Suryakenchana Bin Omar

Qualifications

• MA by research, Southeast Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2008
• BA Hons, Southeast Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 1997
• BA with Merit, Southeast Asian Studies & Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 1996

Biography

Surya’s research brings together his academic field in cultural heritage development and experience in running micro businesses in the education sector. His venture into cultural heritage development of the Javanese community in Singapore since 2006 led to the founding of the Javanese Singaporeans Facebook group, consolidation of the Javanese cultural heritage ecosystem in Singapore and an exhibition with the Malay Heritage Centre in 2016. He is often consulted on Javanese cultural practices and heritage in Singapore. One of his two businesses in the education sector offers programmes on Malay cultural heritage and the other, on study skills development. The research scope for his PhD will now expand his venture to include Malay weaving culture.

Thesis Title

Micro business and cultural heritage in Singapore – Continuity, custodianship and community

Advisory Panel

Primary: A/Prof K Thirumaran, Secondary: Dr Zilmiyah Kamble, Dr Caroline Wong; Advisor Mentor: A/P Taha Chaiechi

Networks

• Javanese Diaspora Network, a global network connecting Javanese communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Singapore and Suriname.
• Forum Komunikasi Masyarakat Indonesia Singapura (FKMIS), a network for the Indonesian communities in Singapore.
• Malay Youth Literary Association (4PM). (http://4pm.org.sg/)
• eduScrum® & Agile Research Working Group. (https://eduscrum.org/)

Research Interests

• Ritual studies – Javanese cultural practices.
• Food heritage – Malay and Javanese food. Currently working on the Javanese ritual dish known as nasi ambeng.
• Cultural heritage development – methods and approaches to safeguard cultural heritage.