Broadening Perspectives
Singapore Perspective Conference 2026
Singapore Perspectives 2026 is an annual flagship conference organised by the Institute of Policy Studies. The theme for this year’s edition, “Fraternity,” explored how rapid digitalisation, demographic shifts, social stratification, and global developments are reshaping Singapore’s social fabric and how communities connect with one another.
Five post-secondary student-athletes had the opportunity to participate in the conference, gaining insights into national issues and engaging with diverse viewpoints from leaders, experts and practitioners across different sectors.
Gymnast Amelyn Sng Hui-En from the Diploma in Business Studies (SSP-NP) programme found the experience both eye-opening and thought-provoking., “ Singapore Perspectives 2026 has been eye-opening and thought-provoking for me as I got the chance to listen to so many different guest speakers talk about fraternity and Singapore’s social fabric. Each speaker brought their own unique insights based on their experiences and expertise, and it was interesting to hear their perspectives, especially when thoughts differed, and they had to delve deeper to better understand each side of the argument.”
Amelyn found the discussions on social connections and social capital particularly meaningful. Reflecting on her experience, she added, “It has given me a lot to think about in addition to the valuable insights I’ve learned from all the speakers. I wouldn’t have realised how my everyday interactions and choices have been shaped by societal norms, and that a conscious effort is needed to really change this reality. Overall, I feel that this has been a really good learning experience for me and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go to Singapore Perspectives 2026.”
For bowler Colleen Pee from the Diploma in Business (SSP-RP) programme, the conference prompted deeper reflection on the role of technology in shaping human relationships. “What impressed me most is how inconvenience and connectedness have become a conflict in the digital Singapore. Technology has improved our efficiency, access and comfort, at the cost of losing patience and discomfort associated with real relationships. Social capital is not a policy language in an abstract form in which it is presented in the small human interactions: talking to strangers, nurturing vulnerable neighbours, or making a choice to participate rather than scroll silently,” she said.
She was also struck by the idea that meaningful social harmony requires effort and sustained engagement.
“I was moved by the concept of the fact that non-contact harmony is superficial, and that mutually-affirming relationships are based upon repetitive, at times, painful encounters. Integration, belonging, and a society of We First is not a natural process that happens automatically because of good intentions and grand gestures; they are the experiential processes, which are developed through time, across the life stages, the place of work, and the community.”
Through participation in platforms such as Singapore Perspectives, student-athletes can broaden their understanding of the society, becoming thoughtful individuals equipped to contribute meaningfully to Singapore.
Singapore Perspectives 2026 is an annual flagship conference organised by the Institute of Policy Studies. The theme for this year’s edition, “Fraternity,” explored how rapid digitalisation, demographic shifts, social stratification, and global developments are reshaping Singapore’s social fabric and how communities connect with one another.
Five post-secondary student-athletes had the opportunity to participate in the conference, gaining insights into national issues and engaging with diverse viewpoints from leaders, experts and practitioners across different sectors.
Gymnast Amelyn Sng Hui-En from the Diploma in Business Studies (SSP-NP) programme found the experience both eye-opening and thought-provoking., “ Singapore Perspectives 2026 has been eye-opening and thought-provoking for me as I got the chance to listen to so many different guest speakers talk about fraternity and Singapore’s social fabric. Each speaker brought their own unique insights based on their experiences and expertise, and it was interesting to hear their perspectives, especially when thoughts differed, and they had to delve deeper to better understand each side of the argument.”
Amelyn found the discussions on social connections and social capital particularly meaningful. Reflecting on her experience, she added, “It has given me a lot to think about in addition to the valuable insights I’ve learned from all the speakers. I wouldn’t have realised how my everyday interactions and choices have been shaped by societal norms, and that a conscious effort is needed to really change this reality. Overall, I feel that this has been a really good learning experience for me and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go to Singapore Perspectives 2026.”
For bowler Colleen Pee from the Diploma in Business (SSP-RP) programme, the conference prompted deeper reflection on the role of technology in shaping human relationships. “What impressed me most is how inconvenience and connectedness have become a conflict in the digital Singapore. Technology has improved our efficiency, access and comfort, at the cost of losing patience and discomfort associated with real relationships. Social capital is not a policy language in an abstract form in which it is presented in the small human interactions: talking to strangers, nurturing vulnerable neighbours, or making a choice to participate rather than scroll silently,” she said.
She was also struck by the idea that meaningful social harmony requires effort and sustained engagement.
“I was moved by the concept of the fact that non-contact harmony is superficial, and that mutually-affirming relationships are based upon repetitive, at times, painful encounters. Integration, belonging, and a society of We First is not a natural process that happens automatically because of good intentions and grand gestures; they are the experiential processes, which are developed through time, across the life stages, the place of work, and the community.”
Through participation in platforms such as Singapore Perspectives, student-athletes can broaden their understanding of the society, becoming thoughtful individuals equipped to contribute meaningfully to Singapore.
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