Academic Articles in 3rd week of Jan 2014

The 3rd weekly update of academic articles are here:

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"How to Invest in Myanmar." Foreign Affairs.http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/140658/stanley-a-weiss-and-tim-heinemann/how-to-invest-in-myanmar?cid=rss-rss_xml-how_to_invest_in_myanmar-000000

For a nation that was frozen in place for half a century by a repressive military junta, it is ironic that the government of Myanmar (also called Burma) is charging that change is not happening fast enough. But that was the scene in November, when government officials seized a multibillion-dollar industrial project in the southern port town of Dawei for its owners’ failure to attract foreign investors in a timely fashion. To restart the project, which had previously been run by a Thai company, Myanmar appealed to government officials and private investors in Japan. The first to bite was the Mitsubishi Corporation, which agreed to build a large, coal-fired plant to generate electricity and kick-start operations.

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Ufen, Andreas. "Introduction: The 2013 Malaysian Elections: Business as Usual or Part of a Protracted Transition?" Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs [Online], 32 2013: 3-17
http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/jsaa/issue/view/101
Abstract
For the time being, the 5 May 2013 Malaysian general election (GE13) has resulted in the preservation of an authoritarian regime that has existed since independence in 1957. Although the opposition won almost 51 per cent of the vote, the ruling coalition was able to defend a comfortable majority of seats in the Parliament.

Weiss, Meredith. "Coalitions and Competition in Malaysia – Incremental Transformation of a Strong-party System" Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs [Online], 32 2013: 19-37
http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/jsaa/issue/view/101
Abstract
The seeming entrenchment of a two-coalition system in Malaysia solidifies the centrality of strongly institutionalised parties in the polity. The primary parties in Malaysia reach deeply into society and nest within dense networks of both intra-party and external organisations. Given this order – which differentiates Malaysia from its neighbours in the region – political liberalisation, if it happens, should be expected largely via electoral politics, and, specifically, through inter-party challenges. Indeed, the ideological and material premises of the emergent Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Alliance) differ substantially from those of the long-standing Barisan Nasional (National Front), even as both pursue the same broad swathe of voters. This distinction reflects and furthers transformation in Malaysian politics, including not just a shift in the salience of communal identities and in policy proposals and issues, but also in patterns of political engagement both within and outside of parties, regardless of which coalition controls parliament.

Tapsell, Ross. "Negotiating Media ‘Balance’ in Malaysia’s 2013 General Election" Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs[Online], 32 2013: 39-60
http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/jsaa/issue/view/101
Abstract
This article will discuss recent trends in Malaysia’s media surrounding the 2013 general election (GE13). It will argue that the GE13 produced two important trends in the media industry. First, there was increased political-party participation in social media, citizen journalism and blogging. In fact, it practically led to a ‘cyberwar’ between political parties, making the realm of the online and social media increasingly polarised and partisan. Second, many mainstream media outlets in Malaysia successfully pursued a platform of more ‘balanced’ coverage, suggesting an increased space of negotiation and contestation amongst the previously muzzled print, television and radio industry. This article will conclude with an assessment of the future trends in the media industry in Malaysia post GE13.

Hamayotsu, Kikue. "Towards a More Democratic Regime and Society? The Politics of Faith and Ethnicity in a Transitional Multi-Ethnic Malaysia" Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs [Online], 32 2013: 61-88
http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/jsaa/issue/view/101
Abstract
The rising antagonistic attitudes and tension between the Malay majority and ethnic and religious minorities in Malaysia since 2007 is intriguing because it has occurred when society experienced an unprecedentedly large-scale and assertive multi-ethnic pro-democracy movement. This article argues that precisely these assertive and confident civil and political societies – and their emphasis on equal rights and equitable development for all Malaysians – have put the traditional Malay and religious elites on the defensive. The pro-democracy movement and the prospects of regime change have threatened not only the party-dominant regime but also – and more importantly – the constitutional and institutional foundations of ethnic exclusivism and privileges. Moreover, two Malay-based parties, the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) and the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), are viewed as giving too many political concessions to the non-Malay communities to gain an electoral advantage, making the traditional Malay and religious elites even more defensive of their position and power. As a result, religious issues are excessively politicised, further deteriorating the already complicated inter-ethnic relations of the country. The prospects for achieving a democratic regime and society appear grim, although hopes have run high since the electoral rise of the multi-ethnic opposition.

