What does it mean be Singaporean? In a recent study conducted by IPS and CNA, many identified Singlish, multiculturalism and iconic national symbols such as the Merlion and local hawker fare to be what they associate closely with Singapore’s national identity. It prompts the question, how did we arrive at this national identity, and how will it evolve as the world around us changes? 

In the tenth episode of Singapore Unpacked, Host Liang Kaixin sits with Professor Wang Gungwu, University Professor at NUS and IPS’ 12th S R Nathan Fellow, and Melvin Tay, Research Fellow at IPS Social Lab, to examine a question that is both ancient and contemporary: how have great civilisations — Indic, Sinic, and Islamic — shaped Singapore’s identity today, and how do these civilisational influences sit alongside the modern Singapore state? 

Prof Wang took a long view of the history of Singapore. He situates Singapore within a Southeast Asian region historically defined by waterways, trade, exchange and long-running cultural influences, arguing that civilisations are not bounded by borders but travel through ideas, meanings and ways of life. He also traces how Singapore emerged with a distinctive British imperial culture, as a modern, secular and capitalist state. The British also brought the free port model and the administrative ordering of a port city to Singapore. 

Speaking on Singapore’s post-independence choices, Prof Wang emphasises that Singapore decided to be a uniquely plural society: a society that does not expect a single civilisation or culture to dominate, and that relies on the law to uphold equality across groups. He also highlights how major political decisions — including maintaining armed forces and adopting English as an official language — shaped the framework within which a national culture and identity could evolve. 

To bring in perspectives from the contemporary, Melvin shares on the findings from the IPS-CNA Study on National Identity in Singapore, including survey responses showing that over 95% of respondents say Singapore has an identity, even if there is diversity in what people think that identity comprises. He discusses how “good food” and “speaking Singlish” frequently appear in open-ended responses, alongside tangible markers like the Merlion and the Singapore passport, while practices such as multiculturalism, being multi-racial and multi-religious, and meritocracy are closely linked to respondents’ sense of pride and belonging.

In closing, the guests concludes Singapore’s national identity to be a continuing work in progress. Questions on topics like immigration — including how Singaporeans view new migrants, and whether newcomers adopt Singapore’s norms, practices and values — will shape how the national identity evolves, intersecting with the modernisation of the civilisational influences that have historically shaped the nation. 

About our Guests: 
Wang Gungwu
University Professor, NUS
12th S R Nathan Fellow 
Professor Wang Gungwu is best-known for his explorations of Chinese history in the long view, and for his writings on the Chinese diaspora.  He has been University Professor of the National University of Singapore (NUS) since 2007, and Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University since 1988. 

Professor Wang received his BA and MA from University of Malaya (UM) in Singapore, and PhD at the University of London (1957). His early teaching career was in the UM History Department at Singapore, and then at Kuala Lumpur,1957-1968, and History Chair at UM in Kuala Lumpur,1963-1968. He was appointed to the Chair of Far Eastern History at the Australian National University, 1968-1986, where he was also Director of the Research of Pacific Studies, 1975-1980. From 1986 to 1995, he was Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong. In Singapore, he was Director of the East Asian Institute (EAI) 1997-2007 and Chairman of EAI 2007-2018; Chairman of Yusuf Ishak ISEAS, 2002-2019; Chairman of Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, 2005-2017. 

Melvin Tay
Research Fellow at IPS Social Lab
Dr Melvin Tay is Research Fellow in the Institute of Policy Studies’ Social Lab. His research interests lie at the intersection of politics and society; with a focus on societal faultlines, their significance, and their management via policy instruments and community platforms. He has scoped, managed, and contributed to several public sector-commissioned projects on race, religion, immigration, class, sexuality, age and education – key faultlines in the Singapore context. 

Find Out More:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/cna-ips-survey-singapore-national-identity-5419781
https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/default-source/ips/wp69-perceptions-of-and-challenges-to-singaporean-ness-key-findings-from-the-ips-cna-survey-on-national-identity.pdf?sfvrsn=f471070a_4

For those who wish to delve deeper into Singapore’s national identity, visit IPScommons.sg or follow @IPS_sg on Instagram and TikTok. 

