New Naratif
New Naratif [1]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.
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 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.
Mission and Goals
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.
- Education: The organization provides accessible, multilingual content to inform people about key regional issues, from governance to environmental justice.
- Empowerment: Through skill-building initiatives, New Naratif equips individuals with the tools to amplify their voices and advocate for meaningful change.
Community Building
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.
Education and Advocacy
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.
By offering resources in multiple Southeast Asian languages, New Naratif ensures that its content reaches diverse audiences, making critical information accessible to everyone.
The topics covered by New Naratif include:
- Governance: Examining policies, transparency, and public accountability.
- Human Rights: Advocating for the protection of marginalized communities and equality for all.
- Environmental Sustainability: Addressing climate change and advocating for responsible policies.
- Social Justice: Highlighting systemic inequalities and promoting solutions for a fairer society.