| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | |
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1 | Research Topic Code | Designation | Full Name | Institution | Cluster/Dept/Faculty/Programme/School | Specialisation | Grouping Preferences | Requirements for mentees | No. of Projects | Topic | Short Description | Disciplinary Strand | Did Mentor Provide Readings? | Location for Readings | ||||||||||||
2 | R1a | Asst Prof | Abel Zhou Li | Singapore Institute of Technology | Health and Social Sciences Cluster | Preventive healthcare and complementary medicine for the management of chronic diseases | Individual / Pair / Trio | Enthusiastic students who are self motivated and eager to explore new knowledge and find novel applications; Students who often think out of the box are mostly welcomed. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Dietary/Food therapy for the management of glucose levels in diabetic patients to minimise the complications of diabetes | Dietary therapy plays a critical role in managing blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. Effective strategies include multiple factors. This project aims at one of the factor — functional food. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reflects the weighted average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months, with recent weeks contributing more heavily. It is a key marker for long-term glycemic control in diabetes management. A 0.1% reduction in HbA1c (approximately 1.1 mmol/mol) corresponds to a measurable improvement in glycemic control and is associated with a proportional reduction in the risk of diabetes-related complications; for example, a 1% HbA1c decrease lowers the risk of microvascular complications by about 37%, so even a 0.1% drop contributes meaningfully to reducing long-term cardiovascular and renal risks. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), beside delivered by qualified professionals, remains a cornerstone of diabetes care, complementing pharmacological treatment and lifestyle interventions. This project aims to research and review the findings of functional foods and their effects on diabetic management and communicates and raise awareness of functional foods for reducing the complications of diabetes. | Others: Sociology of Health and Illness, Nutritional Anthropology, Health Psychology, Public Health & Social Policy, Economics of Health & Nutrition, Education & Behavioral Sciences, Nutrition Science, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Preventive Healthcare, Integrative Medicine, Functional Medicine | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
3 | R1b | Asst Prof | Abel Zhou Li | Singapore Institute of Technology | Health and Social Sciences Cluster | Preventive healthcare and complementary medicine for the management of chronic diseases | Individual / Pair / Trio | Enthusiastic students who are self motivated and eager to explore new knowledge and find novel applications; Students who often think out of the box are mostly welcomed. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | A holistic approach to pain management by the practice of consciousness and exercises | The integration of mindfulness practices (such as meditation, body scanning, and breath awareness) with physical exercise (including gentle aerobic activity, yoga, tai chi, and stretching) offers a holistic approach to managing and preventing acute pain and chronic pain. Mindfulness helps individuals change their relationship with pain by reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, and decreasing pain perception through neuroplastic changes in the brain. It also lowers reliance on pain medications and enhances overall well-being. Exercise improves muscle strength, flexibility, and circulation, breaking the cycle of inactivity and pain. It releases endorphins, reduces stiffness, and supports mental health. Combined Approach: When practiced together, mindfulness and exercise amplify benefits—mindfulness reduces fear and anxiety about movement, while exercise reinforces body awareness and resilience. This synergy promotes long-term pain relief, better function, and improved quality of life. This project aims to research, review, and promote a holistic practice of mindfulness and gentle activities to prevent or release acute pain or chronic pain. | Others: Sociology of Health and Illness, Nutritional Anthropology, Health Psychology, Public Health & Social Policy, Economics of Health & Nutrition, Education & Behavioral Sciences, Nutrition Science, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Preventive Healthcare, Integrative Medicine, Functional Medicine | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
4 | R2 | Assoc Prof | Andree Hartanto | Singapore Management University | School of Social Sciences | Psychology | Trio | N.A. | 1 | AI Dependency in Secondary School | This project investigates the prevalence of AI dependency among secondary school students and examines how it correlates with key outcomes such as academic engagement, self-regulation, and well-being. Using a validated AI Dependency Scale, the study will provide early evidence on how adolescents’ reliance on AI tools is associated with both adaptive and maladaptive patterns of learning and development. | Social Sciences (Psychology) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
5 | R3 | Asst Prof | Andrew Yee Zi Han | Nanyang Technological University | Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Communication | Individual / Pair / Trio | Be willing to pick up quantitative statistical analysis | 1 | Harry Potter and The Story of My Life: The Effect of Narrative Themes on Adolescents' Construction of Narrative Identity | There is growing interest in how media experiences affect mental well-being. One way in which different media experiences affect well-being is in cultivating ways in which we think about our lives. Building on research on narrative identity — which focuses on how certain thematic elements in the way we recount our lives narratively affects well-being -— this project is aimed at understanding how the cultural material and stories we read shape the way in which we structure and thematically organize our lives. In this project, the key question being answered is: Do the stories we read and which resonate with us shape the way we think about our lives? If so, how? | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
6 | R4 | Dr | Anuradha Rao | CyberCognizanz | N.A. | Cybercrime / Cybersecurity awareness / Cyber safety / Cyber wellness | Individual / Pair / Trio | Be willing to do qualitative research (as that is my speciality), fix online consultation at least 1-2 weeks in advance, check in regularly via email with questions, answers, and progress. | 1 | Human and social issues in relation to Cybercrime, Cybersecurity / Cyber safety / Cyber wellness | Pls see my LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuradha-rao-phd/ and website: dranurao.com to understand the topics I work on better. | Others: Social Sciences - Cybercrime, Cybersecurity / Cyber safety / Cyber wellness | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
7 | R5a | Dr | Aries Arugay | ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | Philippine Studies Programme | Politics & International Relations | Individual / Pair / Trio | Note: Mentor is based in the Philippines. Be prepared to do online consultations at a mutually convenient time. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Democratic Backsliding and Resilience | Issues related to the retreat of democracy in various countries and ways to address this. | Political Science | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
8 | R5b | Dr | Aries Arugay | ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | Philippine Studies Programme | Politics & International Relations | Individual / Pair / Trio | Note: Mentor is based in the Philippines. Be prepared to do online consultations at a mutually convenient time. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | US-China Rivalry | How small states navigate the competition between US and China | Political Science | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
9 | R6a | Assoc Prof | Brendan Luyt | Nanyang Technological University | Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Information studies, history, political science | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Qualitative studies of any aspect of Wikipedia or other online encylopedias | Wikipedia is a vast, rambling "universe" of information and knowledge. It is also a key element of our information infrastructure today. What are the problems it confronts? How is it responding to a changing social and technological environment? How does it represent people and places? What are its blind-spots? How have its norms of operation changed over time? How can we understand Wikipedia as a cultural and social phenomenon? These are just a few of the questions that could be asked about Wikipedia by students wanting to explore either Wikipedia or another online encyclopedia from a social science perspective. | History;Social Sciences (Communication and New Media);Political Science;Social Sciences (Culture and Arts Management) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
10 | R6b | Assoc Prof | Brendan Luyt | Nanyang Technological University | Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Information studies, history, political science | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | General historical case studies of disinformation campaigns. | Recent years have seen the proliferation of disinformation campaigns across the world and there is now a rising awareness of the risks they pose to society. Often forgotten, however, is that disinformation as a social phenomenon has roots stretching back centuries. By looking at some of these past campaigns, perhaps insight is to be gained into our own current predicament. | History;Social Sciences (Communication and New Media);Political Science;Social Sciences (Culture and Arts Management) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
11 | R7a | Dr | Cassey Lee Hong Kim | ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | Regional Economic Studies Programme | Economics | Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Comparison Between Online and Offline Grocery Prices | Students will collect and analyse data on the prices of selected number of grocery products in online and offine stores. | Social Sciences (Economics) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
12 | R7b | Dr | Cassey Lee Hong Kim | ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | Regional Economic Studies Programme | Economics | Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Personalised Pricing in E-Commerce | Students will identify, collect and analyse data on selected products that are sold online to uncover the significance and implications of personalised pricing. | Social Sciences (Economics) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
