The year 2019 is the 200th anniversary of Sir Stamford Raffles’ founding of modern Singapore. On Darwin Day 2019, the Humanist Society (Singapore) invited Dr John van Wyhe to deliver a lecture on Raffles’ lesser known side – a naturalist in Southeast Asia. Dr John is a British historian of science, with a focus on Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, at the National University of Singapore. We have published a transcript of his lecture below:
As the COVID-19 outbreak worsens worldwide, people are increasingly desperate for any remedy to fight the scourge. Occasionally, snake oil salesmen will peddle pseudoscience just to make a quick buck from the ill-informed and vulnerable. We can do our part by practising media and scientific literacy, engaging in civil and empathetic discussion, and looking out for one another.
[Read more…]As part of our #HumanismAtHome initiative, we held a Skype group chat (‘Skype Party’) on May 9 (Sat), discussing food security in Singapore. It was an informative and highly engaging discussion lasting 1.5 hours. A local farmer in Singapore, Ms Eng Ting Ting from Urban Farm and Barn, joined us and shared her experience as a microgreens farmer.
[Read more…]
As part of our #HumanismAtHome initiative, we held a Skype group chat (‘Skype Party’) on 25 April (Sat) to discuss the Covid-19 outbreak in foreign workers dormitories in Singapore, as well as their living conditions.
Today, Christians worldwide celebrate Easter, one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Although the Humanist Society (HSS) was founded as an organisation for the non-religious, small numbers of Christians have been regularly attending our events for years. They are independent-minded, well-read, and supportive of many Humanist causes. Their perspectives are valuable because they have spent considerable time in both Christian and Humanist environments.
Three years ago, we conducted an interview with John Hui on his experience as a Christian and a regular participant of HSS events. This Easter, we had a chat with our good friend Dr Mathia Lee (left), another Christian who had attended many HSS events over the years.
[Read more…]In March 2020, the Singapore Police began investigating a Facebook post linking holy texts to toilet paper. Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam deemed the post offensive to Muslims and Christians.
The Facebook page named NUS Atheist Society had posted an image of the Bible and Quran, which are holy texts in Christianity and Islam respectively. An accompanying caption read: “For use during toilet paper shortages.”
Read the news article here:
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/police-probe-facebook-post-linking-holy-texts-toilet-paper
The Straits Times quoted the Humanist Society (Singapore) statement:
In a statement on its website, the Humanist Society (Singapore) said the post was “neither reasoned nor compassionate” and unhelpful given Covid-19, which affects all regardless of race or religion.
“We would like to encourage productive and rational dialogue during this crisis. We should focus on disseminating facts, providing comfort, and promoting public unity amidst the pandemic.”
Our full statement can be read here.
Seven years is a long time, as long as three of the four MNCs I used to work for in my 26 year career before HSS. I see things like Darwin sees evolution, something that volunteers with a couple of years at a stretch do not and cannot see.
[Read more…]Our President Tatt Si wrote a letter to ST Forum, wading into the debate over what is the true national anthem of Singapore.
https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/law-governing-national-anthem-allows-other-dignified-versions
Tatt Si argued that there must be many versions of the anthem, with people being free to express their feelings for our country in our personal way.
Based on the series of photographs taken by TattSi (the Society’s current president), the A5-size desktop calendars will be sold at S$30 each, 50% going to Limitless- ZDKF, and 50% to HSS, to help both organizations do good for the community. For Singapore mail orders , there will be a surcharge of $2.50, to cover stationeries , postage and logistics.
How to buy :
(1) Pay to our UOB A/C# 373-302-759-0 , or through PayPal to info@humanist.org.sg
(2) Send an email to services@humanist.org.sg , to inform us of the payment and the way to receive your calendar.
(3) You can also specify if you want the photographer to autograph on it.
Limitless (UEN 201713769M) is a non-profit organisation that helps youths build hope, find worth, and live destiny-driven lives. Through Limitless, the Zen Dylan Koh Fund (ZDKF) was set up to help at-risk youths deal with poverty, mental illness, social inequality and bullying.
Get your 20|20 VISION Calendar now, and begin to help youths who need support !
(20|20 VISION is a personal project, not an HSS merchandise, but benefits both HSS & Limitless-ZDKF)
“There’s so much uncertainty in life,” said Dr Teja Celhar, a research scientist at A*STAR, at the end of the latest public lecture held by the Humanist Society Singapore (HSS) on Saturday (Sep 28). “Knowing how some parts of life works – that is comforting to me.”
