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.

To tackle Kpods and vaping, young people need facts, not fear

Speaker: Elyssa Liu 26 Aug 2025

From 1 September, the government classified etomidate – an anaesthetic found in Kpods – as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Dealers may face jail terms and even caning, while users will be placed under supervision and rehabilitation, with repeat offenders potentially facing imprisonment. History shows that when demand remains, supply finds a way to adapt. Elyssa Liu, Team Leader for Legal Frameworks and Governance at the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness, notes that unless demand is curbed, new substances will continue to surface and take the place of etomidate in vapes.

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The carbon case for going green is only half the story

The carbon case for going green is only half the story

Speaker: Speakers: Associate Professor Alberto Salvo, Associate Professor Timothy Wong and Mr Zhihao Han | 30 July 2026

US-Iran war has unleashed forces that will reshape the Gulf

US-Iran war has unleashed forces that will reshape the Gulf

Speaker: Speaker: Professor Joseph Chinyong Liow | 24 July 2026

The other recession risk that Singapore should be wary of

The other recession risk that Singapore should be wary of

Speaker: Speakers: Mr Nicholas Thomas and Mr Wilson Goh | 22 July 2026

Gillman Barracks - can we rethink how the public participates in decisions on redevelopment?

Gillman Barracks - can we rethink how the public participates in decisions on redevelopment?

Speaker: Speaker: Ms Melissa Low | 15 July 2026

The education arms race cannot be solved by MOE alone

The education arms race cannot be solved by MOE alone

Speaker: Speakers: Mr Nicholas Thomas | 10 July 2026

We can’t wait for an AI crisis before taking action

We can’t wait for an AI crisis before taking action

Speaker: Speaker: Professor Simon Chesterman | 6 July 2026

Can Jurong Lake District become Singapore’s second central business district?

Can Jurong Lake District become Singapore’s second central business district?

Speaker: Speakers: Professor Sing Tien Foo | 3 July 2026

SpaceX’s investors are giving up control to buy into Musk’s vision

SpaceX’s investors are giving up control to buy into Musk’s vision

Speaker: Speaker: Prof Johan Sulaeman | 3 July 2026

Small states are the best bet for keeping world at peace

Small states are the best bet for keeping world at peace

Speaker: Speakers: Professor Danny Quah | 1 July 2026

The old model is broken. Telcos need to reinvent themselves

The old model is broken. Telcos need to reinvent themselves

Speaker: Speaker: Asst Prof Tiffany Tsai | 24 June 2026