Rule of law and norms needed for successful social governance: Ong Ye Kung at China forum

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An effective combination of the rule of law and social norms is needed for successful social governance...Singapore is merging the two approaches by updating its laws to account for new developments while actively cultivating shared values and norms within society as it evolves

It is “wishful thinking” to expect people to resolve disputes on their own through a strong sense of propriety, as unruly behaviour and misunderstandings will always exist. Conversely, if we over-rely on law and enforcement to resolve disputes, people would only behave when authorities are watching. There would be no kindness, care and warmth in society

the Chinese words “fa” and “li” – referring to the rule of law, and social norms or virtues respectively

Qn: Are social norms still necessary today?

Crime in the modern era: Evolving challenges to safety and security

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Developed nations around the world have observed a decrease in physical crime in recent years. But the criminals have not gone away; they have simply logged on.

For issues on tech's impact on crime and safety......

Is Pursuit of Jade’s Zhang Linghe too pretty? Here’s what Chinese authorities think

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The pretty general even caught the attention of regulators in China, who have called for the television industry to rectify “issues such as excessive make-up and filter effects”, among other problems, triggering a debate on the state’s role in defining gender norms.

state intervention in aesthetics in the entertainment industry, following a clampdown in 2021 on male beauty standards that targeted “niang pao” pop idols. The derogatory term is used to describe men who are more effeminate and may wear heavy make-up or have dyed hair or delicate features

China has an existing ban on male celebrities wearing earrings on national television

Battle-hardened generals – who should embody masculinity – are being presented as overly soft and meticulously groomed, with some even wearing make-up.”

For issues on gender portrayal in the media...

Qn: How far can we trust what we see in the media today? (EJC Prelim 2025)

Japan’s govt creates first road map for bear population control

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The government has said that the population of Asian black bears has grown too large, and it will cull about 20 per cent of these bears in the Tohoku, Kanto and Chubu regions, where human casualties have been especially high.

Compare with the current situation in Singapore where were are culling crows to curb their population...

Note the ethical concerns involved....

Similar animal intrusions that have caused inconvenience or even harm to us here is Singapore include: otters, wild boars. pigeons, snakes, macaques(monkeys).....

One argument that often arises is that in our urban expansion, we humans are the ones encroaching on their natural habitat instead of they encroaching on ours...so it's a case of the aggressors complaining that they are the victims.

In our quest to be 'A City in Nature', shouldn't we aim to strive for peaceful co-existence?

Do you think the Japanese would cull the bears if they were actually the cute adorable pandas?

 

Qn: To what extent are the rights of animals protected in your society? (Cam. 2012)

Japan goes on the offensive against cyberattacks

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Qn: 'Technological advancement has made the world more dangerous than ever.’ Do you agree? (NYJC 2020 Promo)

Fewer matchmade marriages in Singapore, but tradition endures in Indian community

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This is seen as a safeguard against what they see as their children’s immaturity, fearing that ‘blind love’ may lead to unsuitable matches.

Marriage is also viewed as a means of strengthening kinship ties. For those marrying within extended families, it can serve to bring the wider family closer together

higher among newer immigrants from India, where arranged marriages remain the norm. ...newcomers tend to follow the social norms they were raised with.

Qns:

1. How important is it for people in your society to retain a sense of tradition? (Cam. 2010)

2. Are social norm still necessary today?

S’pore studying restrictions on direct messaging, auto-play on social media to protect kids

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the endless, automatic video playback used by sites such as Instagram and YouTube encourages addictive behaviour and excessive screen time. Direct messaging features embedded in some social media platforms, such as Instagram, also expose children and teens to sexual grooming, bullying or inappropriate content from unauthorised accounts.

In the physical world, we warn our children not to speak to strangers. But if strangers can reach children online, what is the parent to do?

Earlier in March, a US jury found Meta and YouTube liable for building their services in an addictive manner that caused harm to a 20-year-old plaintiff, who was awarded US$6 million (S$7.7 million) in damages. She began using Instagram at nine and YouTube at six. Her lawyer claimed that features such as auto-play and infinite scroll are designed to keep people on the apps and make services addictive.

Qn: ‘It is harder than ever to keep children safe in today’s world.’ Comment.

‘Why wait for a bus that won’t come?’: India has more graduates than jobs

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India faces a graduate unemployment crisis, with nearly 40% of graduates aged 25 and below unemployed

Between 2004 and 2023, when India’s economy grew 6 per cent to 8 per cent, it added five million graduates every year. But only 2.8 million of them were able to join the workforce annually. Many new graduates do not find relevant or well-paying work for years.

An increasingly educated workforce is entering an economy that is not able to absorb them into high-quality jobs

For issues on the continued relevance of higher education....

Smartphones taking over the lives of Singapore’s seniors: When does heavy use cross into addiction?

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the same device that keeps life running smoothly can, over time, begin to dominate it, blurring the line between having a handy helper and unhealthy dependence.

Digital platforms are built to maximise engagement by eliminating friction and encouraging continuous use...Users can slip into what Prof Calvert describes as a “looped state”, where attention narrows and external cues fade.

The combination of abundant free time, instant information and emotional reliance can turn casual use into compulsive patterns before they even notice. For some, that reliance gradually shifts from comfort to crutch: filling emotional gaps but sometimes crowding out other forms of connection and rest.

These devices provide connection and stimulation, but without moderation, they can isolate seniors from the real-world interactions that are crucial for healthy ageing.

For issues on the elderly, technology and loneliness....