13 | R8a | Asst Prof | Chang Jun Yan | Nanyang Technological University | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies | International Relations | Individual / Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | US-China Competition in the Asia-Pacific | This topic considers one of the most important questions in the study of international relations today, that of the US-China relationship, and how it is shaping up, especially within the Asia-Pacific region. I welcome proposals considering this topic from the aspect of US foreign policy in the region, or vice versa, how regional states approach such competition and/or US foreign policy. | Political Science | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
14 | R8b | Asst Prof | Chang Jun Yan | Nanyang Technological University | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies | International Relations | Individual / Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Security Studies | This topic is a broad one encompassing the field of security studies. I will consider proposals examining the traditional or non-traditional aspects of security, such as military strategy and exercises for the former, or defence diplomacy and peacekeeping for the latter. Projects on critical security studies are also welcome. | Political Science | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
15 | R9 | Dr | Chang Qizhong | Nanyang Technological University | English Language and Literature Academic Grp, National Institute of Education | Singapore English constructions and grammar, attitudes and perceptions on Singapore English and its use | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | 1 | Topics on Singapore English | I am happy to supervise research into the use of Singapore English, development and variation in Singapore English grammar and grammatical constructions, the perception of and attitude towards Singapore English and its users. | Language and Linguistics | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
16 | R10a | Mr | Chiam Chiah Sern Jason | Singapore University of Social Sciences | S R Nathan School of Human Development | Human Capital Management | Individual / Pair | Must meet up at least F2F once Must be contactable via Whatsapp | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Future of Work? | What is Future of Work? Where are we at critical junture in the Future of Work? | Others: Human Capital Management, Student Attrition, Comparative Studies between Singapore & HK | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
17 | R10b | Mr | Chiam Chiah Sern Jason | Singapore University of Social Sciences | S R Nathan School of Human Development | Human Capital Management | Individual / Pair | Must meet up at least F2F once Must be contactable via Whatsapp | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Future of Work: Youth perception | What are youths perception that exists in Singapore Today? What is the Future of Work? | Others: Human Capital Management, Student Attrition, Comparative Studies between Singapore & HK | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
18 | R11a | Dr | Christina Chia-Wen Chuang | Nanyang Technological University | School of Humanities, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Philosophy: Applied Ethics, Ethics of Emerging Technology, Moral Psychology, Comparative Philosophy | Individual / Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Avatars, Authenticity and the Metaverse | In this project we explore our relationship to avatars in the Metaverse and the ethical implication of this “self-relation.” Should real world identities be regarded as more authentic than ones in virtual reality? As the Internet becomes an increasingly dominant sphere of our daily life and social interactions, experiences within this digital space also become a crucial part of identity formation. Similarly, with the anticipation that virtual reality (e.g., Metaverse) will one day become a major domain of life, it is fair to assume that it, too, will become a significant avenue of identity exploration. In fact, scholars like Tyagi (2011) and Korotkevich (2019) foresee that certain features of the metaverse invite users to actively explore their identities. For instance, users project themselves through virtual representations, i.e., avatars—which may or may not align with aspects of their real world selves. It also provides a safe space through anonymity which allows users to experiment with new representations. Arguably, our virtual representations better reflect an idealized version of who we want to be compared to our material selves which is limited by various physical factors. This begs the question of whether virtual identities are equally “authentic” as our real world identities, or if the latter should supersede the former in some way. This question has practical implications on ethical conduct in the metaverse, specifically concerning ethical limitations in how we represent ourselves online. | Philosophy | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
19 | R11b | Dr | Christina Chia-Wen Chuang | Nanyang Technological University | School of Humanities, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Philosophy: Applied Ethics, Ethics of Emerging Technology, Moral Psychology, Comparative Philosophy | Individual / Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | The Ethics of Combat Sports: Violence and Humility | The philosophy of sport is relatively new sub-field within the discipline of academic philosophy. In this project we explore the ethics of combat sports such as Muay Thai, Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Combat sports are a unique category of sports that require extra consideration (and scrutiny) due to the fighters' intention to harm each other and the audiences' enjoyment of the harm. In non-combat sports (such as basketball or soccer), in contrast, the goal is to score points so an intentional harm to the opponent would be considered a foul. Dixon (2015) provided the first academic moral critique of MMA by pointing out how it violates the ethical principle that we should never treat others merely as a means to an end. Ironically, while combat sports utilizes techniques from martial arts, the purpose of martial arts (e.g., Karate, Taekwondo and Kung Fu) goes beyond physical self-defense. Martial arts are meant to instill humility, respect and self-improvement. Recent studies have also shown that training martial arts could result in improvement in cognitive functions (Pujari 2024). In light of these issues, here are some sample questions we will explore: 1) How should we understand the value of combat sports and the moral development of martial arts practitioners? 2) How do we evaluate the layperson who gets pleasure from watching two fighters harm each other to the extreme? 3) Is there a difference between combat sports and traditional martial arts? | Philosophy | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
20 | R12 | Dr | Christopher Hiap Lee | ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | Climate Change in South-East Asia Programme | International Energy Politics, Geopolitics of Energy Transition in Southeast Asia, Climate and Energy Governance | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | 1 | The Governance and Geopolitics of Energy Transition in Southeast Asia | A research topic on the geopolitics and governance of energy transition in Southeast Asia can examine how regional and domestic actors navigate decarbonisation and the shift to renewable energy. This includes analysing national strategies to reduce fossil fuel reliance, implement carbon neutrality goals, and invest in low-carbon technologies. The topic can further explore how international cooperation, foreign investments, and cross-border grids influence decarbonisation, as well as the governance mechanisms—such as policy incentives, carbon markets, and institutional reforms—required to overcome economic, political, and social barriers for a just, effective energy transition. | Political Science | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
21 | R13a | Asst Prof | Chung Siew Keong Gerard | National University of Singapore | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dept of Social Work | Social Work | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Digital engagements of persons for social support, mental, or emotional support (e.g., counselling chats, online communities like Discord, chatbots, avatars etc) | I like to explore the use of digital platforms for social, emotional or mental support for individuals or families in Singapore. This can include AI chatbots, text-based chats like mindline or SOS text or tinkle friend, use of digital platforms such as Discord, or any forms of digital platforms (e.g., social media, telegramt) | Social Sciences (Social Work) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
22 | R13b | Asst Prof | Chung Siew Keong Gerard | National University of Singapore | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dept of Social Work | Social Work | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Use of LLMs for role playing simulations for the purpose of training or practice of social or emotional skills. | LLMs can be really helpful for training in social, emotional, or specialized skills. How can we use these LLMs to support individuals to learn social or emotional skills? I want to focus more on individuals who need these skills to function in key activities in life. For instance, individuals who face social anxieties, persons with disabilities going for job interviews etc | Social Sciences (Social Work) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
23 | R14a | Dr | Cook Alistair David Blair | Nanyang Technological University | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies | Asian Studies (Myanmar) / Humanitarian Affairs | Individual / Pair / Trio | First consultation with students must be in person. Subsequent meetings are encouraged in person / online meetings are tolerated. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Myanmar | The students should be willing to explore the political developments in Myanmar and/or their implications internationally. The students will need to locate their research proposal within these broad parameters using qualitative research methods only. | Political Science / Others: Qualitative work only | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
24 | R14b | Dr | Cook Alistair David Blair | Nanyang Technological University | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies | Asian Studies (Myanmar) / Humanitarian Affairs | Individual / Pair / Trio | First consultation with students must be in person. Subsequent meetings are encouraged in person / online meetings are tolerated. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Humanitarian Affairs | The students should be willing to explore the humanitarian impacts of a conflict or disaster in the Asia-Pacific. The students will need to locate their research proposal within these broad parameters using qualitative research methods only. | Political Science / Others: Qualitative work only | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