Casual racism in Singapore often emerges not from deliberate malice, but from unconscious biases embedded in everyday choices at work. In this episode of Singapore Unpacked, host Liang Kaixin is joined by IPS researcher, Sophy Tio, and Lepak Conversations founder and Director, Yulianna Frederika, to unpack how unconscious bias operates within the context of workplace life.

Drawing on Sophy’s experience running the IPS Programme on Race, Religion and Intergroup Cohesion (RRIC) and Yulianna’s work facilitating conversations on Malay/Muslim issues, they explore how acts underlined by unconscious biases can shape hiring, promotions, team culture and a sense of belonging in multi-racial, multi-religious workplaces.

The discussion surfaces how in-group and out-group biases can lead minorities to hide aspects of their identity in order to fit in, such as through anglicising their names in professional settings. The guests also discuss different approaches when faced with instances of racism in the workplaces. Although they agree on the need to correct such behaviours, they also note the need to be aware of the generally non-confrontational social norm in Asian societies. Practising allyship by checking in with colleagues, rather than placing the burden entirely on minorities to speak up is also important if its not always appropriate to speak out publicly.

Both guests emphasise the role of leadership in setting the tone, whether through modelling inclusive behaviour, addressing inappropriate comments made in public channels, or building trust so employees can safely use grievance processes linked to the Workplace Fairness legislation and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP). At the organisational level, their discussion looks at how diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), psychological safety and workplace fairness are often seen as burdens or “woke” agendas, and how reframing them in terms of team performance, productivity, retention and reputational risk can help organisations take them seriously.

In closing, the episode turns to technology. Both guests see artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool that can either entrench or help stamp out bias, depending on how it is trained and used. They discuss how AI can support blind hiring, analyse workforce diversity data and provide sensitivity training, including IPS RRIC’s use of AI chatbots to let participants practise intervening in difficult scenarios in a safe space. The episode ends with practical suggestions to nip unconscious biases in the workplace in the bud, from reducing tokenistic one-off celebrations in favour of meaningful, long-term inclusion efforts, to rethinking resume screening and everyday habits so that workplace fairness is reinforced not only by law, but by culture.  

About our Guests: 
Yulianna Frederika 
Founder and Director of Lepak Conversations
Yulianna Frederika is the founder of Lepak Conversations, a non-profit that facilitates accessible dialogue on Malay/Muslim issues through educational content on Instagram and offline community events. It tackles pertinent social issues such as racism in workplaces and Malay men’s mental health, and seeks to build allyship between people in Singapore and Malay/Muslim communities, thereby encouraging racial harmony. 

Sophy Tio 
Research Associate at IPS
Sophy Tio is a Research Associate at the Institute of Policy Studies. She is Lead Facilitator and Coordinator of the IPS Programme on Race, Religion and Intergroup Cohesion since its inception in 2022, and has been involved in the design and delivery of its workshops and in the studies conducted as part of the programme. To date, she has run about 70 sessions with more than 1,900 participants across various audiences. Sophy’s research interests lie in cultural diplomacy, transculturality, race and immigration, particularly the diasporic movement of Indian communities. Her current work focuses on diversity, inclusivity and equity in Singapore, investigating the landscape of racism and exploring ways to address it. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in South Asian Studies from the National University of Singapore, and a Master of Arts in Transcultural Studies from Heidelberg University in Germany. 

Find Out More:  

• https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/news/details/ips-working-papers-no.-59-results-from-the-ips-onepeople.sg-indicators-of-racial-and-religious-harmony-2024

• https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/rric/publication/commentary-dont-underestimate-casual-racism-at-singapore-workplaces/

For more on workplace fairness in Singapore, visit IPScommons.sg or follow @IPS_sg on Instagram and TikTok.  

Headlines about million-dollar HDB flats have revived big questions about affordability and purpose. In this episode, host Liang Kaixin speaks with Christopher Gee, Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow at IPS, and Ismail Gafoor, Executive Chairman at PropNex Realty, to explore what housing means to Singaporeans today and what it ought to mean for the next generation.

