Food, Foodways and Foodscapes: Culture, Community and Consumption in Post-Colonial Singapore
Lily Kong (ed.)
Singapore: World Scientific, 2015
ISBN: 9789814641210 / 9789814641227

This fascinating and insightful volume introduces readers to food as a window to the social and cultural history and geography of Singapore. It demonstrates how the food we consume, the ways in which we acquire and prepare it, the company we keep as we cook and eat, and our preferences and practices are all revealing of a larger economic, social, cultural and political world, both historically and in contemporary times. Readers will be captivated by chapters that deal with the intersections of food and ethnicity, gender and class, food hybridity, innovations and creativity, heritage and change, globalization and localization, and more.

50 Years of the Chinese Community in Singapore
Pang Cheng Lian (ed.)
Singapore: World Scientific, 2015
ISBN: 9789814675406 / 9789814678780

Singapore's success story is essentially a "people" story. Singaporeans have good reason to celebrate the nation's golden jubilee with pride. In the short space of five decades the country has moved from Third World to First, and its real GDP has grown by 40 times! For this phenomenal progress, credit must go to its people, the Republic's primary resource.

Against all odds and amidst dire predictions, Singaporeans proved that a united and resourceful community could build a nation from scratch. This book is dedicated to one segment of these Singaporeans -- the Chinese community. In particular, this collection of essays focuses on the Chinese speaking members of the community whose many contributions are less familiar to those brought up on a strict diet of the English language.

This celebratory book is divided into four broad categories. The first section examines the major Chinese organisations and their contributions in the past five decades. These include the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, the Chinese Development Assistance Council and the Chinese Heritage Centre. In addition, it looks at the history and work of some of the social clubs and charitable organisations in the Chinese community.

The second section examines some community issues that have engaged the Chinese community in Singapore's first 50 years. Two senior journalists and two academics review the evolution of the Chinese language, the integration of new immigrants from China and the influence of Chinese religions. The five essays in the third section trace the development of Chinese visual and performing art in the Republic. The last section looks at the interactions between Singapore's Chinese community and China on the one hand, and with the regional Chinese communities on the other.

Peranakan Tiles: Singapore
Anne Pinto Rodrigues & Victor Lim
Singapore: Aster by Kyra, 2015
ISBN: 9789810955298

In the early part of the 20th century, decorative tiles popularly known as 'maiolica' or 'majolica' tiles across the world, found favour with the affluent Peranakan Community of Singapore.

The Peranakans decorated their houses, furniture and other surfaces with these colourful tiles. Soon enough, these tiles became a distinctive feature of this community and they began to be referred to as 'Peranakan Tiles'. This book attempts to showcase some of these exquisite tiles seen across Singapore today. It also aims to create awareness about this fragile legacy that needs to be conserved for the generations to come.

50 Years of Singapore-Europe Relations: Celebrating Singapore's Connections with Europe
Lay Hwee Yeo & Barnard Turner (eds.)
Singapore: World Scientific, 2015
ISBN: 9789814675567

As Singapore enters its 50th year of independence, it is a good time to reflect on its past as well as look to the future. 50 Years of Singapore-Europe Relations: Celebrating Singapore's Connections with Europe is one such contribution to the wide collection of books commemorating Singapore's 50th birthday. The essays and articles in this edited volume capture historical moments, reveal the heartfelt wishes and thoughtful comments of Europeans who have made Singapore their home, chronicle some of the long-standing partnerships and ponder the future challenges of Singapore.

This unique book contains a wide range of essays and articles reflecting on the strong connections that Singapore enjoys with Europe, not only at the official level, but also through the contributions that Europeans and European companies have made -- and continue to make -- which enrich Singaporean society. These essays provide a kaleidoscope of views on Singapore -- they explore how close ties and partnerships are forged between nations, how businesses see Singapore as a trustworthy partner and place to invest and establish roots, and, at a more personal level, the articles also present different perspectives on the strengths, and at times, the weaknesses of Singapore as viewed through the eyes of Europeans who live and work in Singapore and consider it as their home.

In commemorating Singapore's 50th birthday, this book will add to the understanding of the richness and diversity of Singapore society, and help readers appreciate and reflect on how openness and connectivity have contributed to the success of Singapore in its first 50 years.

