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.

Qualifications v skills: Is one just paper, the other the real deal?

Qualifications v skills: Is one just paper, the other the real deal?

Speaker: Tan Ern Ser, Hanniel Lim 3 Apr 2024

Many say that a degree is underrated. But while skills should get their due, let’s not undermine the value of higher education. Associate Professor Tan Ern Ser, Department of Sociology and Academic Adviser to the Social Lab at the Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS; and Mr Hanniel Lim, a Research Assistant, Institute of Policy Studies share their view on this topic.

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Kopi, kaya and a longer life: Hawker centres hold the key

Kopi, kaya and a longer life: Hawker centres hold the key

Speaker: Speaker: Dr Daniel Mahadzir | 27 November 2025

IPS study: Unity, belonging and pride at the heart of national identity

IPS study: Unity, belonging and pride at the heart of national identity

Speaker: Speaker: Dr Mathew Mathews | 27 November 2025

Singapore's silent crisis: Is grandpa eating well and enough?

Singapore's silent crisis: Is grandpa eating well and enough?

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Teo Yik Ying | 19 November 2025

Why are Singapore-made shows unappealing to many Singaporeans?

Why are Singapore-made shows unappealing to many Singaporeans?

Speaker: Speaker: Mr Ben Chester Cheong | 8 November 2025

Singapore's multibillion-dollar events industry has a hidden cost

Singapore's multibillion-dollar events industry has a hidden cost

Speaker: Speaker: Assoc Prof Zhang Weina and Mr Yannis Yuan | 6 November 2025

Singlish is so much more than ‘broken English’

Singlish is so much more than ‘broken English’

Speaker: Speaker: Dr Daniel Chan | 6 November 2025

Cashless but confusing: Can Singapore fix its digital payments system?

Cashless but confusing: Can Singapore fix its digital payments system?

Speaker: Speaker: Asst Prof Daniel Rabetti | 3 November 2025

Chatbots could be first responder for mental health issues, but with limits

Chatbots could be first responder for mental health issues, but with limits

Speaker: Speaker: Asst Prof Nur Hani Zainal | 28 October 2025