Together they unpack the multiple roles public housing is expected to play — shelter, store of value, citizenry, and tradable asset. For young first-timers, affordability looms large; for older owners, flat appreciation is often tied to retirement security. Balancing these different — and sometimes conflicting — priorities is no easy task for policymakers. Both guests stress that housing prices must ultimately be grounded by wages and real needs, rather than headlines or market momentum.

Mr Gafoor offers a ground-level view of buyer and seller behaviour: what are speculative versus reality, and what expectations are driving demands. Mr Gee situates these choices within the wider social compact: public housing as both a citizenship benefit, and a  responsibility to future entrants into the system. The tension, they note, lies in how these four roles are deeply intertwined. Sustaining balance means protecting on entry points for first-timers, keeping pathways open across the system, and recognising public housing as part of Singapore’s wider social compact.

Looking ahead, the episode examines long-term questions around 99-year leases, lease decay, retirement adequacy and potential redevelopment pathways such as Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS). Rather than defer difficult trade-offs to the next generation, the guests call for clearer communication on lease policies, calibrated supply, and flexible lease terms to better match the diverse needs and demands of buyers. 

About our Guests:
Christopher Gee
Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Director at IPS
Christopher Gee is Deputy Director (Research) and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore. His core research interests are the policy implications and outcomes from Singapore’s demographic trends, with a specific emphasis on housing, healthcare and retirement adequacy, based on research on the generational economy through National Transfer Accounts and National Time Transfer Accounts frameworks. Chris is also part of a team at the Institute embarking on a social impact and eco-system capacity building initiative in Singapore. This initiative aims to catalyse outcomes-based social programming through the establishment of connecting infrastructure to gather, distil and share evidence and insights of the changes resulting in desired social outcomes.  

Ismail Gafoor
Executive Chairman of PropNex Realty 
Mr Ismail Gafoor is the Executive Chairman of PropNex Realty, Singapore’s largest listed real estate agency and a Fortune 500 Southeast Asia company. With close to 30 years of industry experience, he is a visionary leader and a respected authority in real estate. A multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Ismail has earned numerous accolades and was honoured as NSman of the Year, retiring as a Colonel after 34 years of service in the Army. 

Beyond his corporate achievements, he is a celebrated author of self-enrichment and investment books. His best-selling titles include “You Can Fly”, “The Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Investment in Singapore” and “The Timeless Gift”. Mr Ismail also recently launched a national best-selling book titled “I Am Not Good Enough”, featuring a foreword by the President of the Republic of Singapore, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Known for his keen insights, eloquence, and ability to inspire, Ismail continues to lead PropNex with a vision that shapes Singapore’s real estate landscape.

Find Out More:  

• https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/news/details/ips-working-papers-no.-53-public-housing-in-singapore-four-principles-for-public-deliberation
• https://www.melisten.sg/podcast/playlist/Open-House-174966/Voluntary-Early-Redevelopment-Scheme--VERS---How-will-it-refresh-ageing-HDB-towns---Christopher-Gee--Deputy-Director-%26-Senior-Research-Fellow--Institute-of-Policy-Studies--3010031 
• https://www.todayonline.com/commentary/why-hdb-owners-should-forget-about-getting-windfall-vers 

For more on housing policies in Singapore, visit IPScommons.sg or follow @IPS_sg on Instagram and TikTok.

Deepfake technology has come a long way, but its misuse is creating real-world damages, especially amongst Singapore’s youths. In this episode, host Liang Kaixin is joined by Dr Annabelle Chow, Principal Clinical Psychologist at Annabelle Psychology, and Dr Chew Han Ei, Senior Research Fellow and Head, Governance and Economy at IPS,  to unpack the fallout from the recent Singapore Sports School incident, where students circulated deepfake nude images of their peers. They also explore the way forward for protecting youths from similar online harms in this age of AI.

