polarised and uncertain global environment, the city-state assigns a premium to building a consensus on community behaviours that foster inclusion and harmonious living. While much has been shared and discussed on neighbourhood normative activities, not much has been researched on religious and racial practices, norms that promote or hinder multicultural understanding and empathy. Specifically, what are the community behaviours, rituals, and routines that foster interfaith contact and cohesion? What are the enabling conditions in the local environment that facilitate these activities? What social or built environmental features can mitigate or amplify tensions?

Theme:  General / Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / Religion in Contemporary Society
Region: 
Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar
Dr Leong Chan-Hoong Senior Fellow and Head of Social Cohesion Research Programme
Dr Amanda Huan Research Fellow
Ms Claribel Low Associate Research Fellow
Ms Lam Teng Si Senior Analyst
Ms Yvonne Yap Ying Ying Associate Research Fellow

As societies become increasingly diverse, global events have the potential to drive societies apart. This is evident across ASEAN, where opinions have differed along religious and ethnic lines. To address these challenges, it is crucial to consistently track social cohesion among ASEAN states, which has been largely missing in the social cohesion literature. Using the adapted version of the Bertelsmann Stiftung Social Cohesion Framework, this study seeks to unveil the specific dimensions (i.e. social networks, connectedness, common good) that contribute to the degree of social cohesion in each ASEAN state. This study expands beyond previous research by examining individual-level factors (e.g., values) that influence social cohesion in ASEAN states, alongside country-level factors (e.g., GDP per capita, Human Development Index, Gini Coefficient, Gender Equality Index). The specificities of each society can thus be better elucidated, which may inform policy-making more effectively.

Theme:  General / Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / Religion in Contemporary Society
Region: 
Biosecurity Governance in Southeast Asia
Dr Mely Caballero-Anthony Professor of International Relations and Associate Dean (International Engagement); Head of Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies; President’s Chair in International Relations and Security Studies
Mr Julius Cesar Imperial Trajano Research Fellow
Dr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros Research Fellow
Ms Jeselyn Research Analyst

The project examines the security challenges arising from research in the life sciences, dual-use research, and the biotech industry in Southeast Asia. Other research areas include the preventive measures of Biosafety Labs (BSL), such as preventing biosecurity incidents caused by insider threats, extremist terror groups, cyber criminals, or transnational criminal networks. In addition, the project analyses the national and regional efforts to enhancing biosecurity and response and preparedness capacities in Southeast Asia and the wider region in case of the use or threat of use of biological weapons, including the roles of regional bodies and networks supporting ASEAN Member States. The research also explores pathways toward integrating biosecurity and response and preparedness capacity development into regional frameworks, standards and approaches.

Theme:  Non-Traditional Security
Region:  East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN
Decolonizing Dialogue: A Dao-De-Jing (Way-Ethics/Principles-Classics) Approach
Dr Paul Hedges Professor of Interreligious Studies and Associate Dean (Scholarly Ecosystems)

To develop an approach to dialogue that is envisaged and coming out in a 4 book series (and some accompanying articles) that decolonises contemporary theorising on dialogue, focusing primarily on interreligious and intercultural dialogue. It will engage the classical Western theorists with global voices and perspectives around three poles: ethics, hermeneutics, and praxis.

Theme:  Religion in Contemporary Society
Region:  Global
Climate Change Mitigation through CDM and REDD+ in Southeast Asia
Dr Margareth Sembiring Research Fellow

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has created several mechanisms to facilitate climate change mitigation efforts in developing countries. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) were established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy and forestry sectors respectively. This research assesses the interactions among actors involved in these initiatives in countries across Southeast Asia. It aims to examine the gaps and challenges in implementing climate mitigation solutions proposed by multilateral institutions such as the UNFCCC. It identifies best practices in optimising such solutions at the national level.

Theme:  Non-Traditional Security
Region:  Southeast Asia and ASEAN
In Search of the Singapore Identity
Mr Han Fook Kwang Senior Fellow

This research will explore issues arising out of Singapore’s search for its identity. It will discuss what constitutes the Singapore identity, how has it changed, if any, what accounts for the change, why did the change occur, and what are the implications for the future. Singapore’s search for identity is not taking place in isolation but against a global backdrop where issues of identity are coming to the fore. In Europe and the US, there has been a resurgence of public sentiment towards stronger national identities. Brexit and the election of President Donald Trump in the US were examples of this, as is the rising strength of nationalistic, right wing parties in Europe. The research will discuss Singapore’s identity in this global context. It will also explore the issue of identity in the following areas: (i) economic identity; (ii) cultural identity; (iii) political/social identity; and (iv) international identity.