Noor, Farish. "The Malaysian General Elections of 2013: The Last Attempt at Secular-inclusive Nation-building?" Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs [Online], 32 2013: 89-104
http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/jsaa/issue/view/101
Abstract
This paper looks at the Malaysian General Election campaign of 2013, and focuses primarily on the 1Malaysia project that was foregrounded by the administration of Prime Minister Najib Razak. It compares the 1Malaysia project with other projects aimed at nation-building, such as the Wawasan 2020 project of former Prime Minister Mahathir and the Islam Hadari project of former Prime Minister Badawi; and asks if 1Malaysia was truly an attempt at building a sense of Malaysian nationhood based on universal citizenship regardless of race or religion; and it also considers the response to the 1Malaysia project that came from the opposition parties of the country. Malaysia has experienced a steady process of islamisation that dates back to the Mahathir era, and the question of whether the political domain of Malaysia has been overcome by religious-communitarian markers and values will be raised in the paper as well.

Gomez, James, AND Omar, Rusdi. "Overseas Voter Mobilisation in Singapore: Implications from Malaysia’s 13th General Election"Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs [Online], 32 2013: 105-123
http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/jsaa/issue/view/101
Abstract
This paper discusses voter mobilisation and other election-related activities of Malaysian voters living, studying and working in Singapore in the context of Malaysia’s 13th general election (GE13). According to the World Bank, nearly 400,000 Malaysians reside in the city-state. Thus these figures represent a significant Malaysian voter pool based in Singapore. Efforts to mobilise these voters for general elections or other causes have political implications for both countries, which became apparent following Singapore-based Malaysians’ activities to encourage Malaysians to return home to cast their votes during the 13th general election. Singapore’s strict public assembly laws led to several legal issues related to the voter mobilisation and election campaign activities undertaken by Malaysians in the city-state. These legal issues became a source of friction between the two countries during the elections as government leaders and authorities on both sides of the causeway accused the other of interfering in domestic political matters. Given the growing number of Malaysians in Singapore and the likely repeat of Malaysian voter mobilisation activities in Singapore in the run-up to the fourteenth general election (GE14) in 2018, issues related to the election activities of Malaysian voters in Singapore stand to be another set of factors that will shape the health of bilateral relations between these two countries.

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Turnell, Sean. 2014. Myanmar’s Central Bank Law Reveals Reform Challenge. ISEAS Perspective 2014/01,
http://www.iseas.edu.sg/documents/publication/ISEAS%20Perspective%202014_01%20-%20Myanmar's%20Central%20Bank%20Law%20Reveals%20Reform%20Challenge.pdf.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- In keeping with international practice, in late 2013, the Myanmar government undertook legislative and other measures designed to grant greater independence to the country’s central bank.
- The ‘new’ Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) is now a body autonomous to the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, with a policy-making board of directors headed by a Governor with Cabinet authority. Other positive changes include the appointment of young reform-minded economists to Deputy-Governor positions.
- Significantly, the new CBM is supposed to cease being a financing vehicle for State spending, but an institution tasked with price and currency stability, and financial sector supervision.
- Nevertheless, and notwithstanding the fresh legislation in paving the way for a major shift in Myanmar’s financial sector, the CBM will not be able to achieve genuine (de facto) independence unless Myanmar gets its fiscal house in order. Progress has been made in recent times, but not yet enough for the CBM to be free of a government financing role.
- Myanmar’s new central banking arrangements are a necessary, but not sufficient step towards the reform and rehabilitation of its financial sector. Urgently needed still are changes to the regulatory structure governing Myanmar’s financial institutions that, at present, greatly inhibit the role that they could play in the country’s economic transformation.