Dr Chew notes that official figures understate the problem: based on non-profit organisation SG Her Empowerment’s 2023 national study, about 10 per cent of young Singaporeans reported experiencing image‑based sexual abuse — including deepfakes — yet many youths were unaware of any avenues for recourse.

In turn, Dr Chow shares that clinically, deepfake victimisation often constitutes a form of relational trauma. She describes how survivors, after being betrayed by classmates or friends, face shock, shame and self‑blame. They struggle with mistrust, hypervigilance and even PTSD‑like reactions, despite knowing the images are fabricated. Many victims minimise the harm, delaying help‑seeking until the emotional toll becomes severe.

Both guests see a need for balanced responses when it comes to perpetrators. While survivors seek justice and accountability, Dr Chow advocates for empathy, education, and restorative pathways alongside appropriate punishments, to address underlying emotional and developmental issues before recidivism takes hold.

Looking ahead, the guests argue that no single fix will suffice. A new Online Safety Commission that will be launched in 2026, as well as existing legal penalties, offer crucial deterrence and redress, but education on digital empathy, emotional literacy and age‑appropriate platform design are equally urgent.

If you are facing emotional distress: 

• Call Samaritans of Singapore’s 24-hour hotline (1-767) 
• WhatsApp Samaritans of Singapore’s (+65 9151 1767) 

Support centres for online harm:

• SG Her Empowerment 
  • Helpline: 8001 01 4616 (Mon-Fri, 9 am-9 pm) 
  • WhatsApp: 6571 4400 (Mon-Fri, 9 am-9 pm) 
  • Email: [email protected]  
  • Address: SCWO, 96 Waterloo St, Singapore 187967 
• AWARE Sexual Assault Care Centre.  
  • Helpline: 6779 0282 (Mon-Fri, 10 am to 6 pm)
  • WhatsApp: 9781 4101
  • Email: [email protected] 
  • Address: 5 Dover Cres, #01-22, Singapore 130005  

About our Guests: 
Chew Han Ei 
Senior Research Fellow and Head, Governance and Economy at IPS
Dr Chew Han Ei is Head of Governance and Economy at the Institute of Policy Studies, where he leads research on digital trust, online harms, and technology adoption. His studies have informed national strategies on user protection, digital inclusion, and responsible tech use.

He also serves on the board of SG Her Empowerment, where he guides a multi-year study on online harms and helped establish SHECARES@SCWO — Singapore’s first support centre for victims of online harms. He has also contributed to international research with UNESCO on digital literacy and gender gaps.

As part of his research, Han Ei once deepfaked himself using AI — just to see how easy it was. It worked. That image now lives, locked away in a digital vault.
 
Dr Annabelle Chow
MAPS FCCLP MSRO MSPS
Principal Clinical Psychologist, Annabelle Psychology
Dr Annabelle Chow is the principal clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology. She is registered with the Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP) and accredited by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She is also a Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, and is a Clinical Supervisor registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and with the Singapore Register of Psychologists.

She has clinical experience in both acute and community settings in Singapore and Australia. Her interest covers those of personality disorders, trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, and relationship difficulties. She regularly works with patients at risk of suicide and self-harm. 

Beyond clinical practice, she is also passionate about raising awareness and psychoeducation. She has collaborated with organisations to address issues such as financial cybercrime and scams, emphasising the importance of creating awareness and safe environments for individuals in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Annabelle strongly believes that the needs of everyone are unique and different, reflecting this philosophy in the careful selection of therapy and her relational approach tailored to each individual needs. 

Find Out More:

• https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/deepfake-nude-apps-are-ruining-lives-and-have-no-place-in-app-stores

For more on online harms in the age of AI adoption in Singapore, visit IPScommons.sg or follow @IPS_sg on Instagram and TikTok.

Are you concerned that robots might be coming for your job? With Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancing at lightning speed, many Singaporeans are asking tough questions about their future in the workforce.

In this episode, host Liang Kaixin sits down with Dr Laurel Teo, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Society and Culture at IPS, and Jonathan Sim, Lecturer at the NUS Learning & Development Academy, to explore the realities of AI’s impact on jobs and share practical strategies for thriving in an AI-driven world .

