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'''New Naratif''' is a pioneering movement focused on promoting democracy, fostering empowerment, and cultivating informed communities across Southeast Asia. Founded with a belief in the dignity, freedom, and democratic rights of the region’s diverse populations, New Naratif challenges oversimplified narratives about Southeast Asia, offering a nuanced and inclusive portrayal of its cultures, histories, and societies.
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|type                = Southeast Asian media and civil-society platform
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|formed_date        = 2017-11-01
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|status              = active
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|parent_entity      = Observatory Southeast Asia Ltd (UK)
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|region_served      = Southeast Asia
|leader_title1      = Co-founder and Managing Director
|leader_name1        = thum-ping-tjin
|leader_display1    = Thum Ping Tjin
|leader_title2      = Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief
|leader_name2        = kirsten-han
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|purpose            = Publishes journalism, research and art on Southeast Asia and runs community events, funded through membership subscriptions.
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The organization’s mission is to democratize democracy, encouraging pride in Southeast Asia’s shared cultural and historical heritage while empowering communities to envision and articulate a better future. By connecting individuals and fostering open dialogue, New Naratif aims to create an environment where democracy thrives—not just as a political system, but as a way of life.
'''New Naratif''' is a Southeast Asian media and civil-society platform publishing journalism, research and art about the region, funded primarily through membership subscriptions rather than advertising.<ref name="toc-launch">"Singaporeans launch new media company based on trust, transparency, and accountability", ''The Online Citizen'', 14 November 2017, https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2017/11/14/singaporeans-launch-new-media-company-based-on-trust-transparency-and-accountability</ref> Its website went live on 1 November 2017. It is published by Observatory Southeast Asia Ltd (OSEA UK), a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom.<ref name="nn-statement">"Statement from New Naratif", New Naratif, 12 April 2018, https://newnaratif.com/statement-new-naratif/</ref>


New Naratif is published by Observatory Southeast Asia Ltd., a company registered in the United Kingdom. In 2018, the organization applied to register a subsidiary, OSEA Pte. Ltd., in Singapore. However, this application was rejected by Singapore's Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), citing national interest concerns.
== Background and founding ==
New Naratif was launched by four Singaporeans: managing director [[Thum Ping Tjin]], a historian and then Director of Project Southeast Asia at the University of Oxford; editor-in-chief [[Kirsten Han]], a journalist and activist; creative director [[Sonny Liew]], a comics artist; and designer Izyanti Asa'ari.<ref name="toc-launch" /> The platform began crowdfunding in Singapore on 9 September 2017 and launched its website on 1 November 2017, initially publishing in English and Bahasa Indonesia.<ref name="toc-launch" />


=== '''Mission and Goals''' ===
At launch, the founders described New Naratif as relying solely on membership subscriptions rather than advertising. Managing director Thum Ping Tjin said that without advertising the platform would be "beholden only to our members, as opposed to corporate or state interests".<ref name="toc-launch" /> Membership was set at US$52 per year, with higher patron tiers, and the team stated a target of 3,500 members for a stable subscription base.<ref name="toc-launch" />
At its core, New Naratif strives to inspire pride in Southeast Asians, uphold their dignity and freedom, and foster a vision of a better future. This mission is realized through three key areas of focus:


# '''Building Communities''': By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration, New Naratif unites individuals and groups who share a commitment to democratic values and positive societal change.
== Mission and content ==
# '''Education''': The organization provides accessible, multilingual content to inform people about key regional issues, from governance to environmental justice.
New Naratif describes itself as a platform for Southeast Asian journalism, research, art and community-building that stands for openness, transparency and engagement.<ref name="nn-statement" /> According to the organisation, it publishes content in a range of formats — including feature and research articles, videos, podcasts and comics — and holds community events and open meetings intended to bring readers together for discussion.<ref name="toc-launch" /><ref name="nn-statement" /> Editor-in-chief Kirsten Han said at launch that the platform sought to "transcend divisions and borders and build meaningful networks between the people in this region".<ref name="toc-launch" />
# '''Empowerment''': Through skill-building initiatives, New Naratif equips individuals with the tools to amplify their voices and advocate for meaningful change.


