by Dr Ryan Tans
This GEx examines the cultural, social, and environmental changes associated with Sulawesi’s rapid economic development. Students will learn how nickel mining, tourism, and public investment have made Sulawesi one of Indonesia’s fastest growing regions. However, the nickel that powers new, green technologies in Singapore and Silicon Valley also produces social and environmental effects that threaten the health and livelihoods of fishing and farming communities in Sulawesi. Thus, students will be able to better understand the ways in which global commodity chains, national investment priorities, and provincial development plans affect local communities.
Student Reviews
Lim Jia Han, Jarred (@jarjarred) AY25/26 Sem 1
About the Instructor:
I appreciated Prof Ryan a lot throughout GEx Sulawesi. Prior to the trip, Prof Ryan took time to know all of us and encouraged us to learn more about the area before going. Assignments were designed to encourage you to find out more and have questions before you go to Sulawesi. During the trip, Prof Ryan's connections helped us reach many different communities. He also engages us in consultations, weekly seminars and even during excursions to develop our ideas. (Highly suggested: go for consultations with him during breakfast and he'll recommend nice breakfast places) After the trip, there were regular consultations available to discuss the ISM in greater detail.
Content (Structure/Organization):
Pre-trip, there will be seminars looking at coastal and commercial development quite superficially. During the trip, you will investigate different areas of development—one area a week, speaking to different communities and personalities to do so, adopting an ethnographic approach. You will also engage in weekly discussions and consultations. Post-trip, you spend time on your ISM.
Manageability of Workload:
Manageable. Given the year-long nature of the course, I would suggest planning your time well and committing to what you've planned for.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Achievable. Consult Prof Ryan on the course materials and seek guidance from him; he could recommend other areas for you to look at.
Learning Value/Recommendation:
Highly useful. Developed my interest in developmental studies and modernisation. The course is also quite multi and interdisciplinary if this is what you are looking for.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
GEx Sulawesi is undersubscribed, but that doesn't mean it's bad. Rather, the small class size means engaging your ideas more seriously and developing stronger relationships with your friends, Prof Ryan, and the friends from Sulawesi!