25 | R15a | Dr | Daryl Ooi | National University of Singapore | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dept of Philosophy | Philosophy | Trio | N.A. | Total of 1 across both topics offered | Philosophy of Religion | Anything related to my work: https://discovery.nus.edu.sg/20479-daryl-shen-ooi | Philosophy | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
26 | R15b | Dr | Daryl Ooi | National University of Singapore | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dept of Philosophy | Philosophy | Trio | N.A. | Total of 1 across both topics offered | Philosophy of Emotion | Anything related to my work: https://discovery.nus.edu.sg/20479-daryl-shen-ooi | Philosophy | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
27 | R16 | Assoc Prof | Das Diganta | Nanyang Technological University | Humanities and Social Studies Education Academic Grp, National Institute of Education | Ageing well, Urban Greening and Well-Being, Quality of (urban) life, Smart and Sustainable Cities | Trio | Willing to conduct field studies. Ability and willingness to read journal articles. Do online consultations. | 1 | Community Gardening and Ageing Well in Singapore | Community gardening in Singapore has become an important avenue for promoting healthy and active ageing. Beyond providing seniors with opportunities to engage in light physical activity, gardening fosters social interaction, intergenerational bonding, and a sense of purpose. Participating in community gardens helps older adults stay mentally engaged, reduce loneliness, and maintain well-being, while also contributing to sustainable urban living. As part of Singapore’s broader vision of ageing well, community gardening reflects how green, shared spaces can support both environmental sustainability and social inclusion. | Social Sciences (Sociology) / Others: Geography, Urban Studies | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
28 | R17 | Assoc Prof | Edward Park | Nanyang Technological University | Humanities and Social Studies Education Academic Grp, National Institute of Education | Physical Geography | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | 1 | Climate change and environmental pressures in the Mekong river | The project will explore and investigate how climate change and other human activities like sand mining, groundwater extraction, deforestation and urbanization have impacted the Mekong Delta and look for sustainable management of the river. | Others: Geography | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
29 | R18a | Asst Prof | Elisa Sophie Prosperetti | Nanyang Technological University | Humanities and Social Studies Education Academic Grp, National Institute of Education | History | Individual / Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Colonialism | Histories of empire, colonialism, and/or decolonisation. | History | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
30 | R18b | Asst Prof | Elisa Sophie Prosperetti | Nanyang Technological University | Humanities and Social Studies Education Academic Grp, National Institute of Education | History | Individual / Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | African history | Histories of Africa, from past to 1980s | History | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
31 | R19 | Assoc Prof | Eric Fesselmeyer | Singapore Management University | College of Integrative Studies | Environmental Economics and Urban Economics, with a focus on Singapore housing, transportation, and environmental issues. | Individual / Pair / Trio | Comfortable with data analysis and conducting surveys. | 1 | How students manage on hot days | Due to climate change, temperature is increasing in Singapore, which has detrimental impact on health, productivity, mental health, etc. In this project, we will focus on how students react to high temperatures, collecting data by survey. Our findings can guide policymakers to better help students cope as Singapore continues to warm. | Social Sciences (Economics) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
32 | R20a | Dr | Eugene Mark Min Hui | ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | Regional Social & Cultural Studies Programme; Thailand Studies Programme | Social inequality in Southeast Asia, indigenous land rights, comparative politics, and Thai politics | Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Thailand's Cycles of Democracy: Institutions, Movements, and Elite Entrenchment | This project explores Thailand's uneven path of democratic transition, marked by recurrent military and judicial coups, contested constitutions, and shifting alliances between conservative elites, progressive actors, and the monarchy. Students will analyse how institutional design, elite entrenchment, and progressive movements have shaped progress and setbacks in Thailand's democratic development since 1992. The project encourages insights into why Thailand's transition remains fragile and what this reveals about democratisation in Southeast Asia. Secondary literature will be sufficient for the topic. | Political Science / Others: International Relations and Political Economy | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
33 | R20b | Dr | Eugene Mark Min Hui | ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | Regional Social & Cultural Studies Programme; Thailand Studies Programme | Social inequality in Southeast Asia, indigenous land rights, comparative politics, and Thai politics | Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Development at a Crossroads: Indigenous Communities and the Pressures of Southeast Asia's Growth | This project examines how large-scale plantations, extractive industries, and rapid urbanisation disrupt the livelihoods, cultural practices, and rights of indigenous communities across the region. Students will investigate case studies of oil palm expansion, mining, and urbanisation projects in Borneo, highlighting the tensions between economic growth, environmental sustainability, and indigenous rights. The project encourages critical reflection on state policies, corporate responsibility, and grassroots resistance. Secondary literature and NGO reports will be sufficient for the project. | Political Science / Others: International Relations and Political Economy | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
34 | R21a | Dr | Evelyn Chew Ai Ling | Singapore University of Technology and Design | Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Communication and New Media | Individual / Pair | Be proactive | Total of 1 across both topics offered | Life narratives in interactive digital media | Examine existing interactive digital media life stories or create a life narrative biography. | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media);Social Sciences (Psychology);Literature | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
35 | R21b | Dr | Evelyn Chew Ai Ling | Singapore University of Technology and Design | Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Communication and New Media | Individual / Pair | Be proactive | Total of 1 across both topics offered | Qualitative health research | Investigate perspectives or interpersonal communication in health-related issues. | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media);Social Sciences (Psychology);Literature | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
36 | R22 | Dr | Faizal Bin Yahya | National University of Singapore | Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Institute of Policy Studies | Political Economy, Economic History, Policy | Trio | N.A. | 1 | Impact of AI on Economy | Whether it is improving healthcare outcomes or enhancing banking access for seniors, AI such as the use of digital automation is already transforming how Singapore lives, works, and connects. Across sectors, businesses and institutions are adopting AI to spark innovation, boost efficiency, and elevate experiences. Singapore's AI market has a forecast for exceptional expansion, from a S$1.05 billion market base in 2024, to S$4.64 billion by 2030, representing a 28.10% compound annual growth rate. The generative AI subset shows even more dramatic growth from S$0.52 billion in 2024 to S$5.09 billion in 2030, a stunning 46.26% CAGR. AI adoption could enhance productivity across sectors, notably adding up to S$27 billion to manufacturing. In terms of workforce empowerment and wage growth, by automating routine tasks, AI can save businesses up to approximately 21 days annually, potentially leading to wage increases. Challenges of AI advancement and adverse impact of AI on economy could be seen when estimates suggest that women and younger workers are more exposed to the effects of AI, which, in the absence of appropriate policies, could worsen income inequality in Singapore. To mitigate inequality, this could be through targeted training policies and leveraging on the existing SkillsFuture programme. This can harness AI's potential through augmenting current skill sets to complement the increasing use of AI as companies transform and evolve in the digital economy. | Social Sciences (Economics) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
37 | R23 | Asst Prof | Farhan Bin Ali | Nanyang Technological University | Learning Sciences and Assessment, National Institute of Education | Artificial intelligence, Education and Learning | Trio / Pair | N.A. | 1 | Curious with Chatbots | Generative AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, are becoming a regular part of students’ lives. Many people use them to look up information in their personal space, but we still know very little about how students use chatbots to satisfy their various kinds of curiosities, how this connects to their interests, and how it fits into everyday life. This project will explore the kinds of questions students bring to chatbots, how they see the chatbot’s role, and what this means for learning, discovery, and self-fulfilment. As part of the team, you’ll help us study real chatbot use, look for patterns, and think about what they tell us about student curiosity in the new AI world. This project is ideal for students who are curious about curiosity itself and want to explore how AI is changing the way young people seek, question, explore, and discover possibilities for themselves. | Social Sciences (Psychology) / Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) / Others: Social Sciences (Education and Learning) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
38 | R24 | Prof | Fiona Clare Williamson | Singapore Management University | College of Integrative Studies | Environmental History | Individual / Pair | May need to be able to use archival sources at National Library or National Archives of Singapore | 1 | History of the rubber industry in colonial Malaya | Rather than a simple chronological account of the rubber industry, students will be encouraged to think how rubber was a global and geopolitical commodity. | History | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