They kick off by separating hype from headwinds: while recent high-profile layoffs were not all AI-driven, the rapid uptake of tools like ChatGPT sends a clear signal that the nature of work is about to change dramatically. The guests also discussed where AI will hit hardest and where humans remain indispensable. Tasks rooted in pattern-matching — literature reviews, coding syntax, X-ray diagnosis — can be largely automated, whereas decision-making, judgment, cultural sensitivity and artisanal craftsmanship remain human domains.

On the topic of the future of work in the age of AI, both guests argue that success hinges on skill sets such as input mastery (crafting precise prompts, curating high-quality data and framing the right questions) and human soft skills (creativity, critical thinking, adaptability and the ability to tell compelling stories). They also explored how organisations might need to rethink entry-level roles and how schools and universities can adjust their curriculum so that students are better prepared when they seek employment in the near future.

About our Guests: 
Laurel Teo 
Senior Research Fellow & Head, Society and Culture at IPS
Laurel studies how people think, feel, and behave in organisations. Her research interests focus on the Future of Work and how technological changes influence individual, interpersonal and intergroup dynamics in the workplace. She hopes that her research can help make the workplace — whether physical or virtual — a fairer and happier one where people can thrive at what they do best. 


Jonathan Sim 
Lecturer, NUS Learning & Development Academy
Jonathan Sim is Lecturer of AI and Philosophy at the NUS Learning & Development Academy and the Department of Philosophy, where he teaches both the Philosophy of AI and Computing and Chinese Philosophy to undergraduates and working professionals — and he is exploring how the future of work and education will transform with AI. He is also Fellow at the NUS Teaching Academy, exploring new challenges that AI poses to education, and ways to use AI to enhance teaching and learning.

Find Out More: 

• https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/news/details/are-singaporeans-ready-for-the-future-of-work
• Less-educated Singaporeans at risk of falling behind as jobs change: IPS study

For more on AI and its impact on work in Singapore, visit IPScommons.sg or follow @IPS_sg on Instagram and TikTok.

With the COVID-19 pandemic normalising work-from-home arrangements and a growing need to juggle careers with caregiving for young children or seniors, the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) took effect last December to help employees and employers find a balance.

In this episode of Singapore Unpacked, host Liang Kaixin sits down with Dr Tan Poh Lin, IPS Senior Research Fellow, and Mr Ang Yuit, President of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME). Drawing on survey data and real-world experience, they unpack how the policies have played out in practice.

Dr Tan shares that although pandemic-era telecommuting initially intensified household conflicts, these strains gave way to stronger family bonds once routines normalised after lockdown. Mr Ang Yuit, drawing on his experiences working with SMEs, shares on the new FWA request process: how a simple formal request mechanism can help employers and employees rethink work arrangements, why SMEs often lead in informal flexibility while larger firms struggle with rigid HR policies, and how frontline workers can take on flexible hours and/or load even when their work locations cannot be changed. 

The episode also delves into the double-edged impact of FWAs for women — having more work-life balance but risking  the “mommy-track” labelling for their careers. This suggests that sustainable success requires clear performance metrics and ongoing dialogue between employers and employees.

About our Guests:
Tan Poh Lin
Senior Research Fellow at IPS
Tan Poh Lin is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore. She obtained her PhD in Public Policy from Duke University and BA in Economics from Princeton University. Her research is on family and population policy, the tension between fertility and human capital accumulation, and family dynamics in Singapore. She serves as Secretary of the Population Association of Singapore and Steering Committee Member of the Centre for Family and Population Research, National University of Singapore. 

Ang Yuit
President Association of Small & Medium Enterprises
Managing Director, The Adventus Consultants Pte Ltd
Ang Yuit is the Managing Director of The Adventus Consultants Pte Ltd, a digital solutions company, and currently serves as the President of the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME). Mr Ang Yuit joined ASME as a council member in 2009. Throughout his time, he has helmed positions as the Vice President of Membership and Training, and Strategy and Development. He is also the Chairman of the Global Ready Talent Programme and SME Centre@ASME, the latter set up by Enterprise Singapore to provide comprehensive business advisory services and assistance to local SMEs. In 2023, Mr. Ang was elected President of the 28th Executive Council, marking a significant milestone in his longstanding involvement with ASME. Throughout his 15-year tenure, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to empowering SMEs, leveraging his expertise and experience to drive impactful initiatives that support their growth and success.

