It is noted that the Department does not call itself the Department of Malay Language or Malay Literature. This is because the Department focuses on much more than this, though the study of Malay language and literature is an integral part of the department's curriculum. In the context of the department, Malay Studies simply means the academic and the scientific study of the Malays and major aspects of their lives. Hence the department focuses on their culture, religion, literature, language, development, politics and so on. To deepen our understanding of the Malays and their place in the modern world, theoretical knowledge from the various disciplines and branches of the humanities and the social sciences are applied.
Past & Present
A department to promote Malay Studies was established at the University of Singapore in the 1952/53 session on the recommendation of the Commission for University Education in Malaya. Za'ba and later Dr Roolvink became the Head of the Department. Following the independence of Malaya and the establishment of a separate University in Kuala Lumpur, the Department was transferred to Kuala Lumpur. On March 1, 1967, a Department of Malay Studies was re-established in Singapore with Prof Dr Syed Hussein Alatas as Head of Department.
At its inception, the enrolment of students was modest. The teaching staff consisted of a Professor, an assistant lecturer, and a research assistant. The variety of courses we could offer consequently had to be limited to certain core areas. The subsequent years following the department's inception have seen both our teaching and research capabilities grow in strength.
Currently there are five full-time academic staff consisting of one associate professor, three assistant professors, and one fellow. One part-time staff also contribute in the teaching of some modules. Most of our research revolve around three core areas: language/linguistics, literature, and culture & society. The research interests of individual members of staff are listed on the staff pages, and you can find out about the departmental research papers on the Department's Publication page.
Career Prospects and the relevance of Malay Studies
The Department's program is an integral part of the arts degree offered by the Faculty of Arts and the Social Sciences, where students combine Malay Studies with other programs and subjects of studies according to their choice. In view of this, in general the career prospects of Malay Studies students are equal to other students.
Students of Malay Studies enjoy particular advantage in careers requiring an intimate and in depth understanding of the Malay/Muslim world of Southeast Asia, covering Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, be it in the private or public sector. To boot, students of Malay Studies would also be in a good position to appreciate the dynamics of Muslim societies beyond the region.
Graduates of Malay Studies are to be noted among the present leaders in the Malay community, in government, as well as in public service. They are significantly represented too in the mass media industry and the education service.
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