New imprint ThinkNanyang launches to elevate Chinese-language scholarship
A new scholarly imprint, ThinkNanyang, debuted on November 16 with a mission to strengthen Chinese-language research across Singapore and Southeast Asia. The initiative seeks to provide a dedicated platform for scholars who publish in Chinese, helping to diversify academic discourse in the region and reach broader audiences who prefer Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
backing and publishing home
ThinkNanyang is published by Focus Publishing, an arm of SPH Media, the media company behind The Straits Times. This partnership situates the imprint within a well-established publishing ecosystem, leveraging SPH’s digital and print distribution networks and its familiarity with regional readers. The collaboration signals a strategic effort to blend traditional scholarship with contemporary publishing practices that resonate in local libraries, universities, and research centers across Singapore and neighboring countries.
Why a Chinese-language imprint now?
Scholars in Singapore and Southeast Asia contribute richly to regional and global debates, yet publication channels dedicated to Chinese-language research have historically been more limited than English-language avenues. ThinkNanyang aims to address this gap by providing:
- Structured opportunities for peer review, editorial support, and professional development for Chinese-language authors.
- A curated pipeline for high-quality monographs, journals, and translated works that preserve nuance in Chinese scholarship.
- Connections to universities, research institutes, and funding bodies interested in advancing Chinese-language studies in the region.
By focusing on Chinese-language research, ThinkNanyang also supports a broader international audience that seeks insights from scholars who articulate complex ideas in Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and other Chinese languages. This initiative aligns with Singapore’s multilingual research ecosystem and the growing demand for culturally resonant academic outputs.
Strategic goals and potential impact
ThinkNanyang’s aims extend beyond publication. The imprint is expected to foster collaborations among academics, practitioners, and policymakers by showcasing case studies, methodological advances, and cross-border research projects. Potential impact areas include:
- Strengthening regional scholarly networks that cross national and linguistic boundaries.
- Elevating the visibility of Chinese-language scholarship in rankings, citations, and academic discussions.
- Encouraging translations and bilingual dissemination to widen readership and influence.
As readers increasingly seek nuanced perspectives from diverse linguistic communities, ThinkNanyang could become a pivotal hub for high-quality Chinese-language research that informs education policies, social sciences, humanities, and technology studies in Southeast Asia.
What readers and researchers can expect
In its initial phase, the imprint is likely to publish a mix of scholarly monographs, edited volumes, and journals that emphasize regional topics such as urban development, cultural heritage, education, public policy, and digital literacy within Chinese-language scholarship. Editorial leadership is expected to emphasize rigorous peer review, transparent ethics, and accessibility, ensuring that works reach university libraries, research centers, and independent scholars across the region.
Looking ahead
ThinkNanyang represents a notable development in a region known for linguistic diversity and academic vigor. If successful, the imprint could catalyze a broader movement to harmonize Chinese-language research with global scholarly standards while preserving linguistic nuance. For Singapore’s academic community and Southeast Asia’s researchers, ThinkNanyang offers a fresh channel to publish, collaborate, and disseminate knowledge that speaks directly to Chinese-language readers and scholars worldwide.
