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.
- 5 December 2025
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.
- December 4 2025
Liberal, Conservative, Or…? (Part 2 of 2): Where do Singaporeans stand?
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.
- November 10 2025
Liberal, Conservative, Or…? (Part 1 of 2): A look at concepts
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.
- November 5 2025
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Divorcing? Please Still Try to Cooperate for the Sake of Your Child
In post-divorce custody battles, it is remarkable how Singapore law strives to preserve the relationship of children with both parents despite the breakdown of the marriage. Joint custody is the norm, and courts have often encouraged divorcing couples to set aside their hostility for the sake of their children.
- 10 June 2025
Marriage – Yay or Nay?
Let me start with a confession. When I was approached to write a commentary about marriage, my first reaction was “No thanks!”
- 23 May 2025
Non-interference: Parents Decide, Grandparents Follow?
In Singapore, there is an important social norm of "non-interference" between grandparents and parents. It implicitly recognises that parents have primary responsibility for raising children. Dialogue, mutual respect and understanding are important, if we want to move forward constructively.
- 16 May 2025