39 | R25 | Assoc Prof | Francesco Perono Cacciafoco | Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) | Department of Applied Linguistics (LNG), School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) | Linguistics | Trio / Individual / Pair | Some basic, elementary experience in coding is a plus, but is not expressly required. Note: Mentor is based in China. Be prepared to do online consultations at a mutually convenient time. | 1 | Unveiling the Secrets of the Singapore Stone: A Digital Philology Investigation | The Singapore Stone is an enigmatic sandstone epigraph which was re-discovered in 1819 at the mouth of the Singapore River and blown up by the British in 1843. Its text was and is totally undeciphered, because its writing system is unique (not attested anywhere else in the world). Only three fragments were recovered, after its destruction. Sent to India to be interpreted, only one, currently hosted at the local National Museum, was returned to Singapore in 1918. Attempts at deciphering the text have been unsuccessful, so far. This project aims at trying to recover the missing parts of the text of the slab (which originally measured around 3 meters per 3 meters, with about 52 lines of inscription) by implementing the functions of an algorithm (called 'Read-y Grammarian') that is currently in development for this task which, on the basis of the extant characters and lines, can 'guess', like a 'prediction machine', the contents of the missing parts of the epigraph, through an original process of Digital Philology. | History / Language and Linguistics / Social Sciences (Anthropology) / Social Sciences (Culture and Arts Management) / Others: Cryptology / Cryptanalysis / Language Deciphering / Historical Linguistics / Epigraphy / Etymology | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
40 | R26 | Mr | Ghesquiere Jean Francois Noel | Nanyang Technological University | School of Humanities, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Linguistics / Language | Trio / Pair | N.A. | 1 | A sociolinguistic investigation of French, German, Italian and Spanish in Singapore shop signs | This study is a first step in investigating the recurrent forms and patterns of French, German, Italian and Spanish as used in commercial shop signs across different business sectors in Singapore. It seeks to uncover the users’ motivations behind the use of French, German, Italian and Spanish here via surveys. Apart from the four official languages and their various spoken dialects, Singapore is host to a variety of other minority languages (Gordon 2005). French, German, Italian and Spanish are another case in point. Apart from its economic value, the popularity of French, German, Italian and Spanish seems to be due to its positive associations with high culture, haute couture and elegant life-style. These associations appear to be increasingly exploited in commercial signs across the island. | Language and Linguistics | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
41 | R27a | Dr | Gulizar Haciyakupoglu Akcan | Nanyang Technological University | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies | Information manipulation and interference, and online harms | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Information manipulation and interference | This topic covers online attempts of information manipulation and interference, including disinformation campaigns. | Political Science / Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
42 | R27b | Dr | Gulizar Haciyakupoglu Akcan | Nanyang Technological University | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies | Information manipulation and interference, and online harms | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Online harms | This topic focuses on various online harms such as cyberbullying, doxxing, scams and others. | Political Science / Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
43 | R28a | Emeritus Professor | Ho Kong Chong | National University of Singapore | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dept of Sociology and Anthropology | Sociology | Individual / Pair / Trio | Fieldwork. Prefer to accompany students for first field visit | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Viability of adaptive reuse buildings (New Bahru or Kada) | While the purpose of restoration of old buildings focus on national identity, footfall is necessity to commercially sustain the site. The project focus on the commercial uses of the site and how these uses add to the aesthetics and use of the place. shop keeper and users should be interviewed. | Social Sciences (Sociology) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
44 | R28b | Emeritus Professor | Ho Kong Chong | National University of Singapore | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dept of Sociology and Anthropology | Sociology | Individual / Pair / Trio | Fieldwork. Prefer to accompany students for first field visit | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Tourism and local places (Kampong Glam or Joo Chiat) | While tourists have been visiting the attractions found in Kampong Glam and Joo Chiat, the Sultan Mosque is home to many muslims and the shops closer to Geyland Serai are patronized almost exclusively by locals. How do the worlds of tourists and locals interact in these places? Are tourists interested in local lives? Are locals offended by tourist presence? | Social Sciences (Sociology) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
45 | R29a | Asst Prof | Hoe Su Fern | University of the Arts, Singapore | Cultural Policy and Evidence Lab, NAFA | Arts and Cultural Policy | Individual / Pair / Trio | Willingness to be open and learn. Possess intellectual curiousity Interest in the arts, design and culture Collaborative spirit to work together Persistent and diligent | Total of 2 across both topics offered | The impact of arts and cultural policy in Singapore | I am open to any topic that looks at the role of the arts and cultural policy in Singapore, especially in relation to conditions of creative labour, arts audiences and ecological sustainability. Or the topic could also be about policy from below, particularly equity, mutual aid, care and solidarity. | Social Sciences (Culture and Arts Management) / Film / Theatre / Others: Urban Planning, Community Development | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
46 | R29b | Asst Prof | Hoe Su Fern | University of the Arts, Singapore | Cultural Policy and Evidence Lab, NAFA | Arts and Cultural Policy | Individual / Pair / Trio | Willingness to be open and learn. Possess intellectual curiousity Interest in the arts, design and culture Collaborative spirit to work together Persistent and diligent | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Arts-led urban planning and place transformation | I am open to any topic related to the role of the arts and culture in urban planning and transforming places. | Social Sciences (Culture and Arts Management) / Film / Theatre / Others: Urban Planning, Community Development | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
47 | R30 | Dr | Hu Shu | Singapore University of Social Sciences | School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences | Sociology | Trio / Pair / Individual | I expect students to be proactive in scheduling consultation sessions with me and be willing to explore new directions and methods as their research questions evolve. | 1 | From Hokkien to English: What Changes for Grandparent–Grandchild Ties? | In Singapore, the language most frequently spoken at home has changed significantly over time: more people now use English, while dialects have declined. This means some grandchildren and grandparents may not share a strong common language. We want to find out if that affects how often they meet, what they talk about, what they do together, and how “close” they feel. | Social Sciences (Sociology) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
48 | R31 | Assoc Prof | Jean Liu | Singapore Institute of Technology | Health and Social Sciences Cluster | Impact of technology on Wellbeing | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | 1 | Understand adolescent use of screentime and social media platforms | How do adolescents use digital devices or social media platforms (e.g., TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram)? Is usage linked to any health or wellbeing behaviours? Research will prioritise large-scale quantitative surveys (min 100 respondents), observational studies, or experimental designs. | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) / Social Sciences (Psychology) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
49 | R32a | Assoc Prof | Jennifer Ang Mei Sze | Singapore University of Social Sciences | Core Learning, College of Interdisciplinary and Experiential Learning, | Philosophy - Ethics and Politics,Existentialism | Individual / Pair | Be willing to read extensively especially philosophy literature / online consultation at different time zone / responsive to draft changes | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Philosophy of technology (or AI) | 1. Questions surrounding how technology change us and our values. For example, what we used to believe as value of friendship and filial piety have changed with the affordances of technology such as prioritising convenience over sincere actions requiring effort. Think about e-gifts versus meaningful physical gifts. 2. Questions surrounding identity. For example, who are we if we turn to and rely on AI as companions? What is the identity of a deathbot? | Philosophy | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
50 | R32b | Assoc Prof | Jennifer Ang Mei Sze | Singapore University of Social Sciences | Core Learning, College of Interdisciplinary and Experiential Learning, | Philosophy - Ethics and Politics,Existentialism | Individual / Pair | Be willing to read extensively especially philosophy literature / online consultation at different time zone / responsive to draft changes | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Philosophy of forgiveness | 1. Questions about who, what and when we should or should not forgive. Discussions (using case studies or examples) can focus on forgiveness on a personal, national, or historical level. | Philosophy | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
51 | R33a | Dr | Kam Foong Janice (Gan Feng Janice) | Singapore University of Social Sciences | Core Learning, College of Interdisciplinary and Experiential Learning, | Chinese studies (Sinology, Early China (Pre-Qin and early Han), martial arts film and fiction, Chinese historiography, Chinese intellectual history | Pair / Individual | Will not be able to mentor quantitative studies. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Early Chinese historiography and/or intellectual history | History writing — or historiography — has an early start in China, with seminal texts and the establishing of a historical and quasi-historical tradition from the pre-Qin period onward (Zuozhuan, Guoyu, Intrigues of the Warring States, historical anecdotes, speeches), culminating in the Han with the establishment of a imperial history (Records of the Grand Historian) that became the template for dynastic history writing over the next two millenia. This history-writing is embedded in an ethical and intellectual tradition (Confucian or otherwise) that strongly prizes putting the past to various contemporary political and moral ends. Who writes these histories? What are their values? What can we learn about the lives and times of the subjects? What perspectives inform the writing of histories? What lessons are meant to be transmitted? How serious is history-writing (interpret this how you please!)? | Literature / History / Others: Chinese studies | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