Multiculturalism through the Lens: A Guide to Ethnic and Migrant Anxieties in Singapore
Catherine Gomes
Singapore: Ethos Books, 2015
ISBN: 9789810943332

This book weaves together critical studies of Singaporean films, compelling personal reflections, and analysis of the contemporary socio-political discourse. It probes into issues that arise from the dilemma of globalization and transnational migration in cosmopolitan Singapore and examines the angst of contemporary Singaporeans against the prevailing political order beyond the veneer of multiculturalism and government-sanctioned displays of social cohesion, inclusion, and harmony.

Through analyses of Singaporean films, Catherine Gomes writes about Singaporean anxieties concerning race, ethnicity, and identity construction. She writes honestly of dealing with being Eurasian, the 'Other' in Singapore, where ethnicity becomes a defining label. Her book is a great read while dealing with important issues of labour migration and ethnicity. This book will prove engaging to all Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans.

One Kopi at a Time: Retracing Singapore's Coffee Culture
Jahan Loh
Singapore: Invasion Studios Pte Ltd, 2015
ISBN: 9789810950774

Coffee-drinking may be one of Singapore's favourite pastimes but how many of us know what goes into making a cup of our favourite local brew, the difference between Nanyang coffee and coffee from other parts of the world, or how the kopitiam came about?

One Kopi At A Time offers a glimpse into Singapore's rich coffee culture, excavating from interviews and research the origins of Nanyang coffee and how it found a place in our social history.

Eating Together: Food, Space, and Identity in Malaysia and Singapore
Jean Duruz & Gaik Cheng Khoo
Malaysia: SIRD, 2015
ISBN: 9789670630571

Accepting the challenge of rethinking connections of food, space, and identity within everyday spaces of "public" eating in Malaysia and Singapore, Jean Duruz and Gaik Cheng Khoo enter street stalls, hawker centers, markets, cafés, restaurants, "food streets," and "ethnic" neighborhoods to offer a broader picture of the meaning of eating in public places. This book creates a strong sense of the ways different people live, eat, work, and relax together, and it also traces negotiations and accommodations in these dynamics. Ultimately, the book traces the political tensions of "different" people living together, and the search for home and identity in a world on the move. Simply put, Eating Together is about understanding complex forms of multiculturalism in Malaysia and Singapore through the mind, tongue, nose, and eyes.

Living the Singapore Story: Celebrating Our 50 Years 1965-2015
Angelina Choy & Han Fook Kwang (eds.)
Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2015
ISBN: 9789814342995

Living the Singapore Story is about Singapore, all 50 years of it as an independent nation. It is not a history book, or about its politics or its national leaders. It is about the people of Singapore and the stories they have to tell, in their own words.

They come from all walks of life -- policeman, soldier, doctor, nurse, car salesman, bus driver, teacher, businessman, architect and more -- reflecting the diversity that is Singapore. Some are well-known personalities you may recognise but many are ordinary folks.

These are personal stories, of the lives they led, the jobs they did, the challenges they faced, the things they enjoyed doing. Collectively, they tell the story of a people overcoming the odds to build a nation.

As Singapore marks its 50th anniversary, their stories, in this book commissioned by the National Library Board and produced by Straits Times Press, are worth celebrating.

Teochew Heritage Cooking
Eric Low
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish, 2015
ISBN: 9789814634281

Teochew Heritage Cooking is the definitive reference for anyone looking to learn more about the colourful heritage and food culture of the Teochews in Singapore. An engaging introduction provides an insightful overview of the history and culture of the Teochew community, and 50 recipes for authentic Teochew dishes brings the refreshing flavours of this alluring cuisine nearer home.

Liveability in Singapore: Social and Behavioural issues
David Chan
Singapore: World Scientific, 2015
ISBN: 9789814667876

Cities and countries around the world are focused on enhancing their living conditions through ways that go beyond the brick and mortar of urban planning. Just like in other highly-urbanised cities, life and living in Singapore is highly dependent on many other dimensions such as health, access to various services, social interactions, inter-group relations and community bonds. Social and behavioural factors will need to be incorporated when designing and implementing policies and interventions to enhance liveability.

This invaluable book, based on the proceedings at the Behavioural Sciences Institute Conference 2014, documents an exchange of ideas among practitioners, academics and public intellectuals on liveability in Singapore. The book is organized into four parts. Part I provides an overview of liveability issues. Part II examines liveability from the perspectives of health and urban planning. Part III analyses the relationships linking quality of life to social class and social services. Part IV addresses specific questions on liveability in terms of public transport, cost of living, government's public communications, role of free market values in town planning, civil society, citizen well-being and whether there is a psychological gulf between government and people.