Find Out More:  

The Impact of Teleworking on Women’s Work–Life Balance and Life Satisfaction: a Longitudinal Study from Singapore:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11482-024-10340-x
Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWAR):
https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/good-work-practices/flexible-work-arrangements

For more on flexible work in Singapore and its implications for gender, caregiving and productivity, visit IPScommons.sg or follow @IPS_sg on Instagram and TikTok.

Every now and then, discussions on the CMIO model — Chinese, Malay, Indian and Others — resurface in Singapore, debating its usefulness and relevance. In the latest 2024 Institute of Policy Studies survey on Race, Religion and Language which polled 4,000 Singaporean residents, when asked whether to keep, remove or change the CMIO framework, as many as one in five respondents (22 per cent) chose the “not sure” option, while the majority wanted the framework to stay. What does this mean for Singaporeans, and how does it impact those who fall under the “Other” category?

In this episode of Singapore Unpacked, host Liang Kaixin sits down with Dr Mathew Mathews, Principal Research Fellow and Head of Social Lab at IPS, and Elliott Danker, a media consultant, to explore what those numbers mean for how Singaporeans view race, identity and belonging.

Dr Mathew explains that, while academics often critique the CMIO categories for privileging fixed group identities, most Singaporeans still see the model as an everyday administrative necessity, from housing quotas to self-help group membership. Elliott Danker, drawing on his own experience as an Eurasian — which falls into the “Others” category — describes how he and his family members differ in their views of this category. He reflects on Eurasian traditions, growing up with mixed heritage, and on how today’s intermarriages and “new Eurasians” challenge the neat categories of the past.

The episode explores how a more inclusive racial model might better capture Singapore’s evolving multiracial reality, and as Singapore absorbs new citizens from all corners of the globe, how can we retain this administrative tool without constraining our sense of kinship and shared national identity? 

About our Guests
Dr Mathew Mathews
Principal Research Fellow & Head, Social Lab at IPS 
Dr Mathew Mathews is Head, IPS Social Lab and Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore. He also leads the IPS Programme on Race, Religion and Intergroup Cohesion which regularly conducts workshops on diversity matters.

Mathews has been the lead investigator of over 70 research projects, most of them related to social policy. His work on identity and social cohesion includes several national surveys examining ethnic, religious and national identity, as well as support for policies and interventions to maintain social harmony. Mathews has published on ethnic identity and harmony building in a range of books and journals. He has also led forums and conferences on these issues. 

Mathews is President of Alive Community Network and sits on the boards of OnePeople.sg, National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre and Money Sense Council. He is a Research Advisor to the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Elliott Danker
Media Consultant
Elliott Danker is currently a media consultant focused on business and brand development through audio channels like podcasting as well as media training and interview negotiations. He specialises in geopolitical, policy, law and tech interviews.

He is a former anchor presenter and founding member of Money FM 89.3 and has almost 20 years of experience in the media industry. Elliott is also an Executive Board member for the Singapore Hockey Federation as well as a Brand Ambassador for First Drop Profights, focused on developing the growth of boxing in markets like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines."  

Find Out More: 

Commentary: The CMIO model should be a tool for harmony, not another method for stereotyping - Mathew Mathews | CNA: 
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/cmio-race-government-framework-citizen-identity-4935941
IPS Working Papers No. 59 — Results from the IPS-OnePeople.sg Indicators of Racial and Religious Harmony 2024: 
https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/news/details/ips-working-papers-no.-59-results-from-the-ips-onepeople.sg-indicators-of-racial-and-religious-harmony-2024 

For more on the CMIO model and Singapore’s multiracial policies, visit IPScommons.sg or follow @IPS_sg on Instagram and TikTok.

