News
In the second half of the twentieth century, Singapore emerged as a key site for the practice of conservative ideology in Asia. This conservatism was developed through a network of intellectuals, institutions, and cultural projects across Asia and the West. One such figure was Chinese political philosopher Wu Teh Yao (1916-1994) whose peripatetic life spanned […]
What if punishing a child for lying makes them more likely to hide the truth next time? Parents often turn to strict discipline because they want to teach children right from wrong. However, new research from the NUS Department of Psychology suggests that harsh or overly controlling parenting may have the opposite effect. Rather than […]
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 […]
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) […]