In the Spotlight
IPS will hold its annual flagship Singapore Perspectives (SP2026) conference on 20 and 26 January 2026.
SP2026 will focus on the theme of “Fraternity”, examining how Singapore can renew the social ties that bind its people amid rapid change. Digitalisation, demographic shifts and social stratification have reshaped how Singaporeans connect, raising questions about trust, belonging and social cohesion.
Against this backdrop, the conference asks: How do we renew the ties that bind and strengthen a shared “We First” identity? SP2026 will feature two online panels on 20 January, followed by an in-person conference at Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 26 January. The event will conclude with a Closing Dialogue featuring Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Gan Kim Yong.
Articles
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Commentary — All I want for Christmas is the same old thing
(The Straits Times)
By Robyn Tan, Justin Lee and Liang Kaixin
• 6-min read What if the most sustainable — and meaningful — Christmas tradition is learning to treasure what already exists? This piece reflects on the hidden carbon costs of festive “newness”, suggesting that reusing enduring symbols and decorations can reduce waste while deepening the meaning of Christmas. | Commentary — Give an hour of my time to my neighbour? Sure, why not
(The Straits Times)
By Wong Kang Li
• 6-min read As Singapore ages, seniors need practical support, while younger adults who want to help face rigid or fleeting volunteering options. This piece proposes time banks as a way to match neighbours’ needs using time as a community currency, fostering everyday mutual support and stronger neighbourhood ties. |
 | Commentary — Open for business, closed in our hearts? Immigration and the future of Singapore identity
(The Business Times)
By Melvin Tay and Mathew Mathews
• 7-min read Openness has long been part of Singapore’s story — but views on who belongs are more divided. This piece explores how Singaporeans see immigration and national identity, arguing that sustaining openness requires fairness, integration and a shared sense of belonging — not just being open for business, but open in our hearts.
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Recent Publications
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IPS Working Papers No. 70 — Media and Internet Use During General Election 2025
By Carol Soon, Natalie Pang, Samantha Quek This working paper presents findings from the Media and Internet Use During General Election 2025 study by IPS and the Department of Communications and New Media, NUS. Based on a nationally representative survey of 2,071 eligible voters, it examines media use and trust, social media behaviours, attitudes towards AI-manipulated content, and variations across voter profiles. |
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IPS Exchange Series No. 32 — Ending Long-Term Homelessness
By Harry Tan, Francesca Lee, Fassehudeen, Joscelyn Chong, Jenin Teo, Rachel Ng Rough sleeping in Singapore has fallen to 496 in 2025, but challenges remain. This three-year study found that long-term homelessness in Singapore is far more complex and diverse than commonly assumed, calling for a shift from intervention to prevention through early risk identification, enhanced shelters and more targeted social support. |
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Journal Article — Familial liminal legality in highly-skilled binational families in Singapore
By Kalpana Vignehsa, Ruby Thiagarajan Binational marriages make up a third of new citizen marriages in Singapore, yet the experiences of highly skilled households are often overlooked. This article examines how families live with ongoing uncertainty when one spouse holds temporary status, showing how unclear immigration rules can create lasting stress despite professional and educational privilege. |