This book will provide the reader valuable perspectives, an increased understanding of issues related to the liveability in Singapore and many potential applications to reflect on.

Arts Hats in Renaissance City: Reflections & Aspirations of Arts Personalities
Renee Lee (ed.)
Singapore: World Scientific, 2015
ISBN: 9789814630771

Arts Hats in Renaissance City is an anthology of the personal reflections and aspirations of four generations in the new creative ecostructure in Singapore -- from those who help formulate policies to that of the individual artists, who have helped develop and build an exciting arts and culture scene from scratch and into a viable economic model. As evidenced by the professions in this anthology, the scope of work within the arts and culture sector is diverse, from backgrounds such as history, communications, management, economics, law, science, arts, psychology and entertainment.

Beyond theory, the anthology offers an authentic voice of real and lived experiences of the go-to people, their personal role in heritage development, and their thoughts and insights on our, albeit developing, arts scene since independence.

Sarong Kebaya: Peranakan Fashion in an Interconnected World 1500-1950
Peter Lee
Singapore: Asian Civilisations Museum, 2014
ISBN: 9789810901462

This book traces the history of the costume of Peranakan women; specifically, the sarong, kebaya, and baju panjang. The sarong kebaya is only a starting point, however, for a rich history of language, women, trade, slavery, community formation, and education. Profusely illustrated with a wealth of historical photographs and beautiful images of sarongs and kebayas from a large donation to the Peranakan Museum, as well as those in a private collection, the book will become a valuable reference. Independent scholar Peter Lee has amassed impressive documentation from primary and secondary sources in this highly readable, visually stunning book.

Uncle Anthony's Hokkien Recipes
Anthony Loo Hock Chye & Samantha Lee
Singapore: Epigram Books, 2014
ISBN: 9789810797980

Enjoy the rich culinary heritage of the Hokkiens with this slim, elegant cookbook, which features over 80 authentic family recipes.

Besides Hokkien classics such as braised pork knuckle and bak kut teh, this book features many little-known traditional Hokkien dishes -- some even exclusive to the author's family, such as sticky mee sua soup and Grandma's stewed chicken in soya sauce.

Anthony Loo was born to a quintessentially Hokkien family in Singapore. His parents moved to Singapore from Xiamen, China, in the 1920s; it was from them he learnt the many heritage recipes compiled in this book. Growing up amongst the braises and stir-fries of the Hokkien diaspora, Anthony developed a passion for cooking which culminated in tzechar and hawker businesses. But his greatest joy comes from preparing Hokkien feasts for his friends and family, which he believes has the power to draw people together.

My Pictorial Book of Dialect Idioms & Slangs
Kuan Eng
Singapore: Sibey Nostalgic, 2014
ISBN: 9789810927080

After launching Singapore's first series of dialect pictorial books last year, Kuan Eng explored further the topic of dialects in Singapore. As he commonly uses dialects at home and in his social work, he ventures into dialect idioms and slangs in his new book.

Designed in a colourful and engaging manner, 100 idioms and slangs are accompanied by illustrations. This book strives to stir the interest of young Singaporeans in learning more about dialects and using them to build rapport with the elderly. Presented in Hokkien, it also covers adaptations of the idioms/slangs in Teochew and Cantonese, whenever applicable. The meaning and example of usage of these idioms/slangs are also included.

This book is also published to honour the pioneer generation who brought their dialects to Singapore decades ago. Through this book, readers will be able to get in touch with their linguistic heritage and also discover how dialects play an integral part in our lives as well as the evolution of Singlish.