52 | R33b | Dr | Kam Foong Janice (Gan Feng Janice) | Singapore University of Social Sciences | Core Learning, College of Interdisciplinary and Experiential Learning, | Chinese studies (Sinology, Early China (Pre-Qin and early Han), martial arts film and fiction, Chinese historiography, Chinese intellectual history | Pair / Individual | Will not be able to mentor quantitative studies. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Chinese martial arts fiction | The story worlds of modern martial arts fiction have been well-established since the second half of the twentieth century and have continued expanding since then in terms of content and media. Novels, TV series, games, films, adventure, romance, fantasy, supernatural, xianxia, historical fiction, cultural and intellectual heritage, contemporary socio-cultural commentary — mediums, genres, history, heritage, intellectual trends meet in the martial arts universe, with many different entry points for the reader/viewer/listener. Thus, martial arts fiction offers many diverse opportunities for study, while not denying the strong entertainment element of the genre/s. | Literature / History / Others: Chinese studies | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
53 | R34 | Dr | Karen Hor Kar Lin | Singapore University of Social Sciences | Centre For Applied Research | Creativity, social-cultural experience in education and qualitative research methods. | Individual | Willing to interview participants in qualitative research methods and conduct the analysis which can be tedious and time-consuming. | 1 | Creativity | Creativity is a survival skill in one's society and one's economic health. One can be born with creative genes, but the environment needs to nurture a creator's potential in all fields. In Singapore, what can foster or hinder creativity in the various developmental stages of an individual's life? How can homes, schools and companies foster or hinder creativity? One way to find out about one's creativity is to explore the live experience of one's creativity. | Social Sciences (Psychology) / Social Sciences (Sociology) / Others: Education | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
54 | R35 | Dr | Keri Marie Matwick | Nanyang Technological University | School of Humanities, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Food, culture, language, communication | Pair / Trio | N.A. | 1 | Food, language, and culture | I would be keen to supervise projects at the intersection of food, language, and culture. Possible topics include examining how menu descriptions, hawker stall signage, or food advertisements influence perceptions of taste, identity, and authenticity. Another avenue is gastrodiplomacy, where students might analyze how nations use food as a tool for cultural exchange and soft power. A third option could be alternative proteins, investigating how language frames consumer attitudes toward sustainability, health, or tradition. Projects could also focus on hawker culture as a uniquely Singaporean food space, exploring how narratives of heritage and modernity are communicated through language and practice. Finally, students might explore the role of AI in food culture — for instance, how automated kitchens, robot chefs, or AI-generated food narratives shape ideas of innovation, cuisine, labor, and authenticity. Each of these topics allows students to see how food operates as both a cultural symbol and a site of negotiation between tradition, technology, and identity. | Language and Linguistics / Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) / Others: Food and culture | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
55 | R36 | Assoc Prof | Kim Hye Kyung | Nanyang Technological University | Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Health communication | Individual / Pair | N.A. | 1 | Mitigating Stigma and Misperceptions of Mental Health | Despite increasing awareness, mental health stigma and misperceptions remain significant barriers to accessing care. Negative social media content often exacerbates these issues, shaping public attitudes and reinforcing stereotypes. The project aims to understand how stigma and misperceptions about mental health are cultivated by media exposure and develop mitigation strategies, ultimately promoting help-seeking behaviors among young adults in urban settings. | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
56 | R37a | Assoc Prof | Laavanya Kathiravelu | Nanyang Technological University | School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Sociology, Cultural Studies and Social anthropology | Pair / Individual | Be willing to do online meetings, be willing to do interviews and observations online on public social media sites. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Second generation or children of migrants and perceptions of belonging | Students can suggest topics in relation to children of migrants and their feelings of belonging to Singapore. | Social Sciences (Anthropology) / Social Sciences (Sociology) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
57 | R37b | Assoc Prof | Laavanya Kathiravelu | Nanyang Technological University | School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Sociology, Cultural Studies and Social anthropology | Pair / Individual | Be willing to do online meetings, be willing to do interviews and observations online on public social media sites. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Social media's influence on national and ethnic identity | Students can explore topics in relation to how social media (influencers, comedians, official social media sites of government agencies and members of the public etc) influences the ways in which young people/youth think about their own identities — especially in relation to the nationality or ethnic identity. | Social Sciences (Anthropology) / Social Sciences (Sociology) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
58 | R38a | Assoc Prof | Lee Chin Hin | Singapore University of Social Sciences | School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences | GenAI's social impact, TikTok, e-learning | Pair / Trio / Individual | Be willing to pick up statistical analysis if the student chooses to conduct quantitative research. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | The Transformative Role of GenAI in Youths' Media Behaviours | This topic shall explore how GenAI is reshaping the youths' media behaviours. Students could highlight the latest developments and how these features provide new insights into human interactions and social systems. The focus should preferably on youths in SG. Other innovative, relevant research ideas are welcome too. | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
59 | R38b | Assoc Prof | Lee Chin Hin | Singapore University of Social Sciences | School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences | GenAI's social impact, TikTok, e-learning | Pair / Trio / Individual | be willing to pick up statistical analysis if the student chooses to conduct quantitative research. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Measuring the Impact of TikTok's Personalised Feed on Youth's Self-Perception and Mental Well-Being | We know TikTok's "For You" page feels uniquely tailored to each user. But what is the psychological cost of that perfect feed? Students can explore how the videos TikTok chooses for its users can impact their self-esteem, trigger comparisons with others, and influence their overall mood, moving beyond simple screen time to look at the deeper effect of curated content. The focus should preferably on youths in SG. Other innovative, relevant research ideas are welcome too. | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
60 | R39 | Dr | Lee Mia Ching | Singapore University of Social Sciences | Core Learning, College of Interdisciplinary and Experiential Learning, | Modern European History | Pair / Trio | N.A. | 1 | Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism | This is a broad topic. One possible approach is to begin with the history of Zionism in the late-19th century to distinguish between its competing forms in order to demonstrate the heterogeneity of Zionist thought before the founding of the state of Israel. A second possibility is that students could consider the conflation between antisemitism and Anti-Zionism that is particularly relevant today. A third option would be to trace the politics of the Holocaust and events such as the Eichmann trial that have cemented Israel as the representative of Jews worldwide. | History / Social Sciences (Culture and Arts Management) / Film / Theatre | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
61 | R40 | Asst Prof | Lim Eng Hui Alvin | National University of Singapore | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dept of English, Linguistics and Theatre Studies | Theatre and performance studies, drama, religion, and performance histories | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | 1 | History of Popular Entertainment and the Performing Arts in Singapore and beyond | This topic explores Singapore’s role and historical importance as a venue for theatre and performance in the region. Students can propose any topic about the circulation and travels of theatre, dance, and performance against the backdrop of colonialism, post-war and post-colonial independence, diplomacy, nation-building, trade and global economy, and technological developments between 1900 to 1975. By situating Singapore as a significant node, students can also trace the networks that existed between urban centres and port cities, and along known travel routes (namely, along the Malacca and Singapore Straits and diverging across Australia, Hong Kong and the Southern provinces of China, to name a few). For instance, students can choose to focus on a performance troupe, a national company, or a performance venue (such as the popular theme parks between the 1940s to the 1960s) and study their influence and how they shaped the cultural landscape of the region. | History / Film / Theatre | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
62 | R41a | Dr | Lim Tai Wei | National University of Singapore | East Asian Institute | Area Studies (Northeast Asia), East Asian studies, Japanese Studies, Contemporary China Studies/Sinology, East Asian History (focusing on China and Japan modern and contemporary histories) | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Japanese Studies A multidisciplinary perspective of contemporary Japan, including international relations, history, social developments and political economy | Japanese Studies A multidisciplinary perspective of contemporary Japan, including international relations, history, social developments and political economy | Others: East Asian Studies, Contemporary China, Japanese Studies, Area Studies (Northeast Asia), International Relations (Northeast Asia) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
