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.

Size matters when it comes to Singapore’s DNA database

Size matters when it comes to Singapore’s DNA database

Speaker: Stella Tan 26 Oct 2022

The use of DNA for crime-solving has been in the spotlight recently, after Singapore’s Parliament passed a Bill to widen the scope of DNA collection from more suspects and offenders, with some voicing concerns related to citizens’ right to privacy, and how their information would be protected. Associate Professor Stella Tan, Director of the Forensic Sciences Programmes at NUS’ Faculty of Science, breaks down key misconceptions related to DNA testing in this commentary, and reiterates that if someone has not done anything wrong, DNA collection will serve as a very good tool to eliminate them from the pool of suspects when a crime has been committed. 

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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