Writing Their Way To Success

By Ether Kum, Senior Programme Executive, SIM Student Development

After year-long efforts in research and writing, four students from the SIM Japanese Culture and Gaming Society (JCGS) contributed two chapters to the book Studying Hong Kong: 20 Years of Political, Economic, and Social Developments. Edited by Dr Tai Wei Lim and Dr Tuan Yuan Kong, the book examines various perspectives of Hong Kong's development in the past 20 years, post-transference of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China.


SIM Students Dean Tan and Sabrina Thamim Ansari pictured with Dr Lim (centre) who graciously extended the opportunity to SIM-JCGS.

Dr Lim, adjunct research fellow at the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, first extended the opportunity to SIM students to contribute chapters to the book in late 2016. Under the guidance of Dr Lim and SIM Student Development, student-authors discussed and penned the observed trends between Hong Kong and Japanese popular cultures, particularly in food and drama. The chapters compared literature on corresponding changes in the political and economic powers that resulted in the development of social identities and trends, post-return of Hong Kong to China.

World Scientific published the book in May 2018 and it was successfully launched in June 2018 at BookHaven in the National University of Singapore University Town. The launch included a speech and a highly anticipated panel discussion between key contributors about the impact of development on Hong Kong, its neighbours, and the world.


From left to right: Key authors Dr Yoshihisa Godo, Dr Henry Chan, and Mr Sean King, discussant Dr Janice Kam, and emcee Dr Tai Wei Lim.


Dean and Sabrina received their autographed copies of the book at the launch. Indeed, it was a great joy to witness the fruition of their efforts.

Sharing their experiences:
“The idea of contributing to a book was surreal; students rarely have a chance to do so. Being able to participate in this has exposed me to the working dynamics behind a book publication; I have learned so much! I am truly thankful to Dr Lim for this opportunity and experience.” - Dean Tan, University Of London, BSc Economics and Politics and President of SIM Japanese Culture and Gaming Society.

"The opportunity to contribute to the book has given me greater insight into the social and political dynamics of Hong Kong and its neighbours. Writing the chapter has also afforded me the opportunity to meet and work with like-minded people who share a similar passion for writing and content creation. Overall, it has been a great experience and exposure to the world of published writing. Hopefully, there will be more to come!" - Sabrina Thamim Ansari, University Of London, BSc in International Relations and Member of SIM Japanese Culture and Gaming Society

‘Studying Hong Kong: 20 Years Of Political, Economic And Social Developments' is available for loan at the National Library Board (Singapore), and can be purchased from online bookstores such as Amazon, and Book Depository.

To find out more about the SIM Japanese Culture and Gaming Society, email: jcgs@sim.edu.sg or visit them on Facebook and Instagram.

Posted online,  23 August 2018