Humanist Society (Singapore)

This article is about a specific organization. For other uses, see Irreligion in Singapore.
Humanist Society (Singapore)
Abbreviation HSS
Formation 2010 (2010), Singapore
Type Non-Profit
Purpose Promote secular humanism
Location
President
 Tan Tatt Si
Main organ
 Executive Committee
Affiliations International Humanist and Ethical Union
Website http://www.humanist.org.sg/

Humanist Society (Singapore) is registered in 2010[1] as a society in Singapore for humanists, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics and other like-minded people.[2] The non-religious make up 17% of the Singapore population as of last available Census in 2010.[3]

Organization

The society's objective is to work to raise awareness on how a secular and non-religious segment of Singapore's population has contributed to the progress of Singapore as a nation and a member of the global community, and that a rational, non-dogmatic approach to social issues ought not be taken for granted.[4]

Aside from their work towards maintaining a secular space in society, the Society hold events relating to Humanism, critical thinking and provide a social space for like-minded people to hold discussions.[5] Events include talks by prominent Humanists, professionals in the sciences, forums and social get-togethers.

The 3 main celebratory events of the year are Humanist of the Year Award, Darwin Day and the Winter Solstice. Most of their events are opened to both members and non-members.

The society is also linked to other non-religious networks in Southeast Asia, being listed on the Southeast Asian Atheists website.[6]

History

In 2008, the Singapore Humanism Meetup was formed as a social network of secular humanists, atheists and agnostics. They had been meeting regularly to discuss current social issues.[7] The network, which uses a website to organize social gatherings, has over 500 members registered online, meeting in various locations over town to hold workshops, talks and book clubs. In 2009, the network also held the first Darwin Day in Singapore to celebrate the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin.

In October 2010, the Humanist Society of Singapore became the first humanist group to be gazetted as a society. Many pioneer members of the society met at gatherings organised by the Singapore Humanism Meetup.[8]

In 2011, the Humanist Society organised its first Humanist of the Year award. The award was given to Singaporean author Catherine Lim.

See also

References

  1. ↑ International Humanist and Ethical Union. "Humanist Society Starts in Singapore | International Humanist and Ethical Union". Iheu.org. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  2. ↑ "Carving Out a Space for the Non-Religious Here". Humanist.org.sg. November 9, 2010. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  3. ↑ "CIA - The World Factbook". Cia.gov. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  4. ↑ "General Information". Humanist.org.sg. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  5. ↑ New Asia Republic (新亚共和网). "The Wake of Reason: Enter the Humanist Society in Singapore". Newasiarepublic.com. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  6. ↑ Singapore « SEA-Atheists.org
  7. ↑ Singapore Humanism Meetup: SHM reported under 'hot' section
  8. ↑ Carving Out a Space for the Non-Religious Here
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