IPS Podcast — Singapore Unpacked

Singapore's National Identity: Ancient Civilisations and Modern Trends | Singapore Unpacked Episode 10 with Prof Wang Gungwu

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://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 [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.

Workplace Fairness: Tackling unconscious bias | Singapore Unpacked Episode 9

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/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/ [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.

Public Housing: a Home, an Investment, or a Retirement Plan? | Singapore Unpacked Episode 8

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://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.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 [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 Nudes — The Impact on Singapore’s Youth | Singapore Unpacked Episode 7

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: shecares@scwo.org.sg   * 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: sacc@aware.org.sg  * 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 [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.

Will AI replace my work? | Singapore Unpacked Episode 6

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 [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 [https://www.straitstimes.com/business/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.