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 science and art of celebrity branding

Prof David Tan 16 Sep 2023

Advertising a brand through associations such as brand ambassadors is both an art and a science. Companies need to consider a wide range of factors to determine whether or not a person is the right fit. Prof David Tan, Co-Director, Centre for Technology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and the Law, at the Faculty of Law at NUS, opined that even when a celebrity or sporting team appears to be a good fit based on scientifically derived metrics, brands need to consider cultural norms and community expectations. 

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Open for business, closed in our hearts? Immigration and future of Singapore identity

Open for business, closed in our hearts? Immigration and future of Singapore identity

Speaker: Speakers: Dr Mathew Mathews and Dr Melvin Tay | 24 December 2025

All I want for Christmas is the same old thing

All I want for Christmas is the same old thing

Speaker: Speakers: Dr Justin Lee, Dr Robyn Tan and Ms Liang Kaixin | 24 December 2025

Singapore’s social cohesion faces big test in the age of borderless viral hate speech

Singapore’s social cohesion faces big test in the age of borderless viral hate speech

Speaker: Speaker: Associate Professor Jaclyn L Neo  | 20 December 2025

Coming face to face with war in a wildlife sanctuary

Coming face to face with war in a wildlife sanctuary

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Teo Yik Ying | 17 December 2025

Does it really matter where our food is grown?

Does it really matter where our food is grown?

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Lawrence Loh and Florence Leong | 16 December 2025

Harmless fun? People are using Sora to create problematic videos

Harmless fun? People are using Sora to create problematic videos

Speaker: Speaker: Elvin Xing and Sophy Tio | 11 December 2025

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