63 | R41b | Dr | Lim Tai Wei | National University of Singapore | East Asian Institute | Area Studies (Northeast Asia), East Asian studies, Japanese Studies, Contemporary China Studies/Sinology, East Asian History (focusing on China and Japan modern and contemporary histories) | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Contemporary China A multidisciplinary perspective of contemporary China, including international relations, history, social developments and political economy | Contemporary China A multidisciplinary perspective of contemporary China, including international relations, history, social developments and political economy | Others: East Asian Studies, Contemporary China, Japanese Studies, Area Studies (Northeast Asia), International Relations (Northeast Asia) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
64 | R42 | Asst Prof | Luo Lizhu | Nanyang Technological University | School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Psychology | Pair / Trio | Be willing to conduct a study on adolescents and pick up quantitative statistical analysis. | 1 | The Effect of Parental Emotional Responses on Adolescent Emotional Development | Aim: To explore how parental emotional responses influence adolescent emotional development, specifically examining how adolescents' responses to different parental emotions are related to the quality of the parent-adolescent relationship and how this impacts emotional development, including emotional regulation and depressive symptoms. Methodology: Task: Participants will complete a Go/No-go task (refer to Kungl et al., 2020 / Ho et al., 2018) where they will be presented with images of their parents and strangers displaying happy, angry, sad, fearful, and neutral facial expressions. They will be required to respond (Go) or withhold response (No-go) depending on the facial expression presented. Questionnaires: listed in the paper (Ratliff et al., 2023) • Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires • Children’s Emotion Management Scale: Sadness and Anger scales • Conflict Frequency Scale • Adult-Child Relationship Scale • Parental Acceptance Scale • Problem Behavior Frequency Scale • Child Mood & Feelings Questionnaire • Inclusion of Other in the Self (IOS) Scale https://sparqtools.org/mobility-measure/inclusion-of-other-in-the-self-ios-scale/ Expected Outcomes: It is expected that adolescents with stronger parent-adolescent relationships will show longer response times to the positive faces of their parents compared to those of strangers, reflecting greater emotional engagement and better emotional regulation. In contrast, those with weaker relationships will have quicker response times to the negative faces of their parents compared to those of strangers, potentially indicating avoidance or heightened sensitivity to negative emotional cues. These patterns could be linked to poorer emotional regulation and a higher risk of depressive symptoms, highlighting the crucial role of the parent-adolescent relationship in shaping emotional development. Significance: This study will contribute to understanding how parental emotional responses and the quality of parent-adolescent relationships impact emotional processing in adolescents, potentially informing interventions aimed at improving emotional development through family-based approaches. | Social Sciences (Psychology) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
65 | R43 | Asst Prof | Mark Anthony Chan Wen Kein | Singapore Institute of Technology | Health and Social Sciences Cluster | Physiotherapy – with emphasis on behaviour change, psychological factors influencing health behaviours, and strength training participation | Trio / Pair / Individual | • Be willing to conduct survey-based research, including participant recruitment and data collection in community settings. • Comfortable with quantitative data handling and willing to learn basic statistical analysis (e.g. descriptive statistics, regression). • Able to work independently and manage timelines for survey administration and follow-up. • Strong communication skills for engaging participants and ensuring accurate data capture. | 1 | Investigating Factors Associated with Strength Training Behaviour and Their Impact on Physical Health in Adolescents | This study examines the psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence adolescents’ participation in strength training. It aims to identify key determinants of behaviour, such as motivation, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers, and to explore how these relate to physical health outcomes. The findings will provide insights into promoting sustainable exercise habits in youth and inform strategies to support strength training as part of healthy adolescent development. | Social Sciences (Psychology) / Others: Physiotherapy | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
66 | R44a | Dr | Mark Fifer Seilhamer | Nanyang Technological University | English Language and Literature Academic Grp, National Institute of Education | Sociolinguistics | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Language Ideologies | Any topic related to language ideologies - people's beliefs (often unconscious taken-for-granted assumptions regarded as commonsensical) about language, language behaviour, or particular languages/language varieties. These beliefs can fall into numerous overlapping classifications, but a few are: beliefs about the value/significance of languages (e.g., "One must speak standard English to get a good job", "Hokkien sounds vulgar"), interpretations of the structure or function of language(s) (e.g., "Singlish is just a rojak mixture of different languages"), beliefs about links to speakers' identities (.e.g., "She's Chinese, but only speaks English - How pathetic!"), and beliefs about language use (e.g., "You should never end a sentence with a preposition"). | Language and Linguistics | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
67 | R44b | Dr | Mark Fifer Seilhamer | Nanyang Technological University | English Language and Literature Academic Grp, National Institute of Education | Sociolinguistics | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Linguistic Landscapes | Any topic related to the language of public spaces. Early linguistic landscape research focused narrowly on the language(s) on fixed signs, but my conceptualization of the linguistic landscape is much broader, including all the (public) language of the Internet, mobile linguistic landscape elements (e.g., language on vehicles and clothing), soundscapes (e.g., announcements at airports or on trains), and even skinscapes (tattoos). And if students would like to consider non-linguistic elements (e.g., visual images) as well, the conceptualization can be broader still - SEMIOTIC landscapes. Studies can be quantitative - e.g., counting instances of particular languages and their configurations in designated areas. They can be qualitative (e.g., in-depth discussions of particular signs in context). They can also be mixed-methods investigations. | Language and Linguistics | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
68 | R45 | Dr | Mengyang Su | Singapore University of Technology and Design | Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Economics | Trio | N.A. | 1 | Consumers and Digital Platforms | Consumers play a central role in the success of digital platforms. Their choices, data, and engagement drive network effects, influence competition, and shape platform strategies. At the same time, consumers face challenges such as information asymmetry, lock-in, and privacy concerns. This topic examines how consumers interact with digital platforms, the value they create, and the risks they encounter in the digital economy. | Social Sciences (Economics) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
69 | R46 | Dr | Mustafa Izzuddin | National University of Singapore | NUS College | Elections, Party Politics, Religion, Ethnicity, Governance, Foreign Policy, and National Security | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | 2 | Elections, Party Politics, Religion, Ethnicity, Governance, Foreign Policy, or National Security | Countries of Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East | Political Science / Philosophy / History | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
70 | R47 | Assoc Prof | Ng Wei Ting | Singapore University of Social Sciences | School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences | Psychology | Individual / Pair / Trio | Be willing to pick up basic statistical analysis | 1 | Positive psychology and well-being | Research questions focusing on factors that influence well-being, personality differences in well-being, and examining how differences in well-being affect important life outcomes, are all of interest. Research questions studying how positive psychology interventions (PPIs) such as expressing gratitude or performing acts of kindness can enhance well-being, and whether there are personality differences in the use of these PPIs are also relevant and of interest. | Social Sciences (Psychology) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
71 | R48a | Dr | Nicholas Paul de Cruz | University of Surrey | School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences | Sport and Performance Psychology, Qualitative Research, Cultural Studies, Youth Development, Video Gaming | Individual / Pair / Trio | Note: Mentor is based in the U.K. Be prepared to do online consultations at a mutually convenient time. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Exploring the State of Safe Sport in Singapore | Are you passionate about sports and curious about safety measures in the world of athletics? Dive into the fascinating world of "The State of Safe Sport in Singapore" and embark on a research journey that delves into the safety practices, policies, and innovations within Singapore's sports landscape. In this exciting exploration, you'll have the opportunity to investigate how Singapore ensures the well-being of athletes, from grassroots to professional levels. Discover the latest advancements in sports safety, explore the impact of these measures on athletes' performance and overall health, and uncover ways to contribute to a safer sporting environment. This research topic not only enhances your understanding of sports but also equips you with valuable skills for a future in sports management, healthcare, or policy-making. Join us in unraveling the secrets behind safe sport in Singapore and make a lasting impact on the world of athletics. | Social Sciences (Psychology) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