Lee, Hock Guan. 2014. Malaysia’s Funding System for Higher Education not Sustainable. ISEAS Perspective 2014/02, http://www.iseas.edu.sg/documents/publication/ISEAS%20Perspective%202014_02%20-%20Malaysia's%20Funding%20System%20for%20Higher%20Education%20not%20Sustainable.pdf

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- However, escalating higher public education expenditure led the government to adopt a cost sharing system where students and parents shoulder an increasing share of the cost for acquiring a higher education.
- The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) was established for the purpose of offering subsidized loans to help students meet the costs of enrolling in local higher education institutions. - While effective in enhancing access to higher education, the implementation of ethnic quota policies resulted in Malays disproportionately benefiting from PTPTN. The largely income-blind PTPTN selection policy has enabled more affluent Malays to gain a lion share of government scholarships and subsidized loans.
- The existing system of government subsidized student loans especially the PTPTN is not sustainable. The country’s financing of higher education should be modified to be less ethnicity-based and more income-sensitive in order to help students from the lower socio-economic classes regardless of ethnicity.

Tan, Netina. 2014. "Ethnic quotas and unintended effects on women’s political representation in Singapore." International Political Science Review no. 35 (1):27-40.
doi: 10.1177/0192512113508666.
Abstract
This article examines the effects of ethnic quotas on women’s political representation in Singapore. The 1988 electoral reform requires at least one minority ethnic candidate to be fielded in the multimember constituencies based on the party list plurality bloc vote system. Based on elite interviews, party publications and electoral data, this article argues that the increases in the district magnitude of the multimember constituencies have had the unintended effect of improving women’s political participation. More broadly, the article shows the conditions under which electoral rules shape behaviour and focuses on how the ruling party leaders in Singapore act as gatekeepers through centralised candidate selection methods that have a direct impact on legislative diversity.

