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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Presentation 1: Complexifying Narratives as a Pedagogical Tool in Multi-cultural Education

The multi-cultural landscape of Singapore often challenges the tidy and structured elements of governance frameworks. In this context, multi-culturalism can be viewed as a complex interplay of identities and simplification through categorical classifications. When addressing the lived experiences of individuals and communities, it becomes crucial to uncover the complexities within what is inherited, separated, discarded, assimilated, or integrated.

The “narratives approach,” commonly utilised in inter-ethnic and inter-faith conversations, serves as a pedagogical tool that embraces the inclusion of the “unthought” and the empowerment of the “unheard.” This approach facilitates a critical process, questioning ingrained thinking patterns, and a creative process of re-imagining the future.

In this presentation, the power of narratives will be explored, and how it enables a deeper understanding of the lived reality of individuals and communities. The intersections within socially constructed identities, transcending boundaries, and exploring the excluded middle, will be examined.

This process of “complexifying”, will be illustrated through examples such as mixed marriages, inter-cultural heritage, religious fluidity and other fascinating aspects of our multi-cultural landscape and deep diversities from the past to the present.

Speaker’s Profile
Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib
Founding Director, Dialogue Centre Limited
Founding Board Member, Centre for Interfaith Understanding (CIFU)
Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib is an inter-faith advocate and an independent researcher with over two decades of experience addressing issues related to inter-religious, inter-ethnic relations and multi-culturalism within the context of Singapore. He is the founding director of Dialogue Centre Limited, and a founding Board member of Centre for Interfaith Understanding (CIFU). Both are interfaith organisations dedicated to diversity issues with a progressive and inclusive approach. Imran has delivered numerous lectures and conducted countless workshops in universities, schools, government agencies and non-government organisations in Singapore and beyond, on topics related to religion, race and issues within the Malay/Muslim community. His articles have been published in various newspapers, journals and books. He has co-edited and published several books, including Budi Kritik (2019, co-edited) and Remembering Singapore River (2023, co-wrote). He is a graduate in Philosophy and a self-professed bibliophile.
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Presentation 2: Unveiling the Tapestry: Harnessing the Riches of Malay Cultural Artefacts in Education

In this captivating keynote address, we embark on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of Malay cultural artefacts and explore their profound significance in the realm of education. From intricate textiles to timeless musical instruments, Malay heritage offers a treasure trove of resources that can enrich teaching and learning experiences in diverse educational settings.

Delve into the transformative power of incorporating Malay cultural artefacts into classroom activities, and experiential learning opportunities. Discover how these artefacts serve as powerful conduits for fostering cultural appreciation, historical awareness, and critical thinking skills among students of all ages.

Together, we will uncover the untold stories embedded within these artefacts and unlock their potential to inspire curiosity, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding among learners.

Speaker’s Profile
Dr Roszalina Bte Rawi
Lecturer, Malay Language and Culture Division, Asian Languages and Cultures Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Dr. Roszalina Rawi is a lecturer at the Malay Language and Culture Division, Asian Languages and Cultures Academic Group, National Institute of Education/Nanyang Technological University. She graduated with a PhD in Education from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (2017). Prior to joining NIE, she was a Malay teacher in Singapore secondary schools. Dr Roszalina is also a consultant for modules on the use of Malay culture and music to promote learning, assessment, pedagogy and Malay literature for children at the National Institute of Early Childhood Education, Singapore. She has presented on intellectualism within Malay musical traditions such as dikir barat and traditional Malay musical instruments. She also produces writings that discusss social issues within the modern Malay society in Singapore and also academic works on language assessment and planning.
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