Democratic Participation Researcher
We’re looking for a Democratic Participation Researcher. If you’re ready to take on the challenge of building capacity for positive change in Southeast Asia, send us an email!
LATEST
The Power of Quasa
Producer and Presenter Thum Ping Tjin PJ Thum talks to Irie and Muhammad, two founders of Quasa, a peer support and community network for queer Muslims in Singapore. They talk about Quasa, what it does, why it’s needed, and what they want to achieve. They also discuss the lives of queer Muslims, what they want,…
Who Should be the Next Prime Minister of Singapore, and Why? The Winner: Yeo Kian Hwee!
New Naratif invited people to tell us who they thought the next PM of Singapore should be, and why. The winner is Yeo Kian Hwee, who picked Lawrence Wong.
Dr Chee Soon Juan’s “Orange & Teal”
PJ Thum talks to Dr Chee Soon Juan, Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party, about his restaurant Orange & Teal, why he started it, how the first year has gone, and what he hopes to achieve. They also talk the changing perceptions and role of the SDP in Singapore politics.
Who You Gonna Call? MPs, ADUNs, and Local Councillors in Malaysia
Learn about the different levels of government representatives in Malaysia, and who you should talk to about neighbourhood or national issues.
In Need of Cleaning
The promise of high wages draws Indonesian migrant workers to Singapore. However, exploitative practices by agents such as deducting monthly salaries and charging illegal fees make life difficult for the migrant workers and their families back home.
Learning in Lockdown
Our son lost in-person social and emotional support from his teachers when the pandemic forced a shift towards remote learning. We worked to mitigate its effects—but not all families in the Philippines can afford to do the same for children with disabilities.
The Media Freedom in Southeast Asia Project
Who Should be the Next Prime Minister of Singapore, and Why? A Contest
TOPICS
- Freedom of Expression
- LGBTQIA+
- Human Rights and Freedom from Tyranny
- Transparency and Accountability
- Freedom of Association
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FEATURES >
Cambodia’s At-Risk Construction Workers Raise Families On-Site
Cambodian construction workers and their families often live inside the buildings they are constructing, despite dozens being killed in building collapses in recent years. Few labour protections and low pay leave them vulnerable to accidents and exploitation.
Khmer Krom Monks Cross Borders to Learn Their History
Frustrated by Vietnam’s suppression of their language, history and faith, Khmer Krom monks are forced to migrate to Cambodia to pursue an unrestricted education. Some who return face hostile authorities who fear monks will stir up deep-seated ethnic divisions.
Displaced by War, Papuan Refugees Face Lingering Dangers
Some 60,000 people have been displaced by fighting between Papuan separatists and the Indonesian military in Nduga Regency. One group of refugees are stranded far from home, without jobs, schools, quality healthcare or any sign of the conflict’s end.
COMICS >
Ripple Effect
My mother became a refugee in her own country during the Indonesian War of Independence. The experience reverberated through the rest of her life.
RESEARCH >
Media Work as Resistance
A graphic summary of New Naratif’s study of media freedom in Southeast Asia, drawn from media workers’ experiences and challenges.
PODCASTS >
Who Should be the Next Prime Minister of Singapore, and Why?
New Naratif invited people to tell us who they thought the next PM of Singapore should be, and why. PJ Thum interviews the four finalists. Vote for the winner!
VIDEOS >
The Women Tree Planters of Sukau
Since 2008, women from Sabah’s Sukau Village have planted trees to connect forest fragments and preserve the area’s biodiversity. COVID-19 stopped their work for months, resulting in the deaths of many newly planted trees. Now, they have returned to the forest.
Singapore’s Migration Laws Trap Women With Abusers
For foreign spouses trying to escape domestic abuse or their marriage altogether, Singapore’s migration laws and exclusion of foreigners from some social services leave them reliant on their abuser and vulnerable to homelessness and separation from their children.
“Nowhere Is Safe”: Myanmar Bombing Shatters “Peace Town”
In Kayin State, recent fighting between the Myanmar military and anti-junta forces has displaced thousands from a Karen village built as a symbol of peace. One year since the coup began, many have fled to the Thai border and struggle to find food and shelter.
Amid Tourism Push, Malaysia Keeps Binational Families Apart
Pandemic travel and immigration rules in Malaysia have left many binational families stressed, strained and separated for months, with officials deeming foreign spouses “non-essential”. Some have turned to online groups to support and advocate for each other.
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