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Yahaya, Mohammad Zaini, Muhammad Adib Samsudin, and Hayatullah Lalulddin. "An Overview of the Principles of Jurisprudence Vis-A-Vis Legal Maxim." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p157.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p157
Abstract
The Principles of Jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh) is a well-known science in the field of Shari'ah. Almost all institutions in Malaysia offering Islamic Studies in the field of Shari'ah make The Principles of Jurisprudence as compulsory course that must be taken by each candidate. This is due to the Principles of Jurisprudence dealing with crucial matters such as al-Dalil al-Ijmali (Comprehensive Proof), istinbat (derivation of rulings from nas (text) and debates related to ijtihad (the exertion of the utmost effort by a trained jurist). This study using both descriptive and analytical methods concludes that the Science of the Principles of Jurisprudence is extremely important for it equip the researcher with a clearer and deeper understanding of the Arabic speech rather than its linguistic sense and superficial meaning. Hence, the Principles of Jurisprudence is an absolute requirement for proper understanding of the Shari'ah, hence, derivation of rulings.
Suwanvong, Suchart, and Pisit Boonchai. "Candle Traditions: Conservation and Management Model for Public Relations in Order to Promote Cultural Tourism in the Government Sector, Private Sector and Communities of Ubon Ratchatani Province." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p250.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p250
Abstract
This is a cultural qualitative research that examines the tien pansa candle festival in Ubon Ratchatani Province, Thailand. The aims of the research were to study the background and appropriate management of the tien pansa candle festival and develop a conservation and management model for public relations in order to promote cultural tourism in the government sector, private sector and communities of Ubon Ratchatani Province. The research results found that the festival is based on the long-standing custom of offering candles as a method of worship. There were found to be six reasons for the strength of the candle festival in Ubon Ratchatani, which were: a) Ubon Ratchatani is a Buddhist city that has more temples than any other city in Thailand; b) the local people are particularly philanthropic and intelligent; c) the city itself was built on the area of dong-oo-peung, which has a number of important resources used in the tien pansa celebration; d) the Ubon Ratchatani people pay special attention and care to the homage of the Buddhist Triple Gems; e) Ubon Ratchatni is home to skilled artisans in all branches of the fine arts; g) the festival adheres to the founding principles of worship and respect, with the intention of promoting the Buddhist religion. Despite this, there are a number of problems with the current management of the festival, not least the shift of emphasis from worship to financial gain and the influence of Western culture and technology. The research concludes that the best solution to these problems is to increase local community participation in the management of the festival.
Sorooshian, Shahryar, and Tan Seng Teck. "Spending Behaviour of a Case of Asian University Students." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p64.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p64
Abstract
Recently, interest in exploring professional financial issues mainly money management was shown to be highly increased due to the societal awareness of its benefits. The skill of money management is a major tool in exercising control over them to obtain quality life as working adults. Stratified random sampling was used to examine the spending patterns of student population at one of Malaysia universities. Due to the habit of student expenditures on campus which was shown to influence the way money is managed through their lives. Taking a look at literatures from researchers outside Malaysia, it can be seen that financial literacy among students is required to restrain future problems that may arise from lack of knowledge on individual financial management. This study emphasizes the need on financial literacy awareness among the students looking into their background, financial awareness, attitude and family. Data analysis show that majority of the students do not put to practice correct skill in money management.
Paul, Kamal Chandra, Azimi Hamazah, Bahaman Abu Samah, Ismi Arif Ismail, and Jeffrey Lawrence D. Silva. "Rural Malay Involvement in Malaysian Herbal Entrepreneurship." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p202.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p202
Abstract
Rural entrepreneurship is recognized as a primary engine of economic growth. The government of Malaysia is trying to increase the number of successful rural Malay herbal entrepreneurs nationwide. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the involvement among rural Malay youth in herbal entrepreneurship in Malaysia. A qualitative approach using case study in-depth interview was used to gather data from ten rural herbal entrepreneurs. This study showed that in general Malay entrepreneurs are increasing gradually but technical based entrepreneurship is very low. It is suggested that the authorities of rural herbal development planners, government-link companies and other authorized agents need to focus on issues related to human capital, technical knowledge know-how and financial resources to increase the involvement of rural Malay youth herbal entrepreneurs.
June, Sethela, and Yeoh Khar Kheng. "Innovative Work Behavior (IWB) in the Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS) Sector in Malaysia: The Effect of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and Social Capital (SC)." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p172.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p172
Abstract
