How are ICTs Transforming Civic Space in Singapore?

Abstract

Urban voluntary associations and activists have long sought open civic space for articulating their ideas and ideals. With the advent of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), civic associational practices have arguably been significantly altered and these changes are in turn transforming civic space—particularly in cities with advanced digital infrastructure and uptake. This research examines two civic environmental groups in order to understand how and why ICTs are transforming civic space in the island city-state of Singapore. The article employs a case comparison of two age-distinct civic associations—Nature Society (Singapore) and Green Drinks Singapore—in order to distinguish the digital activities of established versus nascent civic environmental groups. The article employs a three-part socio-technical framework—focusing on ‘organizational, participatory and spatial’ transformations—for unpacking ICT-linked practices amongst civic associations. The article will also examine the recent rise of informal civic-cyber green groups that both work with and yet paradoxically remain autonomous of established civic associations. The case studies provides evidence of the changing tactics of civic (and cyber) environmentalism and insights into the changing nature of civic space in Singapore.