In this episode of Singapore Unpacked, host Liang Kaixin examines whether the widely held stereotypes about younger Singaporeans and their spending habits hold water. Drawing on insights from the IPS–CNA survey on financing behaviours among millennials and Gen Z in Singapore, the episode unpacks how these cohorts really manage their money — from the appeal of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes to their approach towards savings and essential expenses. The conversation explores the how and what of broader anxieties surrounding cost of living are driving more cautious financial decisions than many would expect.

Joining this deep dive are Dr Teo Kay Key, Research Fellow at the IPS Social Lab, and He Ruiming, co founder of The Woke Salaryman. Dr Teo shares her analysis of the survey findings and explains the patterns she observed in young adults’ use of credit, debt and savings instruments. Meanwhile, He Ruiming contributes practical perspectives on how BNPL and other modern lending products interact with young people’s aspirations and vulnerabilities. 

This episode challenges the notion that younger generations are reckless with their money, instead showing how they navigate a complex financial landscape with equal parts caution and innovation.

About our Guests:
Dr Teo Kay Key
Research Fellow at IPS
Dr Teo Kay Key is Research Fellow at IPS Social Lab at the Institute of Policy Studies. She has a PhD in Political Science from the National University of Singapore. Her research interests are in political and social attitudes, public opinion, voting behaviour, and Singapore society. She is interested in examining these topics using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. Her current projects examine a myriad of issues in Singapore, including attitudes towards the family, social norms and values, and national identity.

Prior to joining IPS, she worked in the civil service for nearly 3 years doing strategic planning, training, and policy work. She also has a Masters in Political Behaviour from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom and a Bachelors in Social Science from the Singapore Management University.

He Ruiming
Co-founder and Main Writer, The Woke Salaryman
Council Member, 18th National Youth Council
He Ruiming is the Co-founder and Main Writer at The Woke Salaryman, a personal finance blog that helps Singaporeans make better financial and life choices through their educational webcomics.

Ruiming is also a Council Member of the 18th National Youth Council, and was recognised in the Gen T 2021 List as a Leader of Tomorrow shaping Asia’s Future. 

Find Out More: 

IPS Working Papers No. 55 — Not Quite Impulsive Spenders: Key Findings from the IPS-CNA Survey on Financing Behaviours among Younger Singaporeans: 
https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/news/details/ips-working-papers-no.-55-not-quite-impulsive-spenders-key-findings-from-the-ips-cna-survey-on-financing-behaviours-among-younger-singaporeans
Young people in Singapore buying into ‘buy now, pay later’ services: Payment processing firm | Straits Times: 
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/young-people-in-singapore-buying-into-buy-now-pay-later-services 

Listeners who wish to explore further can visit IPScommons.sg or follow @IPS_sg on Instagram and TikTok for updates, resources and ongoing conversations about Singapore’s evolving financial landscape.

In this timely episode of Singapore Unpacked, host Liang Kaixin explores the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence (AI) on the integrity of Singapore’s electoral process. As advanced AI tools generate increasingly realistic deepfakes and AI-driven disinformation, concerns grow not only in global contexts — as seen in recent US elections — but also here at home. With the introduction of Singapore’s Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) (Amendment) Bill, which bans deepfakes targeting election candidates, this episode asks whether regulatory measures alone will be enough to safeguard the democratic process and prevent digital manipulation from undermining public trust.

The episode is joined by Carol Soon, Associate Professor at the Department of Communications and New Media in the National University of Singapore, and Joel Lim, media entrepreneur and content creator at Zyrup Media. The discussion delves into the myriad ways AI influences politics — from generating misleading content that blurs the line between fact and fabrication, to the challenges posed by rapidly circulating misinformation on social platforms. Their conversation touches on recent examples such as the deepfake audio and video incidents from the US elections, highlighting how even low-cost AI tools can produce content that, unless carefully scrutinised, might sway voter opinions.

