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.

‘No money, no walk’ – is cash the ultimate motivator for staying active?

‘No money, no walk’ – is cash the ultimate motivator for staying active?

Speakers: Prof Eric Andrew Finkelstein and Michelle Chow 8 Sep 2024

We all know that exercising is important, but sometimes we need a little push to get off the couch. Many reward-based physical activity programmes have been rolled out and have met with success, yet, maintaining physical activity continues to be a challenge. Prof Eric Andrew Finkelstein from the Programme in Health Services and Systems Research, and Executive Director, Lien Centre for Palliative Care; and Ms Michelle Chow, Research Assistant, from the same Centre, at the Duke-NUS Medical School observe that while cash rewards have a place in health promotion programmes, it is not the only effective motivator.

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Youth radicalisation now encompasses more than religious extremism

Youth radicalisation now encompasses more than religious extremism

Speaker: Speaker: Assoc Prof Carol Soon and Hannah Nor’hisham | 25 February 2026

With AI translation tools, what’s the point of learning different languages?

With AI translation tools, what’s the point of learning different languages?

Speaker: Speaker: By Dr Daniel Chan | 21 February 2026

Trump’s Board of Peace: Should we take it literally or seriously?

Trump’s Board of Peace: Should we take it literally or seriously?

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Simon Chesterman | 16 February 2026

Income growth alone won’t sustain social mobility here

Income growth alone won’t sustain social mobility here

Speaker: Speaker: Dr Mathew Mathews | 11 February 2026

Flexible multilateralism for a world in flux

Flexible multilateralism for a world in flux

Speaker: Speakers: Ms Jesslene Lee, Researcher, and Professor (Practice) Paul Cheung | 10 February 2026

Why healthcare innovation must be a team sport

Why healthcare innovation must be a team sport

Speaker: Speaker: Asst Prof Rena Dharmawan | 7 February 2026

Preparing for a future where water costs more

Preparing for a future where water costs more

Speaker: Speaker: Asst Prof Tan-Soo Jie-Sheng | 3 February 2026

Singapore as a super-aged society: Can its health system cope?

Singapore as a super-aged society: Can its health system cope?

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Teo Yik Ying | 2 February 2026

India-EU’s ‘mother of all deals’ is much more than just a trade pact

India-EU’s ‘mother of all deals’ is much more than just a trade pact

Speaker: Speaker: Dr Amitendu Pali | 29 January 2026