Today, innovation is no longer belongs to the research and development (R&D) lab per se. In fact, innovation can be considered more of a product of the human creative mind with an inherent tacit knowledge. In order to be a successful knowledge-based economy, employees must continually be innovative. As such, this research which relates to innovation by and large will assist in creating better understanding of innovation from the behavioral perspective. In the context of business, innovation has long been embraced by organizations seeking to remain viable, effective and competitive in a dynamic business environment. Looking at the perspective of individual level innovation, this study seeks to examine whether employees' innovative work behavior (IWB) can be influenced by leader-member exchange (LMX) and the social capital (SC) in the knowledge intensive business services (KIBS) sector in Malaysia. Using questionnaire mail survey a total of 318 data was obtained from the knowledge workers of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) status companies in Malaysia. The findings show that LMX and SC was significantly and positively related to IWB. The result also reveals that SC has a stronger influence on the IWB of employees as compared to LMX. Discussions and implications of the study are discussed.
Srichaiwong, Pramuk, Luckhana Kwewjai, and Patarapong Kroeksakul. "A Study on the Biodiversity of Natural Food Production to Support Community Upstream of Chi Basin, Thailand." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p145.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p145
Abstract
This biodiversity study of natural food production to supporting the communities upstream of Chi River Basin aims at collecting the name and species of natural food plants in the forest around the upstream areas of Chi River Basin. This is a phenomenal study of species and potential benefits of forest food. Qualitative methodology was mainly used to collect data; the study relied on the knowledge of the local people had to recall the local data, which significantly focused on the species of natural food plant. The study site was located in the Nongbuadaeng district of Chaiyaphum province, Thailand. It was found that almost all the villagers in the Isaan region (northeastern Thailand) are in the agricultural sector, growing cash crops, such as cassava and sugarcane, the farming of which has affected deforestation and therefore natural food production since the forest is the source of local food. The research focused on species of natural food plants in the community upstream of the Chi River Basin. The information of natural food production biodiversity is in a database for use as guidelines for introducing natural conservation in food security planning with sustainable livelihood in the future. The biodiversity of natural food production to support the community in the upstream forest of the Chi River Basin has 109 species, which can be separated into the following categories: tree (22.9%), plant in wetlands (20.18%), climber (19.27%), mushroom (19.27%), shrub and annual crops (12.84%), and bamboo (5.50%). The taste of natural food plant production includes 5 tastes: tasteless, bitter, astringent, sour, and spicy, and how plants are used for food depends on the species of plant. However, almost all natural food in the forest are seasonal products; for example, the bamboo shoot villagers can collect the whole year, while fruits primarily flourish between August and September.
Terano, Rika, and Zainalabidin Mohamed. "Life Satisfaction among Farmers in Paddy Granaries in Malaysia." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p229.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p229
Abstract
The industrial policy that was undertaken by the Malaysian government has spurred economic development and prosperity for the last 3 decades. Nevertheless the economic development has been heavily concentrated on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, thus causing income disparity between urban and rural areas. The government has published a series of reports on Malaysian Quality of Life (QoL) since 2002. It measured QoL among Malaysian people narrowly from the material aspects of QoL. However, it is also very important to approach people's QoL not only from the material aspects but also from non-material aspect of QoL including happiness, satisfaction and desire and how they generally feel about their life. It would provide distinctive indicators among Malaysian people. This paper aims to approach life satisfaction weather people are satisfied with their life or not especially from both material and non-material aspects of QoL among Malaysian people living in two granary areas of Penang and Kelantan. A total of 80 respondents were interviewed by structured questionnaires, and binary logistic regression was used to determine the influential socio-demographic factors and important dimension of the QoL on life satisfaction. The result indicates that age, family size and four dimensions of QoL such as community, residential condition, economic level, and family/partner were important factors in influencing on life satisfaction.
Naipinit, Aree, Thongphon Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn, and Patarapong Kroeksakul. "Sufficiency Economy for Social and Environmental Sustainability: A Case Study of Four Villages in Rural Thailand." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p102.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p102
Abstract
"Sufficiency economy" is a philosophy presented more than 25 years ago by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is used to guide the way that Thai villagers live. The Thai government used this philosophy as a base for the nation's development plan. This study focused on three research questions: First, how do the villagers live while following the philosophy of sufficiency economy? Second, what difficulties impede the implementation of the philosophy? Finally, how does the philosophy of sufficiency economy help to increase social and environmental sustainability? We studied four villages in Thailand (three in the northeast and one in the south). We collected data by conducting in-depth interviews, administering a fieldwork survey, and gathering responses from a focus group. We subjected the data that we gathered to content and descriptive analyses. In this study, we found that the philosophy of sufficiency economy can be used by individuals to manage their livelihoods by planting vegetables for personal consumption or sale, domesticating animals, saving money within a cooperative society, protecting the environment, and following moral principles and ethics. In addition, this philosophy can be used to manage social and environmental sustainability in Thailand, and the philosophy can apply to other areas to understand the conditions of the people in a particular community.
