Fungible Life: Experiment in the Asian City of Life

Fungible Life examines Singapore's Biopolis, a state-of-the-art biomedical research hub that aims to position the country as a leader in genomic science. Through ethnographic research conducted between 2009-2012, Aihwa Ong documents the complex interplay of science, politics, and ethics in this emerging center of Asian biomedicine. The book follows researchers, clinicians, and administrators as they work to decode genetic variations in Asian populations and develop targeted treatments. Ong traces how Singapore has built its biomedical infrastructure by attracting international talent and creating partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies. The narrative explores how genomic science in Asia is reshaping concepts of race, ethnicity, and human difference through the lens of molecular biology. Interactions between Western and Asian scientists reveal tensions around knowledge production, cultural values, and competing visions of scientific progress. This ethnography raises fundamental questions about the relationship between science, sovereignty, and identity in an era of global biotechnology. Through its focus on Singapore's biomedical ambitions, the book illuminates broader debates about ethics, governance, and the future of human life sciences in Asia.

Readers note this anthropological study provides insights into Singapore's biotech industry and its intersection with Asian genomic science. The book receives limited online reviews due to its academic nature. Readers appreciated: - Detailed ethnographic observations of lab work and scientific practices - Analysis of how race, ethnicity and genomics interact in Asian contexts - Examination of Singapore's biomedical initiatives Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style that can be difficult to follow - Heavy use of theoretical jargon - Some sections feel repetitive Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (5 ratings) Amazon: No reviews available One reader on Goodreads noted: "Interesting analysis of biotechnology in Singapore, though the writing is quite academic." Another mentioned its value for "understanding how genomic science develops differently in Asian contexts." The book appears most frequently cited in academic papers and course syllabi rather than receiving consumer reviews.

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🧬 Author Aihwa Ong coined the influential term "flexible citizenship" to describe how modern migrants strategically navigate global markets and different citizenship regimes 🔬 The "Asian City of Life" referenced in the title is Singapore's Biopolis, a $300 million state-of-the-art biomedical research complex designed to position Singapore as a global hub for genomic science 🧫 The book explores how Asian scientists are redefining "Asian DNA" and creating genomic databases that challenge the historical Western dominance in genetic research 🏥 Biopolis was intentionally designed with transparent glass walls and connected walkways to encourage collaboration and chance encounters between scientists from different disciplines 🔋 The research documented in the book shows how Singapore transformed itself from a manufacturing economy to a "knowledge economy" centered on biomedical innovation in just two decades