articles catalogue

Unfiltered – The Family on Trial 2025: “Singapore Awakened: How Success and the Alternative of Flourishing Shape Family”, Keynote Address by Assoc. Prof. (Dr.) Tan Seow Hon

Assoc. Prof. (Dr.) Tan Seow Hon delivered the keynote address at Cultivate SG's second annual conference, "Unfiltered - The Family on Trial", on 17 November 2025. In her speech titled "Singapore Awakened: How Success - and the Alternative of Flourishing - Shape Family", Dr Tan reflects on the "Singapore Dream", the narrow mindset of success in contrast with the concept of flourishing, and how these impact marriage and family. She concludes by offering some thoughts on how to move from success to flourishing.

Unfiltered – The Family on Trial 2025

Cultivate SG's second annual conference, "Unfiltered - The Family on Trial" took place on 17 November 2025. Held at the Lifelong Learning Institute, the conference drew together expert voices, research, and real-life stories. The central theme was to redefine notions of “success” in Singapore, and how these challenge and reshape the Singaporean family.

Liberal, Conservative, Or…? (Part 2 of 2): Where do Singaporeans stand? 

Singapore Attitudes Conservatism Liberalism
In this second article of our two-part series on liberalism and conservatism, we look more closely at where Singaporeans stand. Attitudes seem to vary across topics such as economics, COVID-19, marriage and sex. In the end, it might really depend on the issue and circumstances that one is looking at, and a nuanced understanding is necessary.

Liberal, Conservative, Or…? (Part 1 of 2): A look at concepts 

Cultivate SG Article Concepts Liberalism Conservatism
This is the first of a two-part series on liberalism and conservatism. In this first article, we tap on the analysis of some experts to help unpack the concepts of liberalism and conservatism. While liberal traditions generally endorse the idea that people should be free to do what they want as long as they do not harm others, conservative traditions are broadly inclined towards stability.

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Wrong or Not: A nuanced look at attitudes towards marriage definition

A survey by the Institute of Policy Studies found that local views on gay sex and marriage “liberalised significantly” over the past decade, while Cultivate SG’s “Marriage, Family and Social Discourse” suggests a high level of support for marriage as a man-woman union. We unpack these findings in this article. Could it be that society is becoming less “judgmental”?
Why Singapore's Marriage Policies Make Sense

Why Singapore’s Marriage Policy Makes Sense

Singapore laws define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and various policies support the family formed through marriage. In this thought-provoking piece, a guest contributor explains why these laws and policies make sense.
Cinderella Effect Singapore

“Cinderella Effect”: Is risk of abuse higher in stepfamilies?

Drawing its name from the popular fairy tale, the “Cinderella effect” describes the tragic phenomenon where children have a higher risk of abuse by non-biological parents (married or unmarried to the biological parent). Though well-documented, the reasons for the trend are hotly debated. Nevertheless, understanding the unique and specific challenges and complexities faced by stepfamilies can guide us in preventing and addressing child abuse.

What we are reading

Articles here are for perspective and may not represent our views