Team
A Month Later: Reflecting on Our April Fool’s Message
On April 1, we shared an exciting announcement (below): that ISAC had received a major donation from Singapore. As many of you guessed—or later realized—this was an April Fool’s joke. 🐟.🐟.🐟.But beyond the humor, we hoped it would serve as food for thought.
Support and recognition are things we all long for. And while this announcement was fictional, the underlying message is very real: ISAC has not yet received the financial support it needs. Our April Fool’s post was meant to spark conversation—about what it would take to make such support a reality.
This is not a conversation that scholars alone can carry. It must involve all of you—church leaders, university presidents, philanthropists, and anyone who values research on Asian Catholicism. Many of you told us you genuinely hoped the news was true. Some were even disappointed to learn it was only a joke. But rather than feel let down, we invite you to laugh with us—and to reflect. The joke worked precisely because it touched a shared hope: that research on Asian Catholics would receive the support it deserves.
Let’s acknowledge that this field still receives limited funding. Let’s also recognize that change will only come if we are persistent, strategic, and outspoken about the need for investment—not just in institutions, but in academic and public service contributions that matter. We must not shy away from talking about funding; we shouldn’t feel embarrassed to name it.
An April Fool’s joke is one way to bring this issue to light—with a bit of humor, yes, but also with sincerity and purpose. ISAC cannot spend all its time begging or lamenting. Sometimes, it’s okay to laugh—without losing sight of the bigger picture.
In the coming weeks, you may hear people mention “that big donation ISAC received.” Let them wonder, speculate, or joke—that was part of the plan. But more importantly, let that spark deeper conversations about the very real challenges of financing academic research, particularly about Asian Catholics.
Please continue to support us. Keep these conversations going. Help us build a sustainable future for research on Asian Catholics.
Happy April Fool’s (Belated) 2025—and thank you for being part of this journey. 🐟.🐟.🐟.
ISAC Receives a Donation of 10.4 Million from Singapore
We are delighted to announce that the Initiative for the Study of Asian Catholics has received a generous donation of 10.4 million Singapore dollars from a renowned funding organization based in Singapore.
ISAC coordinators and research affiliates from across Asia extend their heartfelt gratitude for this crucial support, which will unable the initiative to not only continue its operations but also reinforce its commitment to the rigorous social scientific study of Asian Catholics.
In agreement with the funding organization, this donation will defray operational costs and support new projects that are only possible thanks to the international network of scholars that ISAC has developed over the last four years.
The Head of the funding body expressed unwavering support for ISAC and shared the following message:
"Dear Dr. Asor and Dr. Brown,
Dr. Chambon, and Fr. Ponniah,
Over the past four years, we have witnessed your unwavering commitment to cross-cultural dialogue and interdisciplinary research on Asian Catholics. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis and limited support, your network has grown significantly, finding innovative ways to make academic research accessible to all.
The research conducted by ISAC is groundbreaking and makes a substantial contribution to understanding the challenges faced by Catholics in Asia. This work not only serves Asian societies and promotes interreligious understanding but also strengthens our Church as a whole. (...)
In this jubilee year of hope, we are proud to support your collective efforts and the embodiment of synodality they represent. Through this donation, our family is honored to contribute to the continued success of this academic service and help ensure that its vital mission endures. (...)
Sincerely Yours,"
The donation will be allocated towards several key aspects of ISAC:
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Expansion of Research Projects: ISAC will enhance its research support for projects that address key problems faced by Catholic minorities in Asia.
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Development of the Network: With support for its operational costs, ISAC will be able to offer a range of resources for young scholars who pursue innovative research projects.
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Digitization: ISAC will be able to develop a long-term infrastructure to host digital collections and to digitize valuable materials that are difficult to access or in danger of disappearing.
This incredibly generous gift marks a significant step forward in advancing academic research, supporting young Asian scholars, enhancing our understanding of the lived realities of Asian Catholics, and fostering interreligious dialogue across Asia.
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During a brief ceremony to formalize the donation, Mr. and Mrs. Goh, representatives of the funding organization, presented a piece of artwork to ISAC Coordinators as a symbol of encouragement and steadfast support.
This traditional painting (pictured below) features eight fish — a timeless Christian symbol — swimming harmoniously through Asian waters. It beautifully encapsulates the core mission of ISAC: understanding Asian Catholics in their diverse contexts without becoming pompous, tedious academics devoid of any sense of humor:
Singapore, 1 April 2025