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
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 seeks to educate and equip aspiring professionals, industry practitioners, and students in the knowledge and practice of contract administration and procurement in the Singapore Construction Industry. It discusses the roles of and relationships between 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.This second edition has been updated to include:The book is written in an easy and readable form. Technical jargon is minimised. The topics include both common and less common issues in industry that practitioners and students should be aware. Most of the examples are obtained from industry (with modifications) and reflect current practices. Timelines, flowcharts, 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.
Investigates the Singapore Government's approach to the construction of national identity. This book focuses on the global/national nexus: the tensions between the necessity to embrace the global to ensure economic survival, yet needing a committed population to support the perpetuation of the nation-state and its economic success.
"This book seeks to educate and equip aspiring professionals, industry practitioners, and students in the knowledge and practice of contract administration and procurement in the Singapore Construction Industry. It discusses the roles of and relationships between 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. This second edition has been updated to include: Tender Evaluation in procuring Consultants using the Quality Fee Method, Tender Evaluation in procuring Contractors using the Price Quality Method, and Payment Claim and Payment Response as amended by the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment (Amendment) Act 2018, and amended Regulations 2019. The book is written in an easy and readable form. Technical jargon is minimised. The topics include both common and less common issues in industry that practitioners and students should be aware. Most of the examples are obtained from industry (with modifications) and reflect current practices. Timelines, flowcharts, 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 book examines the relationship between population policies and individual reproductive decisions in low-fertility contexts. Using the case study of Singapore, it demonstrates that the effectiveness of population policy is a function of competing notions of citizenship, and the gap between seemingly neutral policy incentives and the perceived and experienced disparate effects. Drawing on a substantial number of personal interviews and focus groups, the book analyzes the developmental welfare state’s overarching emphasis of citizen responsibility, and examines population policies that reinforce social inequalities and ignore cultural diversity. These factors combine to undermine elaborate state policy efforts in encouraging citizens’ biological reproduction. The book goes on to argue that in order to facilitate positive fertility decisions, the state needs to modify the “economic production at all cost” approach and pay much more attention to the importance of social rights. This suggests that the Singapore government might profitably approach the phenomenon of very low fertility with major initiatives similar to those of other advanced industrialized societies. This book offers a significant contribution to the literature on social policy, East Asian and Southeast Asian studies.
