• From Sentosa to South Bank: Exploring National Identity Negotiation Among Singaporean University Students in London

This qualitative study explores how Singaporean university students in London negotiate their national identity. Adopting the theoretical framework of the sociology of everyday life, this research builds on existing definitions of the nation and national identity. A focus group discussion and semi-structured interviews alongside photo-elicitations methods were utilised, given the research’s broad scope. Through thematically analysing the transcribed data, it was found that Singaporean transmigrants used creative strategies to maintain their national identity. More specifically, through the (re)invention of traditions and the formation of intended and (re)imagined communities. Grounded in everyday practices, the transnational experience mostly heightened one’s sense of national identity, although this was often a complex process. Participants demonstrated a strong sense of national belonging, yet held contradictory sentiments towards aspects of their national identity. Despite facing challenges transitioning from their homeland, these transmigrants assert agency in shaping their circumstances and maintain meaningful connections with Singapore through banal, everyday practices. Further research is required to understand how the Singaporean national identity is negotiated based on factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status and citizenship.