Asian Traditions and Modernization studies various aspects of change in Singapore and explores the ways in which tradition has shaped and moderated the process of modernization. Employing a multi-faceted approach that covers history, religion, science, ethnic relations and language, the book looks in depth at a country which has witnessed rapid modernization and yet at the same time desires to preserve cultural values. Because tradition and modernization are relative and open-ended concepts, traditional values can be modern in their orientation and conversely, modern societies can be traditional in their practices. The focal concern of the book is how these terms can be best and fully understood. This reissue features a new preface by the author.