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16th October 2001 |
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The environmental history and cultural ecology of post-war Singapore in relation to American perspectives and influences on nature and the environment A PhD project by SUBRAMANIAM V AIYER He will now be in Singapore
for the purpose of field research, and can be contacted
at Aim of project | Participation | Confidentaility & anonymity | Purpose | Approval | Topics AIM OF
PROJECT My study entails researching into the environmental aspects of Singapore's development and how Singapore has metamorphosised into a modern, bustling, clean and green metropolis with a standard of living that even developed countries envy. I will also be looking into how American perspectives and influences on Nature and the environment have impacted on Singaporeans as we harmonise with the environment. The study of nature and the environment would reveal how nature is perceived &endash; in both its biological and environmental manifestations &endash; by multicultural, multi- ethnic and multi-religious Singaporeans. Coming from different ethnic and geographical backgrounds, Singaporeans by virtue of their different customs, beliefs, practices, value systems and attachments would obviously have different perceptions and attitudes to nature and the urban environment around them. Their varying ideas of nature would go a long way to explaining cultural difference, identity and authority, among other things. Heavy American capitalist influence, since the end of the Second World War, would also have impacted on their lives as they relate urbanisation to the construction of nature and power relations. All this would add to the fund of knowledge about the Singapore environment and help to dispel misconceptions.
PARTICIPATION Their involvement in this project will entail, after prior notification and consent, either an email response or a personal discussion with me on questions relating to nature and the environment in Singapore. If a personal discussion is preferred by the participant, it will be audio-taped with the participant's concurrence. A list of questions is attached (Appendix A), although this is not exhaustive. They have the right to withdraw from the project at any time, including withdrawal of any information provided. Should a follow up discussion be necessary, I may want to meet up with them at a later date or through email contact.
CONFIDENTIALITY
OF DATA & ANONYMITY OF PARTICIPANTS WHAT THE
PROJECT IS FOR APPROVAL
OF PROJECT
1. What do you think about environmental problems in Singapore and what sort of understanding do you have about such problems? 2. What is your perception of the relationship between economic interests and environmental interests in Singapore? Do you agree that the relationship is harmonious? If you don't agree, how would you consider the relationship to be? 3. How do you think different interests and different groups of people conceive of nature in Singapore? 4. What in your view defines Singapore as environmentally sustainable? Do you think the negative image of a 'fine' city contributes to Singapore's "sustainable development" (clean and green environment, balanced society, etc)? 5. Localisation and globalisation tend to impact on the Singapore urban landscape. Do you see these as complementing or conflicting with each other? 6. Government policies and popular attitudes towards urban conservation in Singapore tend to converge. Do you agree? If you don't agree, to what extent do you think environmental politics in Singapore is a forum for the expression of alternative views on social and other issues? 7. Do you feel that preservation of cultural heritage, for example, through conservation and preservation of historical sites, traditional trades and lifestyles, etc., will help to promote a Singaporean identity? 8. How do you think traditional trades and lifestyles will be impacted by globalisation and American influence in Singapore? 9. Do you think traditional cultures and values blend or conflict with capitalist principles in Singapore? 10. How would you, as a member of the public, rate the Government's socio-political performance on environmental, including conservation, issues? Are you satisfied with the performance and if so, why? If you are not, why not? 11. Are public opinions, in your view, taken into consideration in Government planning of the environment? If yes, to what level and under what mechanisms? If no, why not? 12. Do you think greater public involvement will improve the quality and outcome of Government environmental planning decisions? 13. How in your view does Singapore cooperate with its neighbours on bilateral environmental issues? 14. Why do you think Singapore cooperates environmentally with neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines etc, even though such countries are seen to abuse their environments through deforestation, industrial pollution, marine pollution, etc. Does Singapore's cooperation with them contribute to their environmental problems? If so, is environmental justice at stake here? Considering environmental justice as a regional concern, what then is your view of Singapore's attitudes on environmental issues that confront the region? 15. What are your views on toxic/hazardous waste disposal in Singapore? 16. What do you know about American influences on Nature and the environment, and the ways they have impacted on Singaporeans and their lifestyles?
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