Thought Leadership

Some of the world’s leaders, and leading thinkers from NUS and overseas, regularly gather and add to the rich diversity of thoughts and ideas on our campuses, in Singapore and across the globe.
Here’s what they had to share.

AI as artist: Applause, yes - but sorry, no copyright

AI as artist: Applause, yes - but sorry, no copyright

Speaker: Professor David Tan 9 Sep 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) has entered the realm of art and rapid advancements in AI capabilities to create art continue to redefine the human role in the creative process. Professor David Tan, Co-Director of the Centre for Technology, Robotics, AI and the Law, at the Faculty of Law, NUS, delves into the questions this begets, including who is determined as the painter or author - does the "tool" or program get a credit; what is originality; and where do the legalities of copyright stand in all this?

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Gillman Barracks - can we rethink how the public participates in decisions on redevelopment?

Gillman Barracks - can we rethink how the public participates in decisions on redevelopment?

Speaker: Speaker: Ms Melissa Low | 15 July 2026

The education arms race cannot be solved by MOE alone

The education arms race cannot be solved by MOE alone

Speaker: Speakers: Mr Nicholas Thomas | 10 July 2026

We can’t wait for an AI crisis before taking action

We can’t wait for an AI crisis before taking action

Speaker: Speaker: Professor Simon Chesterman | 6 July 2026

SpaceX’s investors are giving up control to buy into Musk’s vision

SpaceX’s investors are giving up control to buy into Musk’s vision

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Johan Sulaeman | 3 July 2026

Can Jurong Lake District become Singapore’s second central business district?

Can Jurong Lake District become Singapore’s second central business district?

Speaker: Speakers: Professor Sing Tien Foo | 3 July 2026

Small states are the best bet for keeping world at peace

Small states are the best bet for keeping world at peace

Speaker: Speakers: Professor Danny Quah | 1 July 2026

The old model is broken. Telcos need to reinvent themselves

The old model is broken. Telcos need to reinvent themselves

Speaker: Speaker: Asst Prof Tiffany Tsai | 24 June 2026

The triangular geopolitics of critical minerals

The triangular geopolitics of critical minerals

Speaker: Speakers: Associate Professor Gu Qingyang | 23 June 2026

The Singaporean workers who feel AI has nothing to do with them

The Singaporean workers who feel AI has nothing to do with them

Speaker: Speakers: Prof Irene Y.H. Ng, Mr Tan Zhi Han, Ms V Deepa and Mr Aaron Lim | 15 June 2026

AI companions are coming. Privacy rules are not ready

AI companions are coming. Privacy rules are not ready

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Simon Chesterman | 9 June 2026