Recent sessions
Beyond the Wedding: Evaluating Pre-Marriage Mentoring and Early Marital Life in Singapore
Speakers: A/P Razwana Begum and Dr Sheryl Chua
Moderator: A/P Hu Shu
As Singapore pursues a marriage and parenthood reset, the speakers in this session on 20th Oct presented the first study in Singapore on pre-marriage mentoring. Their research study examined two national programmes that accompany couples into married life.
They followed programme participants and a comparison group from before marriage into early married life. An extension study then broadened the evidence to married couples who did and did not attend marriage preparation, as well as to singles and daters. The speakers discussed what this means for how Singapore can support couples on the journey from marriage to family life.
-website-thumbnail.tmb-0.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=5ec1fece_1 "Research Forum (20 Oct) website thumbnail")
Submitting an SUSS-IRB Application
Speakers: Mr Michael Ng
Moderator: A/P Kwek Sui-Kion Adrian
When do I need to apply for IRB approval? What does the IRB look out for? How long does the process take? The SUSS IRB is responsible for overseeing the protection of the rights and interests of human participants in research conducted by under the supervision and control of SUSS. IRB approval is required for all such research.
On 24 September, this research forum shared about the overall IRB's functions, more about the review process, and common issues that arise in the IRB process.
-website-thumbnail.tmb-0.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=ce35378a_1 "Research Forum (24 Sept) website thumbnail")
From Access to Alignment: Rethinking Service Design for Family Caregivers
Speakers: Dr Yun (Millie) Su and Dr Caroline Lim S.L.
Moderator: A/P Chung You Jin
On 28th May, Dr Millie Su Yun and Dr Caroline Lim S.L. presented findings from their study on family caregivers' experiences with community-based support services in Singapore, revealing the hidden challenges caregivers face when navigating and engaging with these services.
The forum explored how rethinking services through caregivers' realities can build more inclusive support systems that recognise the central role of caregivers and enable more sustainable well-being outcomes.
Examining the effectiveness of diversity education in the university context
Speaker: Dr Tania Nagpaul
Moderator: Dr. Wang Jiunwen
Embracing diversity and inclusion is a key competency that future-ready young adults must develop to succeed. Institutes of higher learning bear the responsibility and represent a fertile ground for diversity education among youth, arming them with the requisite skills and competencies for participating in a diverse workplace and navigating the challenges of the inevitable diversity in other social settings.
This research forum, on 30 April, described two studies on the impact of a diversity course on undergraduate student outcomes. Implications for curriculum development and personal growth were discussed.
-website-thumbnail.tmb-0.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=a4ee124e_1 "Research Forum (30 April) website thumbnail")
Submitting an SUSS-IRB Application
Speaker: A/P Kwek Sui-Kion Adrian
Moderator: Dr Janice Kam
The SUSS Institutional Review Board (SUSS-IRB) oversees the rights of human participants by safeguarding their rights, privacy, and safety. SUSS-IRB reviews social, behavioural and educational research, including research that comes under Singapore's Human Biomedical Research Act (HBRA).
On 23rd April, A/P Adrian Kwek shared about the basics of applying for ethics approval from the SUSS-IRB, what to expect in the review process and some common application mistakes.
.tmb-0.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=dd312385_1 "SUSS Research Forum - 23 April (RF site thumbnail)")
Beyond the Stage: Developing 21 Century Competencies Through Improvisational Theatre Training
Speaker: A/P Wang Jiunwen
Moderator: Dr Brandon Koh
On 26 August 2025, A/P Wang Jiunwen presented insights from a multi-method research programme exploring the pedagogical potential of improvisational threatre training in supporting the development of key 21st century competencies such as adaptability, divergent thinking, and comfort with uncertainty.
Past sessions
2025
The SUSS Research Forum on 'Pre- and Post- Grant Processes' focused on the key working components of the University Research Office (URO) that provides support for Principal Investigators (PIs) in their research. It starts by explaining the pre-grant processes, followed by the postgrant processes, then ending with the workings of governance.