72 | R48b | Dr | Nicholas Paul de Cruz | University of Surrey | School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences | Sport and Performance Psychology, Qualitative Research, Cultural Studies, Youth Development, Video Gaming | Individual / Pair / Trio | Note: Mentor is based in the U.K. Be prepared to do online consultations at a mutually convenient time. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Leveraging Video Games for Learning and Growth | Do you love playing video games? What if we told you that gaming could be a powerful tool for learning and personal development? Dive into the captivating world of "Using Video Games to Support Learning and Development" and embark on a research journey that explores how your favorite games can enhance your knowledge and skills. Discover how video games are not just for entertainment but can also be a dynamic platform to improve problem-solving abilities, teamwork, creativity, and even academic performance. In this exciting research topic, you'll investigate the science behind game-based learning, explore innovative educational games, and uncover the potential career paths in game design and educational technology. Get ready to level up your understanding of how video games can shape your future and contribute to the evolution of education. Join us in this quest to unlock the untapped potential of video games for learning and development, and become a pioneer in the world of educational gaming! | Social Sciences (Psychology) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
73 | R49 | Mr | Nicholas Raphael Netto | Singapore University of Social Sciences | School of Social Work and Social Development | Technology use, loneliness & social support among older persons in Singapore | Trio | Students must be willing to conduct the data collection (pen & paper) on-site and in person as the target population is older persons. | 1 | Technology use, loneliness & social support among older persons in Singapore | This research will explore why older persons in Singapore may or may not use technology and whether this is associated with loneliness and social support, utilising the brief Senior Technology Acceptance scale (Chen & Lou, 2020), the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, as well as the Oslo Social Support Scale. | Social Sciences (Social Work);Others: Gerontology, Technology, Cross-disciplinary | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
74 | R50a | Dr | Norshahril Bin Saat | ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | Regional Social & Cultural Studies Programme | Political Science, Sociology, and Cultural Studies | Individual / Pair | Independent learner, and enthusiastic | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Political Dynasties in Maritime Southeast Asia | This project seeks to highlight the trend of political dynasties in two to three maritime Southeast Asian countries (some countries as case studies Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei). It seek sto understand the impact towards democracy, and whether this impedes or strengthen political and economic development. | Political Science / Social Sciences (Culture and Arts Management) / Social Sciences (Sociology) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
75 | R50b | Dr | Norshahril Bin Saat | ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | Regional Social & Cultural Studies Programme | Political Science, Sociology, and Cultural Studies | Individual / Pair | Independent learner, and enthusiastic | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Identity politics in Southeast Asia (the rise of religion and ethnicity, among youths) | This project compares Malaysia and Singapore, to see how ethnic and religious politics are shaping political culture and behaviour among youths. The project will analyse data from recent general elections. | Political Science / Social Sciences (Culture and Arts Management) / Social Sciences (Sociology) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
76 | R51a | Asst Prof | Park Kee Hyun | Nanyang Technological University | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies | Trade Policy, Economic Sanctions, Firms in Global Value Chains, US-China Competition / Political Science | Individual / Pair | Be willing to learn quantitative statistical analysis, data wrangling, and visualization skills. You should also be willing to think through the question at hand. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Political and Economic Impact of US–China Competition on Southeast Asian Economies and Local Industries | Are you curious about how global powers shape the world we live in? Explore the dynamics between the United States and China and how their political competition affects Southeast Asia. In this research, you will examine political decisions, trade, economic growth, and regional relationships to understand their real-world impact. You will develop skills in analyzing data, thinking critically about global issues, and connecting history, politics, and economics. This is an opportunity to uncover the stories behind international events and see how world affairs influence everyday life while building skills that will benefit your future. | Political Science | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
77 | R51b | Asst Prof | Park Kee Hyun | Nanyang Technological University | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies | Trade Policy, Economic Sanctions, Firms in Global Value Chains, US-China Competition / Political Science | Individual / Pair | Be willing to learn quantitative statistical analysis, data wrangling, and visualization skills. You should also be willing to think through the question at hand. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Trade Policy and the U.S. Retreat from the Liberal Economic Order | Are you curious about how the rules of global trade and cooperation are changing? Explore the U.S. retreat from long-standing institutions like the World Trade Organization and how it is reshaping the liberal economic order. In this research, you will examine international agreements, trade policies, economic growth, and emerging alliances to understand their real-world impact. You will develop skills in analyzing data, thinking critically about global issues, and connecting history, politics, and economics. This is an opportunity to uncover the stories behind global events and see how shifts in the world order influence everyday life while building skills that will benefit your future. | Political Science | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
78 | R52a | Prof | Pascal Vennesson | Nanyang Technological University | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies | Political Science / International Relations | Individual / Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Command decisions and battlefield effectiveness in the Malaya campaign/Battle for Singapore | Examine one or two command decisions made by the British/Commonwealth side during the Malaya campaign/Battle for Singapore and assess the ways in which they contributed to battlefield effectiveness. Mentor will provide analytical frameworks that can be tested using available sources. The "military effectiveness" subfield in political science is a dynamic area of study and this topic is an opportunity to check this subfield and contribute to by looking at decision making. | History / Political Science / Others: International Relations | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
79 | R52b | Prof | Pascal Vennesson | Nanyang Technological University | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies | Political Science / International Relations | Individual / Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Assess the role that airpower played in the Malaya campaign/battle for Singapore | Airpower was an important dimension of the Malaya campaign/battle for Singapore. Provide an assessment of its role. This topic can be approached through a focused angle, such as the prewar preparation/strategy, for example. | History / Political Science / Others: International Relations | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
80 | R53 | Asst Prof | Paul Victor Patinadan | Nanyang Technological University | School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Positive Psychology / Mindfulness and Compassion / Flow and Flourishing / Qualitative Research Methods / Food and Eating / Psychology of Leisure and Relaxation (Videogaming, Travel, etc.) / End of Life Care and Issues / Loss, Grief and Bereavement | Individual / Pair | Interested in qualitative research methods Self-directed with their learning Good people and communication skills Passionate about their chosen topic Able to understand ethical limitations for some topics and study designs Good emotional regulation and sense of humor | 1 | A Qualitative Investigation of the Leisure and Recreation Experience in Singaporean Students | What exactly do students do for fun? How are their choices determined by their internal psychological states and relationship to their world? It would be interesting to consider these questions in terms of theories surrounding Leisure and Recreation, such Iso-Ahola Motivation Model of Leisure or Compensatory and Spillover Hypotheses, amongst other Positive Psychology concepts such as Eudaimonia, Flow, and Flourishing (for example) as well as standard theories on Motivation and/or Stress. Potential student researchers are encouraged to employ more exciting qualitative methods, such as photo-voice/elicitation, walking interviews, experience sampling, shadowing with ethnographic observation, or other, more nuanced ways of data collection that take them away from the lab and into the field, right into the lived experience of their participants. HOW FUN IS THAT! | Social Sciences (Psychology) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
81 | R54 | Asst Prof | Peh Li Qi | Nanyang Technological University | School of Humanities, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Literature, Poetry, Novel | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | 1 | All topics related to the study of English literature are very welcome. | All topics related to the study of English Literature are very welcome. | Literature | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
82 | R55 | Dr | Poh Soon Koh | Nanyang Technological University | English Language and Literature Academic Grp, National Institute of Education | Linguistic, cultural analysis, cultural psychology | Individual / Pair | Interested in qualitative linguistic and visual data analysis. Keen to examine communication in texts in both digital and non-digital environments. | 1 | Persuasion by Design: A Semiotic Analysis of Print Advertisements | Commercial advertisements are designed to persuade their target audience to take action, such as purchasing a product or service. Rather than appealing to basic needs, they often influence audiences in subtle ways by appealing to their wants and desires. To achieve this, advertisements are carefully crafted to suit their purpose, audience, context, and culture (PACC). They also draw on Bull and Anstey’s (2018) five semiotic systems — linguistic, visual, audio, gestural, and spatial — to create persuasive messages. This is especially evident in digital environments, where these systems are combined to enhance aesthetic appeal and communicative impact. In this study, student researchers will select a set of print advertisements for the same type of product or service (e.g., skincare products, cars, or condominiums) and conduct an analysis of PACC and four of the semiotic systems (excluding the audio system). The aim is to describe how PACC and the 4 elements are used to persuade the intended audience. This study deepens students’ understanding of how multimodal elements and contextual factors shape persuasive messaging in commercial advertising. It equips them with analytical tools to critically evaluate how visual texts influence consumer behavior across cultural and digital contexts. | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) / Language and Linguistics | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