Ahmad, Kamilah. "The Adoption of Management Accounting Practices in Malaysian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p236.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p236
Abstract
This paper provides empirical evidence on the adoption of a broad range of management accounting practices in Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector. Data collected from a postal survey of 160 accountant managers are used to facilitate the study. The results indicate that the traditional MAPs such as conventional budgeting, traditional costing and financial performance measures are widely used by the respondents. The results also show that a significant number of respondents have adopted one or more measures both financial and non-financial but the reliance on financial measures is greater than for non-financial measures. The main non-financial measures frequently used by respondents are on-time delivery, number of customer complaints, defect rate and manufacturing lead time. These findings suggest that respondents, who use non-financial performance measures, are more internal-process and customer focused rather than employee focused. Further the recently developed management accounting techniques such as ABC, non-financial performance measures particularly on employees-oriented measures, decision support analysis and strategic management accounting are only adopted by the minority of the respondents. The respondents also indicated a low extent of use of all investment appraisal techniques in their decision making process. The finding suggests that given the relatively small size of the responding firms and due to some constraints, it is unlikely for the SMEs to adopt a comprehensive MAP in their firms.
Mansor, Norudin, SA Bashir Ahmad, Semanat Abu Bakar, and Irwan Ismail. "A Demographic Analysis on Customer Acceptance towards Islamic Pawn Broking in Malaysia." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p27.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p27
Abstract
This paper attempts to explore the demographic factors towards one of the dominant pawn brokers in Malaysia named Ar-Rahnu that has led the growth of Islamic pawn broking system comprehensively. Specifically, this study examines the demographic elements in capturing the customer acceptance towards Islamic pawn broking offered by Maidam in the state of Terengganu. A total of 330 self-administered questionnaire instrument, were distributed to the customer within the district of Dungun that had received financial assistance at Ar-Rahnu Maidam. The sample was selected through quota samping and further executed by means of convenience technique from the total customer of Ar-Rahnu Maidam Dungun. The result of the investigation demonstrated that out of the eight selected demographic indicators, two of them which are marital status and occupational sector demonstrated that there were significance differences among the group while the remaining six were not significant. The evidence from the survey is expected to provide a limelight about the importance of Islamic pawn broking in strengthening the industry.
Abdullah, Farah Adila, and Bahaman Abu Samah. "Factors Influencing Inclination toward Agriculture Entrepreneurship among Students in Agriculture Learning Institute." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p273.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p273
Abstract
The study has been conducted as a response towards a lack of studies into agriculture entrepreneurship within the local setting. The main attempt of this study is to determine the factors affecting the inclination toward agricultural entrepreneurship among students in agriculture learning institute. This is a quantitative study for which, based on a simple random sampling, a total of 237 students from four agriculture learning institutes were selected as the respondents. The analyzed data has confirmed that the highest mean score was recorded for social value, followed by subjective norm, then behavioral attitude, then closer valuation and finally perceived behavioral control. Based on the data obtained, it is recommended that more studies to be conducted to examine the influencing factors and the challenges faced by the new generations in Malaysia around agriculture entrepreneurship.
Kristiani, Enny, Ujang Sumarwan, Lilik Noor Yuliati, and Asep Saefuddin. "Managing Rewards to Enhance Customer Lifetime Value." Asian Social Science 10, no. 2 (2013): p84.DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n2p84
Abstract
The goal of loyalty reward program is to retain customers who are profitable to the organization. However most airlines have very little understanding of their customers yet have a little knowledge about their most valuable passengers. This study is aimed to analyze financial aspects of customer value to the company in the context of aviation loyalty reward program in Indonesia. Financial value of customers is analyzed using CLV approach. Modeling of financial value of the members to the airline is developed by performing regression analysis of CLV against RFM and the associated socio-demographic characteristics of the members. This study used secondary data of customer profiles and financial transactions of the Garuda Frequent Flyer members in 2012. The empirical findings observed in this study explain that the financial value of the frequent flyer members to the airline is influenced by RFM, Gender, Age, and Frequent Flyer Tier levels. It is also found that the RFM valuation is aligned with CLV analysis. The result contributes to the knowledge of aviation loyalty program by improving the effectiveness from the aspect of capitalizing on the lifetime value of the members, and to the industry in designing proper marketing strategy and implementing accurate marketing functions in term of Frequent Flyer Program.