Speakers: Centre for Applied Research team
Date: 22 May 2025, Thursday
Time: 3pm - 5pm
The SUSS Research Forum on 'Obtaining SUSS-IRB Approval (and Continuing Review)' shared about the mission and functions of SUSS-IRB, as well as the fundamentals of ethics review and key areas that Principal Investigators have to consider.
Speakers: Michael Ng Man Hon (IRB Deputy Chairperson, Senior Lecturer, School of Law)
Date: 15 April 2025, Tuesday
Time: 3pm-5pm
The SUSS Research Forum on 'The Principal Investigator’s Role in Mitigating Fraud Risks in Research' highlighted the risks of misuse and abuse of research funds in universities, focusing on raising awareness among faculty and staff to safeguard institutional integrity. Participants explored practical strategies for principal investigators to proactively detect and prevent fraudulent activities. The session aimed to empower research stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to champion fraud prevention, strengthen accountability, and uphold ethical standards in the research community.
Speakers: Lee Cheon Loon (Office of the President, Senior Manager - Internal Audit)
Date: 18 February 2025, Tuesday
Time: 3pm-5pm
2024
The SUSS Research Forum on 'Unlocking Research Funding Strategies for Securing and Managing External Research Grants' covered key areas for starting a research programme. It shared more on the understanding of extramural funding and the grant funding landscape, crafting of grant proposals, and crucial areas of effective research grant management. Case studies were presented to allow the audience to gain a better understanding of the topic.
Speaker: A/P Atiqah Azhari (Provost's Chair and Associate Professor, Psychology)
Date: 25 Nov 2024, Monday
Time: 3pm - 5pm
The SUSS Research Forum on 'Submitting an SUSS-IRB Application' focused on key areas and processes for an SUSS-IRB application. This includes ethics review categories, review timelines, and review of scientific merit. It ran through several common mistakes and common questions principal investigators may have such as whether their research project come under the Human Biomedical Research Act.
Speaker: A/P Adrian Kwek (IRB Co-Chair)
Date: 7 Oct 2024, Monday
Time: 3pm - 5pm
This SUSS Research Forum session involved multiple SUSS academics that shared about 4 applied research projects with various organisations and working with different stakeholders. It was further discussed how to improve the chances of receiving support or grants, as well as ways to balance research rigour and operational constraints from doing research in a real-world context.
Speakers:
Dr Victor Seah (Director, Behavioural Insights Centre of Excellence (BICE))
A/P Ng Wei Ting (Head, Master of Applied Research in Social Sciences (MRESS), School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences)
Dr Angela Tan (Head, Human Factors in Safety & Workplace Safety and Health Programmes, School of Science and Technology)
Dr Maria Cecilia Rojas Lopez (Senior Lecturer, Logistics and Supply Chain Management Programme, School of Business)
A/P Vanessa Liu (Marketing Programme, School of Business)
Dr Tan Eng Joo (Head, Graduate Diploma in Sustainability Management, School of Business)
Dr Grace Chee (Senior Lecturer, Social Work Programme, S R Nathan School of Human Development)
Date: 15 May 2024, Wednesday
Time: 3pm - 5pm
This SUSS Research Forum session by the Centre for Applied Research (CFAR) talked about the guidelines for undertaking funded research, manpower support, research grant claim and audit. It shared about the responsibilities of the University Research Committee such as setting the research strategic direction. It also highlighted important steps SUSS researchers need to fulfill and how the CFAR team will support their research journey.
Speaker:
Tan Siew Peng (Assistant Director, Centre for Applied Research)
Yong Hwee Leng (Manager, Centre for Applied Research)
Soh Li Yan (Senior Executive, Centre for Applied Research)
Date: 30 April 2024, Tuesday
Time: 10am - 12pm
The SUSS Research Forum on 'Research Agreements: A Primer' discussed about what constitutes research agreements and the importance of such agreements. Examples and key areas to be included in research agreements were emphasized.
