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.

When being a happy worker can be counter-productive

When being a happy worker can be counter-productive

Speakers: Michael Mai 26 Sep 2022

Happy employees are often thought to be more productive, but this may not always hold true.  Research by Assistant Professor Michael Mai from NUS Business School has shown that staying neutral is potentially beneficial as it may improve people’s coping response and judgements making by signalling that things are normal. He suggests that employees could engage in mindfulness meditation to reduce the negativity that they face. 

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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

Beyond the theories: What Indonesian classrooms need from a global educator perspective

Beyond the theories: What Indonesian classrooms need from a global educator perspective

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Andrew Rose | 8 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

The antibiotics crisis isn’t the fault of science – it’s market failure

The antibiotics crisis isn’t the fault of science – it’s market failure

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Hsu Li Yang | 18 November 2025

How Singapore should tackle food resilience after dropping '30 by 30' goal

How Singapore should tackle food resilience after dropping '30 by 30' goal

Speaker: Speaker: Mr Bjorn Low | 14 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