Lee Sang Kook

Lee Sang Kook, Ananda's PhD student, Sociology, NUS:

My relationship with Ananda dates back to 1999 when I was spending some time at NUS as an exchange student.At that time I was planning for fieldwork for my master's thesis in a Karen refugee camp in the Thailand-Burma borderland but I did not have any clue to get into the place.I approached him for help and he kindly and wonderfully guided an innocent student coming from Northeast Asia to carry out field research by introducing valuable materials and people, even though I was not his student yet.

My impression about his cordial attitude and academic in-depth remained for some time even after I went back to Korea, engaging in busy everyday life in Seoul.When I decided to pursue PhD study, I, without second thought, chose to study under his tutelage: he was the reason that brought me to Singapore.This time his warm welcome was extended to my wife who was really touched by his kindness and generosity.He treated us as if we were his close family members.He took care of not only my study but my wellbeing in general.He treated us to various range of food and made my life in Singapore joyful.

My study with him was not restricted to the confined university.He showed me how study is possible over informal talks, of course, with beer.

Lee Sang Kook, of the National University of Singapore's Department of Sociology, described the Karen as a "scattered but connected people."They had a network within Burma and also overseas links, he said.

Lee was speaking to a three-day conference on the "Impact of Globalization, Regionalism and Nationalism on Minority Peoples in Southeast Asia."

Lee Sang Kook, of the National University of Singapore's Department of Sociology, described the Karen as a "scattered but connected people."They had a network within Burma and also overseas links, he said.

Lee was speaking to a three-day conference on the "Impact of Globalization, Regionalism and Nationalism on Minority Peoples in Southeast Asia."

Lee Sang Kook, of the National University of Singapore's Department of Sociology, described the Karen as a "scattered but connected people. They had a network within Burma and also overseas links, he said.

Lee was speaking to a three-day conference on the "Impact of Globalization, Regionalism and Nationalism on Minority Peoples in Southeast Asia.

Lee Sang Kook, of the National University of Singapore's Department of Sociology, described the Karen as a "scattered but connected people."They had a network within Burma and also overseas links, he said.

Lee Sang Kook (left)

Lee was speaking to a three-day conference on the "Impact of Globalization, Regionalism and Nationalism on Minority Peoples in Southeast Asia."