Kalima translates 'Across The Causeway'

Kalima, the translation initiative of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, has published the English translation of Takashi Shiraishi's "Across The Causeway: A Multi-dimensional Study of Malaysia-Singapore Relations" into Arabic. The book deals with relationship between Malaysia and Singapore. The author considers several different perspectives in order to construct a multi-dimensional study that expresses the intensity of the ties between the two countries. The geographical proximity, historical ties, transitions, and material flows have always supported the link between Malaysia and Singapore. The author suggests that this link exists, in varying degrees, not only between the nations but also between individuals therein. Through his work, the author considers that the ties between these nations have been formulated as a result of economic interdependence and competition, cooperation on security, and increased market-based stability in East Asia. He suggests also that the two nations have also embraced differing ideas in order to build upon their individual concepts of nationalism. Takashi Shiraishi was born in 1950 in Ehime, Japan. He graduated from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Tokyo University and acquired a Ph.D. from Cornell University. He specializes in Southeast Asian Studies. The author is also vice president and professor at Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), Kyoto University. He has published a large number of books and was recently awarded the Japanese Medal of Honour with Purple Ribbon, in 2007, for his contributions in the field of Southeast Asian Studies. The book is translated by Nancy Samir, the Egyptian translator who acquired a Bachelor degree in Social Service and a Diploma of Anthropology from the Faculty of Arts, Cairo University in 1994.