News

Is a non-tech degree worth it?

November 13, 2023

In episode 4 of “Lens On Singapore” (The Business Times, October 2023), Jonathan Sim (Lecturer, NUS Philosophy) champions the humanities in our tech-driven age. Sim, who transitioned from computer engineering to philosophy, personifies the podcast’s central theme: the intrinsic value of non-technical education. He argues that the true worth of an individual transcends their academic […]

Ruminating on the FASS Distinguished Lecture Series in Buddhist Studies

November 8, 2023

On 14 October 2022, eminent scholar Professor Justin McDaniel from University of Pennsylvania delivered the inaugural lecture, entitled “Hypnotic Ecologies and Thin Description in the Study of Southeast Asian Buddhist Art.”

Lights. Camera. Action on Caldecott

November 8, 2023

In “Lights. Camera. Action on Caldecott” (October, 2023), Channel NewsAsia delves into the history of Singapore’s broadcasting hub, the Caldecott Broadcast Centre. The documentary spans many decades, and discusses the intersections between developments in Singapore’s broadcasting industry and the nation’s history. Dr Jinna Tay (Senior Lecturer, NUS Communications and New Media) provides her expertise to […]

A Novel Graph-Based Framework for Classifying Urban Functional Zones with Multisource Data and Human Mobility Patterns

November 6, 2023

Since 1999, GIS Day has been held annually in mid-November to celebrate the technology of geographic information systems (GIS). GIS technologies capture data about spatial relationships across Earth’s surface and have important applications in urban planning and zone classification. However, specific applications such as classifying urban functional zones (UFZs) into industrial, residential, and other categories […]

Commentary: Singapore has long resisted unemployment benefits, so why the change of heart?

November 1, 2023

Once staunchly against unemployment benefits, Singapore is currently in the midst of reconsidering its stance. In ‘Commentary: Singapore has long resisted unemployment benefits, so why the change of heart?’ (Channel NewsAsia, October 2023), Dr Kelvin Seah (NUS Economics) explores this development and points to the whirlwind of economic changes and tech disruptions as the driving […]

Tacit knowledge, localization push, and diffusion of science: Evidence from Singapore

October 31, 2023

As part of its efforts to protect intellectual property rights, the Singapore Parliament passed the Patents Act on 31 October, 1994. Given the difficulties for private parties to derive commercial benefits from investment in basic scientific research, besides legal protection, public funding is also necessary to sustain basic research. A natural question then is, to […]

Falls among Asians Living in Small Apartments Designed for Older Adults in Singapore

October 30, 2023

World Cities Day is celebrated on 31 October in recognition of our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal #11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive and safe. In Singapore, a city with one of the fastest rates of aging worldwide, the need for age-friendly neighbourhoods has led to housing innovations such as the […]

Delayed Gratification Predicts Behavioral and Academic Outcomes: Examining the Validity of the Delay-of-Gratification Choice Paradigm in Singaporean Young Children

October 25, 2023

The first paper featuring the famous marshmallow test by Stanford psychologist Walter Mischel was published in October 1970. It is arguably one of the most memorable studies on Delay-of-Gratification (DoG) in children, which tests children for their ability to withstand short-term temptation in view of a possibly better long-term reward. While much DoG research so […]

Flexible work arrangements can’t be for just well-paid professionals

October 18, 2023

Amidst the turbulence and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies adapted by adopting flexible working arrangements, which have since become commonplace. However, this flexibility is not enjoyed by all, often being the exclusive prerogative of well-paid work.   In their insightful article titled “Flexible work arrangements can’t be for just well-paid professionals” (The Straits Times, […]

Book Launch – The Tropical Turn: Agricultural Innovation in the Ancient Middle East and the Mediterranean by Dr Sureshkumar Muthukumaran

October 18, 2023

Here are some of the highlights from the book launch of ‘The Tropical Turn: Agricultural Innovation in the Ancient Middle East and the Mediterranean‘ by Dr Sureshkumar Muthukumaran (NUS History)!