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 companions are coming. Privacy rules are not ready

AI companions are coming. Privacy rules are not ready

Speaker: Prof Simon Chesterman 9 Jun 2026

If AI companions are to become part of ordinary life, they should not be governed only as data-processing tools. They should be governed as systems that may shape relationships – and judged by whether they preserve or erode human agency. The privacy framework we inherited was built to protect information about us. The framework we now need must also protect the connections and freedoms that make us who we are.

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A super-aged Singapore needs traffic regulations for more than bad drivers

A super-aged Singapore needs traffic regulations for more than bad drivers

Speaker: Speaker: Mr Zach Lee | 4 August 2026

Forests vs flats? Singapore’s land development debate needs to move beyond that

Forests vs flats? Singapore’s land development debate needs to move beyond that

Speaker: Speaker: Dr Woo Jun Jie | 3 August 2026

The carbon case for going green is only half the story

The carbon case for going green is only half the story

Speaker: Speakers: Associate Professor Alberto Salvo, Associate Professor Timothy Wong and Mr Zhihao Han | 30 July 2026

US-Iran war has unleashed forces that will reshape the Gulf

US-Iran war has unleashed forces that will reshape the Gulf

Speaker: Speaker: Professor Joseph Chinyong Liow | 24 July 2026

The other recession risk that Singapore should be wary of

The other recession risk that Singapore should be wary of

Speaker: Speakers: Mr Nicholas Thomas and Mr Wilson Goh | 22 July 2026

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

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

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