The first is a book by Associate Professor Kevin Blackburn entitled “Decolonizing the History Curriculum in Malaysia and Singapore”. Published in time for the Singapore Bicentennial, it is the first full historical study of the subject of history in Singapore schools, from when they upheld colonial order in the nineteenth century to their roles in post-independence Singapore for nation building. The book was published in May 2019, and is one of the first in the series: Routledge Studies in Educational History and Development in Asia.

The second publication, “City, Space and Politics in the Global South”, was co-edited by Assistant Professor Diganta Das. It describes how cities are centres of exciting events, flows, movements and contradictions that produce both opportunities and challenges. Evolved through the centuries, they display layers of spatial, cultural and socio-economic diversity and contestations, which are articulated in multiple ways. Against this backdrop, the book addresses some of the myriad issues visible in the contemporary cities of the Global South. In the wake of rapid urbanisation and economic growth, the urban sector is swiftly changing towards being economic engines. This timely tome articulates the challenges involved and analyses plausible solutions that can be brought about by the efficient and effective provision of essential urban services and infrastructure.