Speaker: Ms Ong Gaik Ee (Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Affairs)
Date: 18 March 2024, Monday
Time: 3pm - 5pm
The SUSS Research Forum 'Understanding the Well-Being of Singapore's Mature Workforce' focused on demonstrating the findings found by the two researchers (i.e. speakers) regarding the factors that affected mature workers’ well-being and the mechanisms underlying possible linkages between these factors. The forum emphasized on the need to engage and integrate older workers into the workforce to ensure that they have higher well-beings that lead to beneficial outcomes. It also touched on several aspects of the research project which could be done differently.
Speaker:
A/P Kang Soon Hock (Vice Dean & Head, Behavioural Science Core, School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences)
A/P Ng Wei Ting (Head, Master of Applied Research in Social Sciences (MRESS), School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences)
Date: 12 March 2024, Tuesday
Time: 3pm - 5pm
The SUSS Research Forum on 'Improving and Facilitating Enhancement in Terms of Care for Adults with Disabilities in Singapore' shared about the premise behind this study conducted by the speaker and recommendation of improving prospects for adults with disabilities. It described the disability landscape in Singapore, and dived into the methodology, limitations, and key findings. The speaker also shared tips on how to work with IRB effectively.
Speaker: Dr Eunice Tan (Senior Lecturer, S R Nathan School of Human Development)
Date: 19 February 2024, Monday
Time: 3pm - 5pm
2023
This session on 'Grant Writing Essentials: Crafting Compelling Introductions and Literature Reviews' discussed ways to craft compelling introductions and literature reviews that are attractive to the reader. By focusing on sharing the general evaluation criteria for research proposals and running through different areas such as addressing gaps in existing research to justify the need for their proposal, this session aimed to help all principal investigators to write research grants and proposals that demonstrate expert knowledge in their proposed topic via the appropriate use of theoretical foundation and sound understanding of literature.
Speaker: Associate Professor Jennifer Yeo (Teaching & Learning Centre)
Date: 26 October 2023, Thursday
Time: 10am-1pm
This session focused on sharing the findings from Wave 1 of the study by National Council of Social Service and The Ngee Ann Kongsi. It described in depth the variables of this study, methodology used, and key conclusions derived from its data. One key finding mentioned was that caregivers have lower heart rate variability compared to non-caregivers. Furthermore, It was highlighted that the project would span 3 waves.
Speaker: Associate Professor Emily Ortega (Head of Psychology Programmes, School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences)
Date: 9 October 2023, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
This session on 'Thinking Technology or Technology Thinking: The Ethical Challenges of Technology' provided the audience with a deep understanding of issues that arises from the use of technology in various contexts of society. The speaker explored a variety of contexts, including financial, human creativity, and education. The speaker ended this session by sharing his understanding of the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the reflection of what it means to be human in the modern world.
Speaker: Professor Leslie Chew (Dean, School of Law)
Date: 25 September 2023, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
This session on 'Community Care Research in Singapore: Challenges and Opportunities' focused on giving an understanding of the mission of the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), challenges in research within the community care sector, and four research initiatives undertaken by AIC to build up research capabilities within the sector. It also shared more on various opportunities the audience can reach out to work together with AIC.
Speaker: Mr. Ong Yunn Shing (Chief, Strategy, Research and Data Division, Agency for Integrated Care)
Date: 11 September 2023, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
This session on 'The Singaporean Malay Youth in the Context of Singapore's Current Multi-ethnic Society' explored the topic of Malay identity through voices of youth from the community. It provided a background on origins and challenges faced by Malays in Singapore, and the perceptions of this ethnic identity in today's society. It shared further on the community efforts used to tackle relevant issues.
