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Marked by long working hours and high academic expectations, Singapore’s competitive culture has heavily influenced the early childhood education (ECE) landscape. With ECE centres operating long hours to support working parents, the structured curriculum prioritises academic preparation, distinguishing it from models in countries that focus on holistic child development. This raises important questions about the […]
Fundraising appeals featuring children, especially when they are portrayed as victims in need or distress, naturally tug at our heartstrings and evoke deep compassion from potential donors. While this strategy is undeniably effective in raising funds to meet pressing needs, it raises an important question: Is compassion enough? Our answer is clear—compassion alone is not […]
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, football fans worldwide are abuzz with anticipation and fervour. However, alongside this fervour, the risks of sports betting loom large. During the last World Cup, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) released a sobering campaign video showing how an innocent interest in sports can spiral into financial […]
As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday work, study, and decision-making, universities are facing a familiar but newly urgent question: what kind of education helps students thrive in a world shaped by rapid technological change? In “AI时代与大学的人文教育” [Humanities Education in the Age of AI] (Lianhe Zaobao, 28 May 2026), Raffles Professor of Humanities Ong Chang […]
Few genres in Singapore’s cultural history are remembered as warmly as xinyao, a uniquely Singaporean genre of Mandarin songs that emerged among students in the late 1970s and 1980s. Often associated with campus life, youth, friendship, and simple guitar melodies, xinyao is frequently treated as a musical expression of ‘small sentiments’. Yet behind these intimate […]
Before visiting a new restaurant, booking a hotel, or trying a service, many of us now do the same thing almost instinctively: we check the reviews. A few stars, a handful of comments, and a quick scroll through photos can shape our expectations before we even step through the door. In an April episode of […]
The shifting demographics of advanced economies bring pressing challenges, with low fertility rates and aging populations at the forefront. These phenomena are shaped by trends such as dual-income-no-kids (DINK) families, evolving societal norms about marriage and childbearing, and increasing career prioritisation among young adults. As societies grapple with the socio-economic consequences of these shifts, including […]
From chatbots in classrooms to AI assistants in workplaces, even religion is beginning to enter the digital age. The recent rise of robot monks in East Asia has sparked global fascination and debates over whether technology could one day replace spiritual leaders. In ‘Why Robot Monks Cannot Replace Human Faith’ (Eurasia Review, May 2026), Associate […]
How much trust should we place in opinion polls, especially when election outcomes or public sentiment contradict them at times? While polls are often criticised as biased and politically motivated, in ‘Polls are a “public good”, they deserve to be better understood’ (LSE Impact, May 2026), Assistant Professor Ozan Kuru (NUS Communications and New Media) […]
At a time when public life around the world is increasingly shaped by division, speed, and polarisation, a quiet act of walking across the United States has prompted wider reflection on peace, community, and social cohesion. In “Peace in Motion: A Buddhist Journey for Social Cohesion in a Divided World” (RSIS Commentary, 20 April 2026), […]