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‘If not now, then never’: Conceptualising the grad trip

July 8, 2025

As the inaugural NUS Commencement season approaches, graduates are ushered into the working world, marking the end of their formal education and the beginning of an adulthood defined by professional employment. Many Singaporean youths, eager to savour the last bit of carefree freedom afforded by their youth, may choose to embark on grad (graduation) trips …

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The Making of Modern Chinese Medicine in Singapore: Actions and Interactions of the State and Professional Organizations (1867–2013)

June 27, 2025

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long been a quiet but enduring presence in Singapore, as seen in the unassuming clinics tucked into the corners of bustling neighbourhoods, or in the familiar glass jars of herbs at void deck shops passed down through generations. Amidst this everyday presence, where does TCM stand within Singapore’s modern healthcare …

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Childlessness and sibling positioning in upward intergenerational support: Insight from Singapore

June 25, 2025

Amidst the growing prevalence of childlessness across many societies today, there is increasing concern about the support received by older individuals. Despite this concern, little research has explored the interplay between childlessness and sibling structure in the provision of upward intergenerational support. The study ‘Childlessness and Sibling Positioning in Upward Intergenerational Support: Insight from Singapore’ …

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Factors influencing intention to engage in human-chatbot interaction: examining user perceptions and context culture orientation

June 18, 2025

Digitisation and the rapid progression of information communication technologies have led to the development of chatbots, which are artificial intelligence systems simulating human conversations with users. As chatbots become increasingly capable of understanding complex human requests and personalised to user needs, they have become exceedingly popular on the internet. In “Factors influencing intention to engage …

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A Cross-Country Study of Comparative Optimism About Privacy Risks on Social Media

June 11, 2025

In the digital age, numerous studies have highlighted the phenomenon of comparative optimism among social media users regarding online privacy risks. This optimism involves individuals believing they are less likely to be affected by privacy breaches compared to others, leading them to take fewer preventive measures. ‘A Cross-Country Study of Comparative Optimism About Privacy Risks …

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The early Baba Malay continuum

June 4, 2025

In 19th century Singapore, a unique creole emerged among the Straits-born Peranakan community. Descendants of early Chinese traders who married local Malay women were referred to as Peranakans, with males known as Babas and females Nyonyas. The Peranakans settled largely in coastal Malacca and Singapore, developing a hybrid culture which they expressed through Baba Malay, …

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An ASEAN identity

May 28, 2025

Since its establishment during the 1967 Bangkok Declaration in Thailand, ASEAN has continuously built upon the concept of an ‘ASEAN identity’. The notion of an ‘ASEAN identity’ was relatively nascent at first but has evolved significantly through key agreements, programs, and activities since the 2000s. These efforts have fuelled ASEAN’s progress in fostering socio-cultural collaboration …

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Afterlives

May 22, 2025

Nestled along South Bridge Road in Singapore’s bustling Chinatown, the Sri Mariamman Temple stands out as a vivid landmark, in bold contrast to its urban surroundings. With its towering gopuram (the ornate entrance tower) lavishly adorned with intricately sculpted deities, demons, and celestial beings painted in jewel-toned crimson, emeralds, and golds, the temple commands both …

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Airport Robots: Automation, everyday life and the futures of urbanism

May 21, 2025

In 2014, the Singapore government launched the Smart Nation initiative, heralding a new era of digital transformation in the city-state. From the development of the Punggol digital district to the introduction of robotic policing and AI in healthcare, Singapore has embraced technology as the core in its vision for the future of cities.   In ‘Airport …

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Beyond technocratic statecraft: contentious politics and Singapore’s third leadership transition

May 15, 2025

Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong’s announcement of stepping down after a 20-year tenure came with the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as his successor in May 2024. This decision followed years of speculation and uncertainty, particularly after then-Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat declared in April 2021 that he intended to step …

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