The Premier Stage for Sharing Asian Studies with the World from the Very Heart of Asia — Sayaka Chatani（National University of Singapore (NUS), Department of History Associate Professor and Deputy Head）

NUS Students

Q：What was the defining moment or event that made you feel NUS’s culture and values?

I have been teaching here since 2015, and NUS students study very hard. Undergraduates who return from exchange programs in various countries often say, “I was surprised by how little the students there study.” History majors tackle a large amount of reading every week, challenge each other through heated discussions, and enjoy visiting archives or analyzing museums even while traveling. This makes teaching them extremely rewarding. Their level of interest in and knowledge of Japan is also very high.

Working within a University Organization in Singapore

Q：What unique personalities make up your team, and how would you describe the day-to-day dynamic of your workplace?

The NUS system reflects a blend of American higher education culture, the legacy of British rule, and the top-down structure of a national university, and this combination initially felt unfamiliar to me. My colleagues in the department, however, are all cutting-edge researchers, making it an ideal environment for my own scholarly growth. For example, I have learned from colleagues specializing in Chinese overseas and Cold War studies, which has helped my research on Zainichi Koreans. We also team-teach an introductory history course called “Engaging Asia: A Global History.” I always enjoy teaching it because each instructor’s personality comes through in their teaching style.

Looking Back at History Especially When the Future Is Uncertain

Q：What is your vision for the future development of education?

Based on my interactions with my students, I feel that the recent crisis in higher education, especially the downsizing of the humanities, is no small matter. This is because issues such as deepening social divisions, information warfare, a sense of isolation, the concentration of wealth, and a lack of future prospects are severely affecting these students’ lives.
I encourage students struggling with anxiety to look closely at history precisely when the future is unclear. By examining history sometimes from a bird’s-eye view and at other times in close detail, and by experiencing empathy, surprise, and even rage through historical events, they can learn how to navigate a complex, ever-evolving society. With a sense of responsibility for nurturing Singapore’s next generation, I am always searching for pedagogy that suits the times.

Singapore as a Microcosm of Asia

Q：What elements of Singapore’s culture or urban lifestyle do you find truly wonderful and inspiring?

Although Singapore is small, it is shaped by many layers of history, formed by the influx of cultures and the movement of people from across Asia. In Singapore, you can see many different “Asia”s. The country has become an important hub for the exchange of knowledge, and I believe it is the ideal base for transmitting ideas from Asia to the world.

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Interviewee Profile

■ National University of Singapore (NUS), Department of History

◉The NUS Department of History is a leading department in research and education in Asia. Dr. Chatani is responsible for teaching courses such as East Asian International Relations, Japanese Imperial History, and Introduction to History. She is also in charge of curriculum research and design, as well as supporting early-career researchers. 🏢Address：11 Arts Link, #05-27, S117573 📞Phone：6516 3838 📩E-mail：chatani@nus.edu.sg 🌐Website

　

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