=== '''Community Building''' ===
The organisation has said it is substantially supported by revenue from its members — over 420 members in 17 countries as of April 2018, subscribing at levels between US$52 and US$552 per year — alongside individual donations and a grant from the Foundation Open Society Institute (FOSI).<ref name="nn-statement" />
New Naratif places a strong emphasis on community as the foundation of its work. It brings together like-minded individuals, activists, and organizations to foster collective action. By nurturing connections and encouraging collaboration, the organization builds networks of support for those seeking to address challenges in their societies.


These communities are vital for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and inspiring one another to work towards a common goal: a more democratic and equitable Southeast Asia.
== Notable public incidents ==


=== '''Education and Advocacy''' ===
=== 2018 OSEA Pte Ltd registration rejection ===
Education is at the heart of New Naratif’s efforts. The organization produces a wide range of high-quality content in various formats, including articles, videos, podcasts, and infographics.
{{Main|OSEA Pte Ltd registration rejection}}
In 2018, the organisation applied to register a Singapore subsidiary, OSEA Pte Ltd, to be wholly owned by Observatory Southeast Asia Ltd. On 11 April 2018 the [[Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority]] (ACRA) rejected the application, saying registration would be "contrary to Singapore's national interests" and characterising the proposed company as political in nature and indirectly foreign-funded.<ref name="cna-infull">"In Full: Acra's statement on rejection of Thum Ping Tjin and Kirsten Han's application to set up company said to be 'contrary to Singapore's national interests'", ''Channel NewsAsia'', 11 April 2018, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/in-full-acras-statement-rejection-thum-ping-tjin-and-kirsten-hans-application-set-up-company-said-be-contrary-singapores-national-interests-5736006</ref> New Naratif, Thum and Han rejected the characterisation, stating that their FOSI grant was disclosed voluntarily and imposed no editorial control, and that the notion they were being used by foreigners to pursue political activity in Singapore was unfounded.<ref name="nn-statement" /> Thum appealed the rejection, but Finance Minister [[Heng Swee Keat]] rejected the appeal on 28 September 2018 in a decision that was final under the Companies Act.<ref name="st-appeal">"Finance Minister rejects appeal by historian Thum Ping Tjin to register proposed company in Singapore", ''The Straits Times'', 28 September 2018, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/finance-minister-rejects-appeal-by-historian-thum-ping-tjin-to-register-proposed-company</ref>


By offering resources in multiple Southeast Asian languages, New Naratif ensures that its content reaches diverse audiences, making critical information accessible to everyone.
=== 2021 references during the FICA debate ===
During the October 2021 parliamentary debate on the [[Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act]] (FICA), Minister for Home Affairs and Law [[K. Shanmugam]] referred to New Naratif and the 2018 OSEA rejection, describing the platform as receiving significant foreign funding.<ref name="wtc">Kirsten Han, "A response to claims made about me during the FICA debate", We, The Citizens, October 2021, https://www.wethecitizens.net/a-response-to-claims-made-about-me-during-the-fica-debate/</ref> Han, who said she had left New Naratif in early 2020, responded that the platform's Open Society Foundation grant was comparable to grants sought by media outlets, arts bodies and research institutes worldwide and carried no editorial control.<ref name="wtc" />


The topics covered by New Naratif include:
== See also ==
* [[OSEA Pte Ltd registration rejection]]
* [[Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority]]
* [[Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act]]
* [[Thum Ping Tjin]]
* [[Kirsten Han]]


* '''Governance''': Examining policies, transparency, and public accountability.
== References ==
* '''Human Rights''': Advocating for the protection of marginalized communities and equality for all.
<references />
* '''Environmental Sustainability''': Addressing climate change and advocating for responsible policies.
* '''Social Justice''': Highlighting systemic inequalities and promoting solutions for a fairer society.


