National University of Singapore announces launch of new Buddhist studies group

The National University of Singapore (NUS) announced on August 3 the official launch of the new NUS Buddhist Studies Group. An interdepartmental research initiative comprised of faculty members and students from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the group aims to serve as an open forum for scholars and members of the public to engage in academic exploration collaborative of Buddhism.

“My colleagues and I are excited about the future of the Buddhist Studies Group at the National University of Singapore, and we are committed to building it into a center for academic research and community engagement,” Dr. Associate Professor Jack Meng-Tat Chia, Foo Hai Ch'an Monastery Fellow in Buddhist Studies and Founding Chairman of the NUS Buddhist Studies Group.

“Although we have not yet achieved the long-standing success of Buddhist study centers and groups in Europe and the United States, we hope to learn from their experiences and emulate their achievements,” added Professor Chia . “Singapore is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between Eastern and Western Buddhist studies, and we aspire to foster this vital dialogue. We would be grateful for your support in this meaningful endeavor. »

In recent years, NUS has received several substantial donations which have contributed to the establishment of a Professorial Fellowship, a Visiting Professorship, a Postgraduate Fellowship, a renowned annual lecture series and a series of seminars on Buddhist studies.

“These contributions have significantly advanced scholarship and encouraged research and teaching in this area in Singapore,” noted Professor Chia.

Coinciding with the launch of the NUS Buddhist Studies Group, the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Temenggong Artists-In-Residence, a non-profit arts society that seeks to inspire the arts, heritage and cultural appreciation, co-hosted an opening ceremony for a new exhibition of ancient Buddhist art at NUS, The many faces of Buddha.

Among the works on display are a Buddha statue from the Gandhara period dated to the 1st to 3rd centuries CE, thangka paintings from Tibet, ancient Buddha coins and other items from China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and beyond.

“In 2022, the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences signed a memorandum of understanding with Temenggong to promote joint research and teaching activities in the fields of arts, heritage and culture,” he said. observed Professor Chia.

“This collaboration marks an important step in promoting a vital partnership between the NUS and local cultural organisations. The many faces of Buddha “The exhibition features research carried out by NUS students as part of my course ‘Buddhism in World History’ last semester and is the result of this significant collaboration. »

Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, SPH Media Trust Chairman Khaw Boon Wan remarked that the multifaceted nature of Buddhism serves as a reminder to respect cultures, traditions and historical backgrounds of others, which in turn constitute the foundation of mutual trust, harmonious life and peaceful coexistence.

Citing as an example the introduction of Buddhism to China, where Confucianism and Taoism already existed, Khaw explained that although Buddhism could be considered a foreign faith, the Chinese people integrated Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism into a unified system, internalizing their fundamental teachings into their culture and way of life.

Professor Chia added: “At NUS, we place great importance on our partnership with Temenggong, and I am both delighted and honored to have this exhibition…to mark the launch of the Buddhist Studies Group…I hopes that everyone enjoys the exhibition and that it inspires new conversations and dialogues about the study of Buddhism and its diverse expressions around the world. »

Singapore is a multicultural island state in Southeast Asia with a population of nearly six million. More than 31% of Singaporeans identify as Buddhist, according to 2020 census data. Christianity is represented by 18,9%, Islam by 15,6%, Taoism and other Chinese religions by 8,8%. %, Hinduism by 5% and Sikhism and other religions by 0,6%. About 20% of Singaporeans have no religious affiliation.

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NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Artists in Residence at Temenggong

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