Speaker: Dr Mohamad Shamsuri Juhari (Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies)
Date: 14 August 2023, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
This session on 'Interdisciplinary research – A willingness to challenge disciplinary boundaries and assumptions' provided in depth reflections of the topic from the two speakers who come from different fields. It compared the difference between interdisciplinary, single, and multi-disciplinary research, and addressed possible challenges such research studies could face. The speakers moved on to describe examples of interdisciplinary research in their respective fields such as network science.
Speaker: Professor David Taylor (Professor of Tropical Environmental Change, Department of Geography, NUS), Assistant Professor Cynthia Siew (Department of Psychology, NUS), A/P Feng Qiushi (Department of Sociology and Anthropology, NUS)
Date: 8 May 2023, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
As the Principal Consultant for this quarterly business cycle survey by The Business Times since its inception in 1996, Ms. Chow Kit Boey shared details on the survey analysis and findings at this forum session. Discussions included difficulties encountered and adjustments made, as well as possible opportunities for faculty members to use the BT-SUSS data for their projects.
The survey has been jointly conducted with the then SIM University since the third quarter of 2006. The survey was renamed BT-SUSS Business Climate Survey in 2017 when SIM University became Singapore University of Social Sciences.
The qualitative survey is the first in Singapore covering all major sectors. The one-page questionnaire comprises four indicators (sales, profits, orders/new business, and business prospects). A special topic is posed each quarter, e.g. extent of sales recovery from pre-pandemic 2019. Based on the net balances calculated from the survey responses, an attempt is made to forecast GDP growth rate in the following quarter. Two business cycle indices have also been computed based on Germany's ifo Institute for Economic Research formulae.
Speaker: Ms. Chow Kit Boey (Retired Professor from NUS & Consultant in URO)
Date: 27 March 2023, Monday
Time: 3pm-4pm
In this session, the presenter offered observations and insights pertaining to the art and craft of "grantsmanship": the mindset and skills needed for writing compelling grant proposals. The observations and insights ranged from the general to the highly specific, and were tailored for the research ecosystem operative in Singapore. The principal goals of the presentation were to orient researchers to the "grant world" and to provide them with useful tips about how to "sell" their proposals to the relevant "consumers", i.e., grant reviewers.
Speaker: Professor Peter Coclanis, University of North Carolina
Date: 16 March 2023, Thursday
Time: 10am - 12 noon
The advent of new technologies is transforming the world (accelerated by COVID-19) and is being facilitated by AI, big data, automation, advances in computing power and greater connectivity. This affects how and where we work, play, consume and interact with one another, making traditional tangible assets, i.e. plant, property and equipment, become more intangible in nature.
Intellectual property (IP) is a subset of intangible assets and can be deemed as ideas, information, and knowledge. In the SUSS context, IP can be seen as the results and outcomes of our day-to-day work as well as research - “intellectual” as it is creative output and “property” because it can be considered as a commercial asset.
This seminar focused on the main types of IP rights, namely, patents, designs, trade marks, copyright and confidential information/trade secrets, and how we can manage and leverage on them to maximise the outputs of our daily work and research. The session concluded with questions from the floor and discussion on potential opportunities for multidisciplinary research.
Speaker: A/P Eric Gan (Head, Intellectual Property and Innovation Management Programme, School of Business)
Date: 13 February 2023, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
This talk focused on how we can leverage technology for social good and the areas of impactful research. More specifically, it provided insights into the technology buzzwords “Web 3.0”, “metaverse”, “decentralised finance (DeFi)”, Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), and stablecoins, which are very often discussed but less understood.
It explored how technologies such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens, Internet-of-Things, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, neurotechnologies, and virtual and augmented realities are connected and how their combinatorial power can be leveraged to achieve maximum social and economic impact. The presenter emphasized that as we harness the benefits of technologies, we should also be wary of the challenges in environmental impact, governance and ethics, risks and complexities, and regulations and policies. The talk ended with many open questions and potential opportunities for multidisciplinary research.