Eating Together: Food, Space, and Identity in Malaysia and Singapore
Jean Duruz and Gaik Cheng Khoo
Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2014
ISBN: 9781442227408

Accepting the challenge of rethinking connections of food, space and identity within everyday spaces of "public" eating in Malaysia and Singapore, the authors enter street stalls, hawker centers, markets, cafes, restaurants, "food streets," and "ethnic" neighborhoods to offer a broader picture of the meaning of eating in public places. The book creates a strong sense of the ways different people live, eat, work, and relax together, and traces negotiations and accommodations in these dynamics. The motif of rojak (Malay, meaning "mixture"), together with Ien Ang's evocative "together-in-difference," enables the analysis to move beyond the immediacy of street eating with its moments of exchange and remembering. Ultimately, the book traces the political tensions of "different" people living together, and the search for home and identity in a world on the move. Each of the chapters designates a different space for exploring these cultures of "mixedness" and their contradictions -- whether these involve "old" and "new" forms of sociality, struggles over meanings of place, or frissons of pleasure and risk in eating "differently." Simply put, Eating Together is about understanding complex forms of multiculturalism in Malaysia and Singapore through the mind, tongue, nose, and eyes.

The Babas [4th ed.]
Felix Chia
Singapore: Landmark Books, 2014
ISBN: 9789814189569

This fourth edition of the social history of the Babas and Nonya makes the seminal work by Felix Chia available again after being long out of print.

Now illustrated throughout by full-colour pictures of a rich array of Baba artefacts sourced from private and public collections, this beautifully designed full-colour book will capivate and entrance both readers who are familiar with and new to Baba culture.

Baba Felix Chia gives a witty, frank and lively exposition of the way of life he grew up in. His reminiscences and personal anecdotes are given additional weight by oral history and research. The result is an exceptional book where text and pictures combine to encapsulate the fascinating origin, language, practices, festivities and character of the Baba.

The Babas, first published in 1980, won the Highly Commended Award for English non-fiction by the National Book Development Council of Singapore.

Narrating Presence: Awakening From Cultural Amnesia
Azhar Ibrahim
Singapore: Malay Heritage Foundation & Select Publishing, 2014
ISBN: 9789810916299

In addition to celebrating the intellectual tradition of a past generation of Singaporean Malay thinkers, social and cultural activists, this series provides unique insights and perspectives into the lived-experience and collective memories of the Malay community in Singapore. This book investigates and raises questions on the background and social-historical conditionings that have shaped and coloured Malay thinking and world view, from the past to contemporary thought, through its literary heritage and letters.

Malay Weddings Don't Cost $50 and Other Facts About Malay Culture
Hidayah Amin
Singapore: Helang Books, 2014
ISBN: 9789810910518

Malay Weddings Don't Cost $50 is a collection of 42 articles which serves as a guide to Malay culture and heritage, lifestyle and personas. The book highlights some Malay customs and practices, including controversial issues such as virginity, circumcision, supernatural beings, and the infamous '$50-Malay-wedding' remark that triggered a heated debate on racism in Singapore in October 2012. It also includes a number of stories originally published under the "Let's Lepak!" (Let's Chill!) column on the now-defunct website of Singapore International Foundation (www.singaporekopitiam.sg), delighting many Singaporeans and foreigners who wanted to understand more about the Malays.

Mobilizing Gay Singapore: Rights and Resistance in an Authoritarian State
Lynette J. Chua
Singapore: NUS Press, 2014
ISBN: 9789971698157

From private meetings in living rooms in the 1990s to the emergence of annual rallies and decriminalization campaigns in the past six years, Singapore's gay rights activists have sought equality and justice in a state that does not recognise their rights to seek protection of their civil and political liberties. In her groundbreaking book, Mobilizing Gay Singapore, Lynette Chua tells the history of the gay rights movement in Singapore and asks what a social movement looks like under these circumstances. She examines the movement's emergence, development, strategies, and tactics, as well as the roles of law and rights in social processes.

Chua uses in-depth interviews with gay activists, observations of the movement's activities, movement documents, government statements, and media reports. She shows how activists deployed (and still deploy) "pragmatic resistance" to gain visibility and support, and tackle political norms that suppress dissent, while avoiding direct confrontations with the law.

Body Boundaries: The EtiquetteSG Anthologies Volume I
Tania Rozario, Zarina Muhammad & Krishna Udayasankar (eds.)
Singapore: The Literary Centre, 2014
ISBN: 9789810789466

Body Boundaries is an anthology of words by twenty‐seven women writers from Singapore. Comprising works of poetry and prose, the collection breaks down barriers between public and private, personal and political, to reveal both collective and diverse experiences threaded together and defied by identity markers of gender and geography.

The collection is the first volume of a series by EtiquetteSG, a multidisciplinary platform dedicated to developing and showcasing art, writing, film and music created by women in Singapore.