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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The China discount now carries a premium

The China discount now carries a premium

Speaker: Speaker: Professor Ramkishen S. Rajan | 14 August 2026

How BYD disrupted Singapore's car market - and why the strategy is turning on itself

How BYD disrupted Singapore's car market - and why the strategy is turning on itself

Speaker: Speaker: Professor Andrew Delios | 11 August 2026

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