Amongst Us
The Singaporean stories left out by mainstream narratives.
Articles in Series
Amongst Us
The Impact of AI on Singaporean Journalists: Voices from the Frontlines
As AI continues to advance, many jobs are at risk of being automated. In Singapore, journalists and writers are facing the threat of AI taking over their jobs. But will AI lead to mass unemployment, or will it bring new opportunities for those willing to adapt?
Amongst Us
Lashed and Whipped To Investigate Singapore’s Forbidden Art of Kuda Kepang
For a long time, Kuda Kepang was a mainstay at numerous functions within the Malay community. And then it all went away. We dug deep to investigate its disappearance—and how a group of practitioners are petitioning for it to be brought back to life.
Amongst Us
Confessions of a Chinese Major: Learning A Forgotten Language
“Whenever people hear that you’re studying Chinese, the first response would be a very shocked one.” In an English-educated society where the relevancy of Chinese is dwindling, what are the challenges and experiences of students learning the language? Are they sufficiently equipped to apprecia
Amongst Us
Explaining Heritage to the Next Gen Through Branyo
‘European’ but also ‘Asian,’ what constitutes ‘culture’ for the Eurasian ethnicity? Branyo, a social dance often accompanied by the Kristang song ‘Jinkli Nona’, is one tradition that Veron Ann wishes to continue with her children, in hopes that they will be more in touch with thei
Amongst Us
From Underground Gangster to Healer of Bodies
A Tukang Urut, also known as a healer and practitioner of traditional Malay massage, is typically known via word of mouth among the elder Malay-Singaporean community. 10 years into his craft, Firdaus opens up about how the job has helped him to walk away from violence and darker times in his youth.
Amongst Us
Walking on Fire: A Path Of Courage
Walking on fire may seem dangerous to most, but for devotees at the Sri Mariamman Temple, it is a sacred reminder of what being human really means. Every year during Theemithi, they walk across a fire pit to give their thanksgiving to the goddess Drowpathai. Vimen, a longtime volunteer at the tem
Amongst Us
The Man Who Divines Destinies Through Emails
Would you trust your future to be told via an email report? Or would you think it’s a scam? As an ancient divinity technique, Ba Zi (八字) was first devised to forecast disasters and find opportunities for success. Today, Sean has modernised the same philosophies to preserve this sacred art o
Amongst Us
“The Only Certainty Here Is Change”: Finbarr Fallon’s Dreamlike Architectural Portraits of Singapore
In this new RICE series, we invite photographers from the region deserving of our admiration and attention to curate a series of images from their body of work, from which serves as a starting point for an in-depth conversation about their work.
Amongst Us
Why Do Christians in Singapore Venerate Religious Artefacts?
All images by Zachary Tang unless otherwise stated. Constructive discussions on faith and ethnicity can be tough when folks lack an understanding of cultural practices. So for this entire month, we’re exploring the history and use of religious artefacts across different religions in
Amongst Us
Seeing the Face of God in a Seed: How Devotees Connect With God in Hinduism
All images by Zachary Tang unless otherwise stated. This article on Hindu religious artefacts is part of a series that explores the history and use of religious artefacts across different religions in Singapore. One of the many puja items in Hinduism.
Amongst Us
The Coolest Card Trick Club You’ll Ever Meet
When you have a fear of making mistakes, you start to question everything you do. Growing up with low self-esteem became a self-fulfilling prophecy for Leon, who constantly wondered what went wrong and how he “turned out this way”. Then cardistry happened, and everything shuffled into place.
Amongst Us
Here’s What a Bonsai Master Taught Us About Pandemic Fatigue
This article accompanies our video interview with Mr Boh Twang Keng, Bonsai Master in celebration of Vesak Day. All images by Feline Lim unless otherwise stated. Boh’s Bonsai is a home-cum-nursery tucked away in Lengkok Mariam. Mr Boh, Singapore’s premiere bonsai master, tends
Amongst Us
The Girl Who Finds Comfort in Ball-Jointed Dolls
Some ball-jointed doll collectors say that their dolls are a reflection of their personalities. We speak to Mei An, who suffers from anxiety attacks. When she wakes up at night in a panic, she looks over at her dolls and feels reassured. They tell her that everything will be OK. That they’ll get t
Amongst Us
The Nightclub Owner Finding Love At 61
If you were 60, successful, and single, would you still look for love? Addie has earned himself a name as a prominent figure in Singapore’s fashion and nightlife scene. Running the now closed Taboo nightclub since the ’90s has been his claim to fame—but the limelight has also scared potential s
Amongst Us
Heartland Voodoo: An Afternoon with a Singaporean Witch
Many people associate witchcraft with Satanism, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. For Nara, who was once outcasted by peers, being a witch is more than just about charms and hexes. It has given her the gift of feeling comfortable in her own skin. Because of this, she realises that some
Amongst Us
I Lost My Mother To Cancer, But Gained A Relationship Few Do With Their Parents
“What do you think will happen to me when I die? Will I go to heaven?” my mother asked, teary eyed. The oncologist had just told her that the tumour was taking too much of a toll on her body, and that she had a mere two weeks left to live. “No,” I said, as I watched her vacant expression.
