Stefanie Kam: CIS Alum, Published Author and Associate Research Fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research

CIS is proud to celebrate the achievements of its alumnae all over the world. Stefanie Kam is an accomplished CIS alum who co-authored a recently published book on political violence and terrorism. A native of Singapore, Stefanie studied Grade 11 and 12 at CIS in 2004-2005, before getting her BA in English Literature from Reed College, Oregon. She went on to obtain an MA in English Literature, from University of Chicago and an MSc in International Relations from NTU.

When asked how she chose her profession, Stefanie says that working in education was her childhood ambition. During her time at CIS, she developed an interest in writing and literature. After working as a journalist for a year, she began an exciting career with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at NTU, where she conducts research in counter-terrorism.

When we talked about her experience at CIS, Stefanie emphasised that CIS prepared her to excel in her higher studies by surrounding her with hardworking classmates and providing her with opportunities to express different points of view in a respectful setting. This, she says, created an ideal foundation for discussion-based learning in undergraduate and graduate courses where students are expected to voice their opinions and defend their arguments.

Being able to constructively critique other's viewpoints while being adaptable and open to changing one's own viewpoint was an invaluable skill-set. Besides making me open minded and articulate, the English and Humanities classes at CIS also instilled in me the ability to think critically and systematically to rigorously defend my own stand.

Stefanie’s new book, The Handbook of Terrorism in the Asia–Pacific, is the product of her love of writing and the subject of peace and conflict resolution. Writing this book was a two year journey that included the ongoing challenge of keeping track of global developments and changing data.

The end product is a concise handbook that examines the origins of the current wave of terrorism across countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Northeast Asia and the Pacific, and identifies emerging trends and new forms of terror that have altered the landscape of the region.

Stefanie generously shared her tips and advices to aspiring first time writers: Enjoy the process as a whole - writing the first draft, editing, sharing your manuscripts with a reviewer, getting feedback, synthesising the feedback and applying this feedback onto your work. Manage your expectations and develop good relations with everyone you work with.

Writing a book is an amazing learning journey. Congratulations Stefanie on your first published work!