Kirsten Han

Kirsten Han

Kirsten Han is a freelance journalist who runs the newsletter We, The Citizens, covering Singapore from a rights-based perspective. Her work often revolves around the themes of social justice, human rights, politics, and democracy. Her bylines have appeared in publications like The Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Foreign Policy.

TWITTER @kixes

Articles by Kirsten Han

Jul 12, 2021 • 7 min read
Opinion

Transformative justice: Abolishing the death penalty in Singapore

Singapore is known for its harsh approach to crime and punishment, justified on the grounds of deterrence. But the Transformative Justice Collective is looking to change this mindset, promoting alternative approaches to criminal justice in the city-state
By Kirsten Han - Jul 12, 2021

Feb 03, 2020 • 8 min read
Commerce in Singapore

Shop til they drop

Top Read 2017: With vacancy rates for Singapore’s glamorous shopping malls at an all-time high, is the city-state losing its lustre as the region’s shopping hub?
By Kirsten Han - Feb 03, 2020

May 28, 2018 • 7 min read
Therapy cats

Providing comfort and companionship

Singapore's feline therapists are providing comfort in a nation slow to grasp the need for mental healthcare
By Kirsten Han - May 28, 2018

May 24, 2017 • 9 min read
Singapore

The politics of hate

By criminalising insult, Singapore’s government says it is avoiding religious discord and hurt feelings. But the protection is selective and, some say, dangerous
By Kirsten Han - May 24, 2017

Oct 17, 2016 • 6 min read
Netflix

As Netflix moves in, local video streaming platforms fight back

Southeast Asia has been hailed as the next big market for video streaming startups, with local telcos joining forces with big name studios to deliver both Hollywood and local content to the masses. Can the US streaming sensation Netflix, which officially launched in the region in January, now compete with these more affordable local rivals?
By Kirsten Han - Oct 17, 2016

Aug 05, 2016 • 7 min read
Interview

Paralympic Singaporean swimmer Theresa Goh gets ready for Rio

Paralympic swimmer Theresa Goh has a huge number of golds under her cap for her home country of Singapore. To date, an Olympic medal has eluded her, but the gutsy athlete has her sights firmly set on a breakthrough in Rio
By Kirsten Han - Aug 05, 2016

Apr 27, 2016 • 8 min read
Migrant workers

Singapore's migrant workers face abuse and resentment

In many ways, Singapore's migrant workers are the backbone of life, yet many face animosity from the local populace and are abused by their employers
By Kirsten Han - Apr 27, 2016

Apr 04, 2016 • 3 min read
Interview

Jailed without trial in Singapore, Poh Soo Kai tells his story

Singaporean Poh Soo Kai spent 17 years in jail without trial under Lee Kuan Yew, costing him both his family and a career in medicine. Now, more than 50 years after Operation Coldstore, which saw 100 people with communist links detained, he exposes in his historical memoir what the ‘Father of Singapore’ did to political opponents
By Kirsten Han - Apr 04, 2016

Feb 24, 2016 • 7 min read
Dating Apps

The fierce business of love

In an age where ‘swiping right’ has entered common parlance, the matchmakers behind the region's most popular dating apps are working hard to attract users
By Kirsten Han - Feb 24, 2016

Jan 16, 2015 • 8 min read
Singapore

Golden years

Singapore’s 50th birthday celebrations start this month, but is the government glossing over some inconvenient truths?
By Kirsten Han - Jan 16, 2015

Dec 02, 2014 • 7 min read
Transgender sex workers

The skin I live in

A lack of understanding of transgender issues means that hundreds of women are presented with scant employment opportunities and often turn to sex work to make ends meet
By Kirsten Han - Dec 02, 2014

Jan 09, 2014 • 4 min read
Singapore

Mixed blessings

For some on Singapore’s death row, recent changes to legislation offer hope, but campaigners stress that the law is vague and will not guarantee justice
By Kirsten Han - Jan 09, 2014