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Aaron Kao, Research Officer at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Archaeology Unit, interviewed by Chinese Radio Capital 958 on ”Archaeology in Singapore”

 

23 May 2016. Chinese radio Capital 958FM carried a feature on archaeology in Singapore with soundbites from research officer Aaron Kao from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Archaeology Unit and Ng Ching Huei, National Heritage Board (NHB) researcher.

Ng Chin Huei, who has participated in nine such projects, pointed out that the difference between archaeological excavations and treasure hunts is that the former heavily utilises scientific methods including documentation and recording so that the researchers may return to the site in future if necessary. He also shared on the first archaeological dig in Singapore at Fort Canning Hill in 1984, when the dig took place prior to the establishment of the NHB. On excavations carried out on private land, Capital 958FM noted that processes are under review, with Ng sharing that, in some such cases, landowners were happy to work with relevant agencies in opening up their sites for excavations, as long as requirements for safety and other infrastructural considerations were met.

Dig at Empress Place. Source: Archaeology Unit, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

The largest and most recent dig was conducted last year at Empress Place, which yielded 2.5 tonnes of artefacts. Aaron Kao, who had worked on this project, explained that archaeological digs normally happen when there are eminent threats to the site due to major construction works. If there are no threats, archaeologists would recommend for the sites to be undisturbed. He said archaeologists are not against development, and stressed the importance of such digs in recovering any important historical artefacts on the sites before it is developed.

Kao also explained the post-excavation process such as washing, cataloguing and labelling the artefacts. He said while the museums will display the important artefacts, the rest will be held at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and at NUS, as there are currently no storage facilities for archaeological artefacts in Singapore. He also discussed the challenges faced by archaeologists in maintaining a consistent speed for excavation due to manpower restraints, and funding. In conclusion, Ng also shared his hope for public education on the topic to be strengthened.


Dig Conducted at Empress Place. Source: Archaeology Unit, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute

Le Hong Hiep quoted in Reuters and Bloomberg about President Obama’s visit to Vietnam

 

The article, “Vietnam rights record puts Obama in a fix as U.S. seeks new Asian alliance”, which was first published online by Reuters on May 20, 2016, can be viewed here.

The other article, “Vietnam Is the Focus of a Fight Between China and the U.S.”, first published by Bloomberg also on May 20, 2016, can be viewed here.

Myanmar Forum 2016 – In Conversation With U Ko Ko Gyi, General Secretary, 88 Generation (Peace and Open Society), one of the Forum highlights…

 

ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute partnered with University of Michigan’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies for the Myanmar Forum which was held on Friday, 20 May 2016. Myanmar country specialists, business and government practitioners, and an international audience of public and private sector actors interested in Myanmar’s development, participated in the Forum.

The highlight of the Forum was a dialogue session with U Ko Ko Gyi, General Secretary of the 88 Generation (Peace and Open Society) which is a highly respected political organization born out of the student-led democracy protests of 1988. U Ko Ko Gyi is a leading Burmese politician, democracy activist and former prisoner of conscience.

More than 150 participants attended the Myanmar Forum 2016.

For event highlights, click here.

Two Myanmar Forum Speakers featured in Dateline Irrawaddy: “The Constitution Has Made Two Lions Live Together in a Cave”

 

The article which was first published online by Dateline Irrawaddy on May 14, 2016, can be viewed here.

“A Mountain to Climb to Advance ASEAN-Russia Relations”, a Commentary by Tang Siew Mun

 

To read more, please click here.

Views from Business and Non-Governmental Sectors discussed in AEC Seminar

 

The experiences of European multinationals in doing business in the region and their engagements strategies with the public sector will be discussed and analysed further in the seminar “Realising the ASEAN Economic Community: Views from Business and Non-Governmental Sectors”, which was held in ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute on Tuesday morning, 13 May 2016. 
For event highlights, click here.

Ian Storey quoted in The Straits Times: “Understanding the basis for China’s S. China Sea claims”

 

The article which was first published online by The Straits Times on May 18, 2016, can be viewed here.

“Freedom of Navigation Operations in the South China Sea Aren’t Enough,” Malcolm Cook participates in an Asia Society ChinaFile debate by The Foreign Policy Group

 

Malcolm Cook contributes to an Asia Society ChinaFile debate on U.S. actions in the South China Sea. 

The article which was first published online by The Foreign Policy Group on May 16, 2016, can be viewed here.

“West Philippine Sea Redux”, a Commentary by Malcolm Cook

 

To read more, please click here.

Ooi Kee Beng quoted in Malay Mail Online: “Twin by-elections first test for Pakatan after Sarawak polls, analysts say”

 

The article which was first published online by Malay Mail Online on May 15, 2016, can be viewed here.