Theme:  General / International Political Economy
Region:  Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Global
Contributing to Food Security and Fulfilling Agriculture’s Commercial Potential through Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture in Singapore
Dr Paul Teng Professor and Adjunct Senior Fellow
Dr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros Research Fellow

Singapore imports more than 90 per cent of its total food consumption, and grows some quantities of eggs, fish and vegetables. There are plans of boosting these numbers, although any initiative will need to value-add to the country’s economy and productivity. In order to be more food secure amid the limitation of space, the government has supported technologies such as vertical farming, and provided funding to help farmers upgrade practices. This study will look into the types of technologies that can be leveraged to boost farming’s productivity, and allow for greater production within the limits of space, water and labour. It will further study the enabling environment for technology, focusing on the technology-policy interface.

Theme:  Non-Traditional Security
Region:  East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN
Assessing Gaps and Opportunities in Food Safety for Safer Food Production in ASEAN
Dr Mely Caballero-Anthony Professor of International Relations and Associate Dean (International Engagement); Head of Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies; President’s Chair in International Relations and Security Studies
Dr Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros Research Fellow
Dr Jorgen Schlundt Professor and Director, NTU Food Technology Centre

This project aims to examine the current threats to food safety in ASEAN and explore ways to foster and enhance collaboration on food security. This project will produce a policy-relevant paper on how ASEAN as an institution, and its member states can address the types of food-borne diseases (FBD) that have plagued the region over the years. This is to be achieved by mapping out the ASEAN institutions involved in FBD management, and identifying gaps when compared to successful FBD management systems in countries/institutions such as Denmark and the European Union. This study will be limited to the top three to four diseases related to biotic factors (such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses), identified based on World Health Organization (WHO) Data. Literature review and stakeholder interviews will be done to provide insights on the ground. This research is being done in collaboration with the newly established NTU Food Technology Centre (NAFTEC).

Theme:  Non-Traditional Security
Region:  Southeast Asia and ASEAN
Mapping Regional Frameworks for Nuclear Energy Governance in the Asia Pacific
Dr Mely Caballero-Anthony Professor of International Relations and Associate Dean (International Engagement); Head of Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies; President’s Chair in International Relations and Security Studies
Mr Julius Cesar Imperial Trajano Research Fellow

The project explores pathways toward building a robust framework for nuclear energy governance in the Asia Pacific, including ASEAN. It has the following objectives: i) To look into the nuclear energy plans of East Asian/ASEAN countries, including the construction of nuclear power plants in the region, ii) To examine the regulatory frameworks on nuclear energy in ASEAN and the Asia Pacific and iii) To explore the feasibility of a “wider regional framework/blueprint for nuclear energy cooperation in the Asia Pacific”, building on some of the existing regional frameworks such as the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia, etc.

Theme:  Cybersecurity, Biosecurity and Nuclear Safety / Energy Security / Non-Traditional Security
Region:  East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN
Future Maritime Security Environment — Policy Paper and Workshop
Ms Jane Chan Git Yin Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Maritime Security Programme, IDSS

The study will identify likely developments in the maritime security environment of Asia over the next decade, including shifts in the maritime balance of power and particular threats and challenges in the maritime domain. The study will take a comprehensive view of security, and will include issues such as the trends with international shipping, environmental protection and resource scarcity. The overall objective will be to identify the implications of these developments for the region and for Singapore. The geographical scope for the study will be the Indo-Pacific region.

Theme:  Conflict and Stability / Country and Region Studies / Maritime Security
Region:  East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN
Maritime Security and Sea Lines of Communication — Research Paper
Ms Jane Chan Git Yin Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Maritime Security Programme, IDSS
Dr Collin Koh Swee Lean Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Projects (Naval/Maritime Affairs)

The programme collaborates with the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) to work on topical maritime security issues relating to Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) and chokepoints within IFC’s areas of interest. The project aims to better understand the threats and challenges in regional waters. It will consider national, regional and inter-regional maritime law enforcement capacity, best practices and cooperation.

Theme:  Country and Region Studies / Maritime Security
Region:  South Asia / Southeast Asia and ASEAN
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