Speaker: Professor David Lee (Professor, Finance Programme, School of Business), Dr. Lo Swee Won (Senior Lecturer, Finance Programme, School of Business)
Date: 9 January 2023, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
2022
This session focused on the challenges of the ageing population in Asia. With an understanding of population ageing in society, it explored the principles characterizing community based participatory research (CBPR) and how active ageing plays a part in promoting it in order to enhance quality of life as people age. The speakers shared in depth on The Reminiscence Project; a one-to-one adaptive oral history interview to engage Persons with Dementia and their caregivers (launched by SUSS in partnership with National Archives of Singapore and Dementia Singapore).
Speaker: A/P Carol Ma (Head, Gerontology Programmes & Senior Fellow (Service-Learning & Community Engagement), Centre for Experiential Learning, S R Nathan School of Human Development)
Date: 28 November 2022, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
The speakers in this forum shared on the qualitative study they had conducted to investigate the motivators and barriers faced by the mature workers in Singapore. The study is part of a larger three-year research project funded by the Workforce Development Applied Research Fund. This multi-method and multi-disciplinary project comprised a two-wave quantitative survey and two separate qualitative studies. The speakers shared on the project's aim of determining and examining the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to mature workers' decisions to employment, lifelong learning, as well as their overall well-being.
Speaker:
A/P Kang Soon Hock (Vice Dean & Head, Behavioural Science Core, School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences)
Professor Kalyani K. Mehta (Founder and former Head of Department, Gerontology Programme, SUSS)
Date: 14 November 2022, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
The panelists in this session shared their experiences in writing and publishing books, and offered valuable advice to manage and resolve potential obstacles. According to the panelists, crucial points were shared for writers to consider, including press/publisher selection. Being resilient towards critiques and rejections were also highlighted as a key insight.
Speaker:
A/P Rappa Antonio Leopold (Head, Security Studies Programme, School of Business)
Dr. Nicholas De Cruz (University of Surrey)
A/P Ding Ding (Vice Dean, School of Business)
Date: 28 September 2022, Wednesday
Time: 3pm-5pm
This session, presented by the National Supercomputer Centre (NSCC) Singapore, covered several topics including the emerging applications of behavioural analytics and AI in financial services, using case studies to discuss issues and countermeasures.
Other areas explored during this session include current and future trends in Fintech and AI, and the Centre's interest in collaborating with SUSS on Proof-of-Concept or similar projects to develop industrial talent and capabilities.
Speakers:
Dr. Bhattacharya Prasanta (A*STAR, IHPC)
Mr. Foo Tee Meng (GM, Adera Global)
Date: 12 September 2022, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
The speakers for this session presented their qualitative study which focused on travel behaviour of Singapore commuters, the psychosocial barriers faced and coping strategies, and to provide recommendations based on the data. The speakers broke down key findings such as the importance of having a public transport system to ensure social mobility and connectivity, and challenges seniors face when commuting. Cultivating a care culture and mentality among public transport workers was highlighted as a crucial factor to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
Speakers:
Professor Kalyani K. Mehta
Dr. Grace Chee (Senior Lecturer, Social Work Programme, S R Nathan School of Human Development)
Dr. G Kaveri (Lecturer, Early Childhood Education Programme, S R Nathan School of Human Development)
Date: 22 August 2022, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
The speakers in this session on 'Leveraging Productive Failure for Adult Learning' focused on presenting the adragogic development project done by the Innovation Centre, Institute of Adult Learning (IAL). The aim of productive failure is to encourage learners to adopt an explorative mindset and build collaboration to explore and establish solving methods for novel problems with minimal intervention, thereby promoting learner resilience and agility. The speakers further explained on the Innovation Centre's objective of gaining insights into the applicability of productive failure to adult learning.
Speakers:
A/P Sim Soo Kheng (Director, Innovation Centre, Institute for Adult Learning)
Ms. Nilanjana Saxena (Innovation Centre, Institute for Adult Learning)
Date: 29 July 2022, Friday
Time: 3pm-5pm
This session was held as a joint presentation by a panel of invited speakers from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, NUS. The panelists shared their experiences as grant applicants and provided invaluable insights in crafting a well-structured research proposal. Several crucial points that constitute a well-written research proposal include maintaining a pragmatic approach toward proposal of deliverables, applicant(s)' prior research experiences and qualifications, and the benefits of conducting pilot studies before grant applications.