Peter, Newman. "Biophilic Urbanism: a Case Study on Singapore." Australian Planner. 51.1 (2014): 47-65DOI: 10.1080/07293682.2013.790832
Abstract
This paper outlines the characteristics of an emerging new planning paradigm called biophilic urbanism by detailing a case study of Singapore, which, over a number of years, has demonstrated how high density does not have to mean reduced natural systems. The paper looks at how biophilic urbanism works to improve natural systems between buildings and on the façades and rooftops of buildings. © 2013 The Author(s). Published by Routledge.
Yamprai, Jittapim. "Michel-Richard de Lalande and the Airs of Siam." Early Music 41, no. 3 (2013): 421-437.DOI: 10.1093/em/cat089
Abstract
The exploration of the Eastern world by 17th-century colonialists extended to some cultural aspects, notably between Siam and France, with reciprocal interest in the music of the other country evidently developing. Particularly remarkable is the use of some Siamese musical material by Michel-Richard de Lalande: two 'Siamese airs' in his Symphonies pour les Soupers du Roy that were reused in the ballets Mirtil et Mélicerte and Les Folies de Cardenio. Reference is also found in an anonymous harpsichord piece entitled Bourée la Siamoise. Some elements in Lalande's compositions seem to stand outside what might be expected from French Baroque instrumental music: the use of the melodic tritone, frequent leaps and repeated notes that were characteristic of Siamese music, and a melodic reflection on the 17th-century Siamese Ayutthaya Mahori repertory. The 1686 visit of Siamese ambassadors to France was evidently of great interest to courtiers and court composers, and Lalande's music may be considered to represent an instance of cultural diplomacy more than any other 'exotic' works of the period. © 2013 The Author .
Phongpaichit, Pasuk, and Chris Baker. "Thailand in Another Round of Turmoil." Economic and Political Weekly. 48.52 (2013): 19-22http://www.epw.in/commentary/thailand-another-round-turmoil.html
Abstract
The proximate cause for the latest wave of protests which has swept through Bangkok since October was the ruling party's attempt to ram through legislative changes that would have benefi ted the former prime minister and deeply polarising fi gure of Thaksin Shinawatra. However, the demonstrations reflect a deep divide in Thai society according to class, region and ideology, a divide which has developed over the past half century as growth has centred on Bangkok while the rural north and east have been left behind.
Ho, Anqi, and Tick Ngee Sim. "How Lesbian and Heterosexual Women View Relationships, Sex, and Virginity: Explorations With a Singapore Sample." Journal of homosexuality 61, no. 2 (2014): 307-322.DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2013.839913
Abstract
Thirty-eight lesbian and 38 heterosexual women in Singapore (ages 21 to 35) discussed relationships, sex, and virginity in focus groups. Views were mostly similar between the two groups, although there were differences. All participants defined relationships as romantic involvement. However, while heterosexual participants equated commitment with monogamy, lesbian participants distinguished them. All participants differentiated between having sex (for thrill and fun) and making love (for expressing love), although there were differences in the purposes of making love. Primacy of penetration was found in defining virginity loss, but for many participants, virginity was important only insofar as it indicated sexual permissiveness. © 2014 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Somaiah, Bittiandra Chand. "Neo-Folk, Indigenous–Itinerant ‘Hinduism’: The Kodavathees of Singapore." South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies 36, no. 4 (2013): 520-538.DOI: 10.1080/00856401.2013.777496
Abstract
This paper presents a women-centred study of the religious identities and practices of the diasporic Coorgs of Singapore through interviews and observances of their religious practices, focusing on how these first-generation immigrants have created adaptive techniques of ancestor worship and the worship of Kaveriamma to perform their Coorg identity away from their ancestral homeland. Their spiritual practices in the home are contrasted with their engagements in broader Singaporean Hindu society, where issues of cultural identity and religious practice serve as a lens to comprehend how contemporary diasporic religiosities among Coorg women (Kodavathees) are negotiated. The diasporic Kodavathees have found innovative ways to maintain their religious practices and assert their distinct ethnic identity in Singapore, where being Hindu is often narrowly defined by broad social acceptance of the official ethnic taxonomies of the state. © 2013 South Asian Studies Association of Australia.
Lan, Ngo Thi. "Social and ecological challenges of market-oriented shrimp farming in Vietnam." SpringerPlus 2, no. 1 (2013): 675.DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-675
Abstract
Vietnam is one of the largest shrimp exporters in the world. Since 2010, Vietnam has earned about two billion dollars annually through shrimp exports. As a fertile area of greatest potential for agricultural production in Vietnam, the Mekong Delta has been a major contributor to the country's achievements, especially in the agricultural sector. During recent decades, trade liberation along with various policies in support of aquaculture has accelerated the development of shrimp production in the Delta. Based on an ethnographic study of shrimp farming in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, I assert that along with great rewards arising from the expansion of shrimp farming areas, productivity, and export value, the shrimp industry has brought various environmental, economic and social challenges. Consequently, shrimp farming is a risky business and local inhabitants have relied on various strategies to cope with these challenges. Risk mitigation in shrimp production and labor migration are the two important strategies of local inhabitants for securing their livelihoods. Water pollution and poor quality post-larvae shrimp are direct consequences of market-oriented production. © 2013 Lan; licensee Springer.