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.

Deconstructing populism

Speakers: Mr Jonathan Darby, Acting Deputy High Commissioner at the British High Commission in Singapore; Frank Lavin, former US Ambassador; Assoc Prof Tan Ern Ser, NUS Arts and Social Sciences 28 Feb 2017

Distinguished speakers from Britain, United States and Singapore shared their insights at this year’s Tembusu Forum, examining populism from the perspectives of their respective countries based on recent political events.

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

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

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