Archives for June 2016

Non-religious representative in Kindness SG video

28 June 2016 by

The Singapore Kindness Movement was formed in 1997 and aims to encourage Singaporeans to make a positive commitment to gracious living through simple acts of kindness in their daily activities. Recently, the Movement has set up a platform called The Pride which delivers uplifting stories and fresh insights into current issues.

On June 22, SKM released a video called “Have you ever talked openly about religion in Singapore?” (above) discussing the underlying tensions between different religious groups in Singapore. Representatives from multiple religions were invited to give their opinions. The Movement has also included a non-religious Singaporean, Ashley Toh, and her perspectives in the video. [Read more…]

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Dawkins: Critics of religion should avoid violence and insult

20 June 2016 by

BBC Sunday Morning Live catches up with reowned biologist and outspoken atheist author Richard Dawkins. The 75-year-old suffered a stroke earlier this year and was forced to cancel trips to some atheist conferences and gatherings. His speaking abilities has been affected and he now speaks with a cloaky voice.  In this interview, Dawkins talks briefly about his views on religion, his criticism of faith schools and his recovery from the stroke. In this particular segment, 3.35 to 4.30, Dawkins said that criticism of religion should be done on intellectual grounds, using arguments and evidence, rather than violence and insult. We transcribe this particular segment here: [Read more…]

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Humanist Society (Singapore) Internship

13 June 2016 by

We are looking for a student intern to deepen our connection with our volunteer base and to formulate our social media programme calendar. This intern will report to the Vice-President of the Humanist Society (Singapore). The internship will last 4 to 6 weeks during June / July 2016. The dates and duration are negotiable for the right candidate. Applications close on June 23, 2016.

Job scope

The intern will help engage the Society’s existing volunteer list to garner their area of interest in volunteering. This will require emailing and/or calling the interested persons to get more information from them. The intern will match interested volunteers to various aspects of the Society’s work, including our events, social media, web development, and public policy/ outreach committees.

Separately, the intern will also do research into a suitable year-long social media posting programme for the Society. This involves looking at significant dates of interest to the humanistic/ atheistic / scientific communities, so that we can do regular posts on significant events. The intern can also search for great articles and videos released in the past.

Qualities needed:

  • Articulate on email and over the phone
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word
  • Genuine interest in and curiosity about humanism and its values

You don’t have to be an existing member of the Humanist Society (Singapore), or even consider yourself a humanist. All we ask is that you (mostly!) agree with our basic values, stated here: https://humanist.org.sg/humanism/about-humanism/

Due to the confines of the role, we’re only accepting applications from students currently in Singapore.

What you’ll receive

  • A weekly stipend of $80
  • Mentoring by the Vice-President and other veteran volunteers who are at various stages of their life and career
  • The opportunity to be our first ever intern! 

How to apply:

  • Write to info@humanist.org.sg, with the subject “HSS Internship”
  • Provide your details (name, contact number, school name and programme etc)
  • Provide a short statement stating why you think you’ll be a good fit for the role.
Announcements, Blog

What to make of Amos Yee and his arrest

11 June 2016 by

amos

This is a commentary by the Humanist Society (Singapore) addressed to both supporters and critics of Amos’ arrest.

The arrest of Amos Yee on charges of wounding religious feelings has caused much debate over the freedom of expression in Singapore. The 17-year-old is known for creating and posting online videos mocking Christianity and Islam, using religious symbols such as the crucifix, Bible and Koran in his latest videos. The arrests arise from Singaporeans filing police reports against Amos. He is now charged with various offences, including Section 298a of the Penal Code for the alleged offence of wounding religious or racial feelings with deliberate intent.

[Read more…]

Announcements, Blog

Six lessons we learnt from Peter Singer over skype

9 June 2016 by

(For videos of the entire workshop, click here)

By Poh De Sheng

World-renowned professor of bioethics and philosopher Peter Singer was speaking over Skype at our workshop, Introduction to Effective Altruism, co-organised by  Effective Altruism Singapore and Humanist Society (Singapore) at Jurong Regional Library on May 15, 2016. The topic of discussion was effective altruism, an international movement in response to inefficiencies in charity, especially due to emotional decision making. Dr Singer is part of the movement himself.

During the skype (full video above), workshop participants were given a rare opportunity to chat with Singer. Here are six lessons we took away from the philosopher that evening. [Read more…]

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Singaporeans at the Reason Rally 2016

8 June 2016 by

alvin phua reason rally 3

One humanist from Singapore, Alvin Phua (left), attended the Reason Rally in Washington D.C last Saturday (June 4). The Reason Rally, described as the largest gathering of freethinkers in the US, was started in 2012 by major atheistic and secular organisations. It aims to “unify, energize, and embolden secular people nationwide, while dispelling the negative opinions held by so much of American society.” At the rally, Alvin also met another Singaporean, Melissa Chen (right), who manages the Global Secular Humanist Movement Facebook page.

The Humanist Society (Singapore) speaks to Alvin about his experience: [Read more…]

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