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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Open for business, closed in our hearts? Immigration and future of Singapore identity

Open for business, closed in our hearts? Immigration and future of Singapore identity

Speaker: Speakers: Dr Mathew Mathews and Dr Melvin Tay | 24 December 2025

All I want for Christmas is the same old thing

All I want for Christmas is the same old thing

Speaker: Speakers: Dr Justin Lee, Dr Robyn Tan and Ms Liang Kaixin | 24 December 2025

Singapore’s social cohesion faces big test in the age of borderless viral hate speech

Singapore’s social cohesion faces big test in the age of borderless viral hate speech

Speaker: Speaker: Associate Professor Jaclyn L Neo  | 20 December 2025

Coming face to face with war in a wildlife sanctuary

Coming face to face with war in a wildlife sanctuary

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Teo Yik Ying | 17 December 2025

Does it really matter where our food is grown?

Does it really matter where our food is grown?

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Lawrence Loh and Florence Leong | 16 December 2025

Harmless fun? People are using Sora to create problematic videos

Harmless fun? People are using Sora to create problematic videos

Speaker: Speaker: Elvin Xing and Sophy Tio | 11 December 2025

Kopi, kaya and a longer life: Hawker centres hold the key

Kopi, kaya and a longer life: Hawker centres hold the key

Speaker: Speaker: Dr Daniel Mahadzir | 27 November 2025

IPS study: Unity, belonging and pride at the heart of national identity

IPS study: Unity, belonging and pride at the heart of national identity

Speaker: Speaker: Dr Mathew Mathews | 27 November 2025

Singapore's silent crisis: Is grandpa eating well and enough?

Singapore's silent crisis: Is grandpa eating well and enough?

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Teo Yik Ying | 19 November 2025