School of Creative
Industries
BA(Hons) Arts Management
Cultural amnesia: Reclaiming Malay identity
Cultural amnesia is described as a phenomenon wherein individuals cease to feel personally or intimately connected with their cultural roots (Yeoh and Lau 1995).
The group of particular interest in relation to this phenomenon are millennial and Gen Z Singaporean Malays. Having grown up in modern times, these young Singaporean Malays are susceptible to cultural amnesia given their status as both an indigenous but minority race. Malay language is a huge aspect of culture, but its usage is steadily declining and its fluency amongst the youths is becoming a major concern as well. General interest in Malay culture through activities has declined, resulting in the younger generation feeling increasingly disconnected from their roots. Through a series of interviews, this paper seeks to explore the factors contributing to cultural amnesia and what can be done to attenuate its effects.
Malay culture, Malay identity, cultural amnesia
cultural memory, globalisation, Singaporean educational syllabus, nationalism
Athira Maswan
Athira is an aspiring arts and cultural manager with experience in performing arts as an occasional vocalist and former Malay dancer.
Having worked with individuals with disabilities previously, Athira chose to intern with Very Special Arts (presently ART:DIS) as a programmes intern in 2020. There, Athira had the opportunity to be the technical IC for in-centre gigs, as well as for larger collaborations with National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Land Authority and Prudential.
Athira took on the role of finance IC for ARTWALK 2022. This experience fuelled her interest in cultural studies, specifically Malay studies. She hopes to empower and enable her community to realise their full potential through the arts and arts education. Athira also aims to make the arts an increasingly effective medium for advocacy, learning and teaching.