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.

The curious case of Singapore’s ‘Eastie’ identity

The curious case of Singapore’s ‘Eastie’ identity

Speakers: Melvin Tay and Dr Mathew Mathews 2 May 2024

How did the ‘Eastie’ identity develop, and what lessons does it hold for Singapore’s community building efforts? The distinctive pride of east-side residents is surprising, given that Singapore does not have major geographical or ethnic divides that usually shape regional cultures, write researchers from the Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS.

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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