Speakers:
A/P Kelvin Low (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), NUS)
A/P Hyekyung Choo (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), NUS)
A/P Elaine Ho (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), NUS)
Date: 23 May 2022, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
Centered on the topic of subjective well-being (SWB), the speaker explores three core components and six key determinants that contribute to the pursuit of happiness and pleasure. Two studies were brought up to gain deeper understanding of SWB by exploring diverse factors that have an influence on SWB such as income and psychological needs. The speaker also highlighted potential research areas within positive psychology and well-being.
Speakers: A/P Ng Wei Ting (Head, Master of Applied Research in Social Sciences (MRESS), School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences)
Date: 9 May 2022, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
This session started with providing insights into the national level research themes that underpin the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL)'s role as a Training and Adult Education sector capacity-builder and research
institute, the research foci, and the Institute’s strategic objectives and goals. The speaker further introduced various research projects that IAL is working on and its purpose of having interdisciplinary research areas and close working relationships
with government agencies, trade unions, enterprises, trade associations and individual Adult
Educators, for the benefits of researchers and relevant studies. The session ended on a call to action for faculty members with interest in potential collaborations to reach out.
Speakers: A/P Renée Tan (Director, Research Division, Institute for Adult Learning (IAL))
Date: 11 April 2022, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
This session on 'Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL): What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get Funding' discussed on research benchmarking and maximizing its impact.
Speakers:
A/P Jennifer Yeo (Associate Professor, Teaching and Learning Centre)
Dr. Vikki Bo (Senior Lecturer, Teaching and Learning Centre)
Dr. Ho Yan Yin (Senior Lecturer, Teaching and Learning Centre)
Ms. Yeo Eun-Young (Senior Lecturer, Psychology Programme, School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences)
Date: 22 March 2022, Tuesday
Time: 3pm-5pm
This session 'Research Benchmarking & Maximising Impact' focused on sharing with the SUSS faculty about the university's benchmarking system and the plan to adopt a more mature research culture as the school evolves.
Speaker: Professor Robbie Goh (Provost, Office of the Provost)
Date: 21 February 2022, Monday
Time: 3pm-5pm
By providing a background on the relationship between statistical theory and research, the aim of this session is to unpack the benefits and limitations of research methods that researchers working in applied fields face would encounter. Recommendations to ensure a smooth research experience were provided for the audience to consider.
Speaker: A/P Walter Theseira (Associate Professor, Economics & Head, Master of Management (Urban Transportation) Programme, School of Business)
Date: 9 February 2022, Wednesday
Time: 3pm-5pm
The speaker of this session presented six external grants available to local researchers, along with the grantors' expectations regarding application proposals.
Speaker: Ms. Pravena Mohan (Former Large Grant Consultant, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), NUS)
Date: 25 January 2022, Tuesday
Time: 3pm-5pm
This session focused on discussing AI ethics in research. The speaker emphasized that ethics should first be attended to first by incorporating it to the design and development stages besides assessing the impact technology has on the society. Several AI projects were brought up to demonstrate how philosophy can contribute towards the development of AI.
Speaker: A/P Jennifer Ang (Deputy Director, Centre for Applied Research)
Date: 11 January 2022, Tuesday
Time: 3pm-5pm
2021
During this inaugural forum, SUSS Provost highlighted the objectives of the Research Forums and targeted timeline for sessions to be held. Furthermore, a discussion of ethics review was done to give SUSS researchers a more in-depth understand of the IRB's responsibilities and application procedures.
Speakers:
Members from the SUSS Institutional Review Board (SUSS-IRB)
Date: 23 November 2021, Tuesday
Time: 3pm-5pm