[[Category:Civil Society]]
[[Category:Media Organizations]]
[[Category:Media Organizations]]

Latest revision as of 23:53, 19 July 2026

New Naratif
Other namesnewnaratif.com
StatusActive
TypeSoutheast Asian media and civil-society platform
PurposePublishes journalism, research and art on Southeast Asia and runs community events, funded through membership subscriptions.
Leadership
Co-founder and Managing DirectorThum Ping Tjin
Co-founder and Editor-in-ChiefKirsten Han
Co-founder and Creative DirectorSonny Liew
Organisation
Formed1 November 2017
(9 years ago)
Parent entityObservatory Southeast Asia Ltd (UK)
Region servedSoutheast Asia
RevenueMembership subscriptions
External links
WebsiteOfficial website

New Naratif is a Southeast Asian media and civil-society platform publishing journalism, research and art about the region, funded primarily through membership subscriptions rather than advertising.[1] Its website went live on 1 November 2017. It is published by Observatory Southeast Asia Ltd (OSEA UK), a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom.[2]

Background and founding

New Naratif was launched by four Singaporeans: managing director Thum Ping Tjin, a historian and then Director of Project Southeast Asia at the University of Oxford; editor-in-chief Kirsten Han, a journalist and activist; creative director Sonny Liew, a comics artist; and designer Izyanti Asa'ari.[1] The platform began crowdfunding in Singapore on 9 September 2017 and launched its website on 1 November 2017, initially publishing in English and Bahasa Indonesia.[1]

At launch, the founders described New Naratif as relying solely on membership subscriptions rather than advertising. Managing director Thum Ping Tjin said that without advertising the platform would be "beholden only to our members, as opposed to corporate or state interests".[1] Membership was set at US$52 per year, with higher patron tiers, and the team stated a target of 3,500 members for a stable subscription base.[1]

Mission and content

New Naratif describes itself as a platform for Southeast Asian journalism, research, art and community-building that stands for openness, transparency and engagement.[2] According to the organisation, it publishes content in a range of formats — including feature and research articles, videos, podcasts and comics — and holds community events and open meetings intended to bring readers together for discussion.[1][2] Editor-in-chief Kirsten Han said at launch that the platform sought to "transcend divisions and borders and build meaningful networks between the people in this region".[1]

The organisation has said it is substantially supported by revenue from its members — over 420 members in 17 countries as of April 2018, subscribing at levels between US$52 and US$552 per year — alongside individual donations and a grant from the Foundation Open Society Institute (FOSI).[2]

Notable public incidents

2018 OSEA Pte Ltd registration rejection

Main article: OSEA Pte Ltd registration rejection

In 2018, the organisation applied to register a Singapore subsidiary, OSEA Pte Ltd, to be wholly owned by Observatory Southeast Asia Ltd. On 11 April 2018 the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) rejected the application, saying registration would be "contrary to Singapore's national interests" and characterising the proposed company as political in nature and indirectly foreign-funded.[3] New Naratif, Thum and Han rejected the characterisation, stating that their FOSI grant was disclosed voluntarily and imposed no editorial control, and that the notion they were being used by foreigners to pursue political activity in Singapore was unfounded.[2] Thum appealed the rejection, but Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat rejected the appeal on 28 September 2018 in a decision that was final under the Companies Act.[4]

2021 references during the FICA debate

During the October 2021 parliamentary debate on the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA), Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam referred to New Naratif and the 2018 OSEA rejection, describing the platform as receiving significant foreign funding.[5] Han, who said she had left New Naratif in early 2020, responded that the platform's Open Society Foundation grant was comparable to grants sought by media outlets, arts bodies and research institutes worldwide and carried no editorial control.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Singaporeans launch new media company based on trust, transparency, and accountability", The Online Citizen, 14 November 2017, https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2017/11/14/singaporeans-launch-new-media-company-based-on-trust-transparency-and-accountability
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Statement from New Naratif", New Naratif, 12 April 2018, https://newnaratif.com/statement-new-naratif/
  3. ↑ "In Full: Acra's statement on rejection of Thum Ping Tjin and Kirsten Han's application to set up company said to be 'contrary to Singapore's national interests'", Channel NewsAsia, 11 April 2018, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/in-full-acras-statement-rejection-thum-ping-tjin-and-kirsten-hans-application-set-up-company-said-be-contrary-singapores-national-interests-5736006
  4. ↑ "Finance Minister rejects appeal by historian Thum Ping Tjin to register proposed company in Singapore", The Straits Times, 28 September 2018, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/finance-minister-rejects-appeal-by-historian-thum-ping-tjin-to-register-proposed-company
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Kirsten Han, "A response to claims made about me during the FICA debate", We, The Citizens, October 2021, https://www.wethecitizens.net/a-response-to-claims-made-about-me-during-the-fica-debate/
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