About our Guests:
Dr Carol Soon  
Associate Professor at the Department of Communications and New Media
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Dr Carol Soon is Associate Professor (Practice) at the Department of Communications and New Media in the National University of Singapore and Vice Chair of the Media Literacy Council. She is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Information Integrity and Adjunct Principal Scientist at the Centre for Advanced Technologies in Online Safety (CATOS). Her research interests are in media regulation and digital policy, social media governance, digital literacy and policy communication. 

Joel Lim 
Media entrepreneur and content creator at Zyrup Media
Experienced in media strategy and business development, Joel Lim specialise in building successful IP portfolios in the media and entertainment industry, and bring expertise in podcasting, video production, media strategy, business development, and team leadership.

As Managing Director (Business Development & Strategy) at ZYRUP Media, he leads growth initiatives and shape strategies across three key divisions: Zodapop (podcast network), ZYRUPMAG (digital magazine), and ZYRUP Studios (creative production). Joel Lim works with brands, influencers, and organisations to create impactful content and meaningful partnerships. He also hosts Political Prude: The Podcast, which reached #1 on the podcast chart on Spotify in Singapore.

Find Out More: 

IPS Working Paper No. 52 — Regulating Artificial Intelligence: Maximising Benefits and Minimising Harms:
https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/default-source/ips/ips-working-paper-no-52_regulating-artificial-intelligence-maximising-benefits-and-minimising-harms.pdf
IPS Working Papers No. 56 — Safeguarding Elections from Threats Posed by Artificial Intelligence:
https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/default-source/ips/ips-working-paper-no-56_safeguarding-elections-from-threats-posed-by-artificial-intelligence.pdf
Go beyond laws to keep AI from tainting elections — Carol Soon | Straits Times:
https://www.nus.edu.sg/newshub/news/2024/2024-09/2024-09-23/ELECTIONS-st-23sep-pB1-B2.pdf

For those who wish to delve deeper into the conversation or share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of AI and elections, visit IPScommons.sg or follow @IPS_sg on Instagram and TikTok. Stay tuned for more conversations that transform research into real-world policy stories.

Singapore Unpacked | Episode 1 — Large families scheme – will it nudge families to have a third kid?
The first episode of IPS Podcast — Singapore Unpacked delves into the new Large Families Scheme announced in the Budget 2025 statement, aimed at addressing the nation's declining birth rate. The initiative provides additional financial support to parents who welcome a third or subsequent child, raising critical questions about whether monetary incentives alone can overcome the entrenched two-child norm. The episode explores if additional measures — such as enhanced childcare leave, flexible work arrangements, and supportive workplace policies — could make a tangible difference for families navigating the complexities of modern parenthood. Together with host Liang Kaixin, Associate Director at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Dr Kalpana Vignehsa, senior research fellow at the same Institute, and Peggy Teo, a working professional with two young children, examine the specifics of the scheme, and discuss the practical challenges parents face, such as balancing career demands with the responsibilities of raising children, and consider broader policy implications on Singapore society.  

About our Guests:
Dr Kalpana Vignehsa
Senior Research Fellow at IPS
Dr Kalpana Vignehsa is Senior Research Fellow in the Governance and Economy department at the Institute of Policy Studies. She works on topics related to immigration and social integration in families and workplaces. Kalpana also has interests in the lived experience of parenthood and behavioural interventions in healthcare and environmentalism. 

Peggy Teo
Mother of Two
Peggy is a working professional and mother of two with experience managing the dual demands of career and parenting.

Find Out More: 

To raise birth rate, the middle ground is fertile ground - Kalpana Vignesha | Straits Times:
https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/publications/details/to-raise-birth-rate-the-middle-ground-is-fertile-ground 
Budget 2025: Families with three or more young children to receive more financial support | Straits Times:
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/budget-2025-more-financial-support-for-large-families-with-three-or-more-young-children 
Large Families Scheme:
https://www.madeforfamilies.gov.sg/support-measures/raising-your-child/financial-support/large-families-scheme

For further insights into family policies and the evolving dynamics of work-life balance in Singapore, visit IPScommons.sg or follow @IPS_sg on Instagram and TikTok. Stay tuned for more conversations that transform research into real-world policy stories.