83 | R56a | Asst Prof | Prahl Andrew Scott | Nanyang Technological University | Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Artificial Intelligence & Human-Machine Communication | Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 1 across both topics offered | Bleep-Boop, Retrenched!: The Public Relations of Replacing Humans with Machines | Layoffs caused AI replacing human labour are becoming common. In the past, companies could hide it and say they were retrenching people for whatever reason. But now, people are starting to be savvy to it. As a result, companies must release PR statements and talk to the press about replacing people with machines. This is a new — especially savage and heartless — type of layoff. Your group will look at the PR of companies that have done this, look at the media/social media fallout, and write a groundbreaking piece on this new phenomenon. This project will likely be completed with a content analysis (so it can go qualitative or quantitative depending on your group’s preference). | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
84 | R56b | Asst Prof | Prahl Andrew Scott | Nanyang Technological University | Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Artificial Intelligence & Human-Machine Communication | Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 1 across both topics offered | AI Whisperers: Conversations at the Edge of Human and Machine Understanding | This project investigates the emerging discourse surrounding AI Whisperers, a term that has been co-opted to describe a class of specialists with a deep, often extraordinary understanding of AI. Traditionally, a “whisperer” refers to someone highly skilled in training animals, yet the lack of terminology suited to the complexities of AI has led to this term being applied to individuals who either describe AI as possessing a quasi-psychology or those who focus on AI’s technical inner workings. The aim of this project is to analyse the ways in which these AI whisperers discuss the technology. Our primary data collection will occur in online communities (e.g., Reddit, X, Discord) where these AI whisperers discuss their challenges and accomplishments. Using qualitative content and discourse analysis, this research seeks to uncover the unexpected insights emerging from the intersection of technology, expertise, and social perception. These dialogues ultimately offer unique insights into how AI is increasingly understood, or misunderstood, in society. This project is good for HSSRP students who wish to contribute to a project on the broader academic conversation on how AI specialists communicate about a technology that continually challenges human comprehension. | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
85 | R57 | Assoc Prof | Rita Padawangi | Singapore University of Social Sciences | Core Learning, College of Interdisciplinary and Experiential Learning, | Sociology | Individual / Pair | N.A. | 1 | The "Smart City" in Everyday Life | Many cities in the world have adopted the “smart city” paradigm to exploit information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their public service delivery. However, there continues to be lingering questions on the extent to which the pragmatism of “smart city” and the ICT applications compromise critical examinations on potential consequences for society at large. From social media to real-time sensors and trackers to various applications that are now categorised as “artificial intelligence”, ICTs are increasingly entrenched in the life of city dwellers. What are the social and cultural implications of increasingly embedded “smart” systems in the everyday life of citizens? Are there emerging patterns from intertwining online-offline spaces? To what extent do “smart city” implementation and contemporary “artificial intelligence”-labelled applications affect citizens’ roles and aspirations in shaping their societies? This topic aims to understand the impact of ICTs in the everyday life and to equip students with critical perspectives on “smart city” while allowing creativity and innovations to construct applicable ideas to address challenges of contemporary urban life. | Social Sciences (Sociology) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
86 | R58 | Dr | Robbie Lee Sabnani | Nanyang Technological University | English Language and Literature Academic Grp, National Institute of Education | Speaking and Listening, oracy skills and processes, communication and critical thinking, metacognition in language learning | Pair / Trio | N.A. | 1 | How are students using digital tools for communication in academic and non-academic contexts? | For this topic, the project team members investigate how students are using digital tools for communication in academic and non-academic contexts. They could examine the following: How are interactive language learning apps, AI coaches as well as several other multimedia tools currently being used? What are the challenges and how could the issues be addressed? How could the tools be leveraged to improve pronunciation and speaking skills? | Language and Linguistics | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
87 | R59a | Assoc Prof | Ruanni Tupas | University College London | Institute of Education | Sociolinguistics and TESOL | Individual / Pair / Trio | Note: Mentor is based in the U.K. Be prepared to do online consultations at a mutually convenient time. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Linguistic Landscapes | The Linguistic Landscape (LL) is the study of language in public spaces, such as street signs, shop names, billboards, and posters. It examines how languages are displayed, coexist, and compete, reflecting power, identity, and cultural dynamics. What does Singapore's LL say about multilingualism in the country? What is the role of government, globalisation, history, and power in the arrangement of languages in public? | Language and Linguistics | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
88 | R59b | Assoc Prof | Ruanni Tupas | University College London | Institute of Education | Sociolinguistics and TESOL | Individual / Pair / Trio | Note: Mentor is based in the U.K. Be prepared to do online consultations at a mutually convenient time. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Multilingual Singaporeans | We typically describe Singaporeans as bilingual speakers, and the language policy of Singapore as 'bilingual policy'. However, Singapore and Singaporeans are actually multilingual. What makes Singaporeans 'multilingual'? Do they think they are multilingual speakers? What is their experience learning and speaking different languages, other than just the official ones? | Language and Linguistics | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
89 | R60a | Assoc Prof | Saifuddin Ahmed | Nanyang Technological University | Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Communication / Social media / Misinformation / Deepfakes | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Psychology of Political Misinformation | This research project investigates how political misinformation (including deepfakes) shapes public opinion and decision-making. Through empirical methods, the study will examine not only the spread of false or misleading claims but also the psychological and social mechanisms that make individuals more or less susceptible to them. The findings aim to deepen our understanding of the role misinformation plays in democratic processes. | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) / Political Science | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
90 | R60b | Assoc Prof | Saifuddin Ahmed | Nanyang Technological University | Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Communication / Social media / Misinformation / Deepfakes | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Cross-Cultural Meme Interpretations | This study investigates how political memes and misinformation are interpreted across cultural contexts. By conducting two countries, the project will compare audience reactions to identical memes and false claims in different countries. The aim is to understand how cultural norms around humor, authority, and trust shape susceptibility to political messaging online. Findings will provide insights into the global dynamics of digital misinformation/stereotypes and highlight the cultural factors that influence resilience to misinformation. | Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) / Political Science | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
91 | R61 | Asst Prof | Scully Aileen Eugenia | Singapore Institute of Technology | Health and Social Sciences Cluster | Neurodegenerative conditions | Pair / Trio / Individual | Be willing to conduct data collection which may be done in-person, be willing to learn and perform analysis which may involve both quantitative and qualitative methods | 1 | Knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of adolescents about Parkinson's disease | Parkinson's disease is the fastest growing neurodegenerative condition. Stigma surrounding the condition can cause psychological distress, social withdrawal, and poorer quality of life for people with Parkinson's and their caregivers. Studies investigating knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes about Parkinson's disease have been conducted in other countries but not Singapore. These studies investigate knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes among people aged 18 years and above. It is unclear if adolescents have similar knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes. It is also uncertain if having a family member with Parkinson's or knowing someone with the condition affects knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes. The findings of this study can help to inform interventions to improve the problem of stigma faced by people with Parkinson's and their caregivers. | Social Sciences (Social Work) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
92 | R62 | Assoc Prof | Sin Harng Luh | Singapore University of Social Sciences | Experiential Learning, College of Interdisciplinary and Experiential Learning, | Geography | Individual / Pair | N.A. | 1 | Inclusive Leisure and Tourism in Singapore: Exploring the Meanings of Access and Participation | What makes a public space “inclusive”? Who gets to participate — and who feels left out? As Singapore becomes a super-aging society and embraces diversity across age, ability, and background, there is increasing attention on how leisure and tourism spaces can support broader forms of access, engagement, and belonging. This research project invites students to critically explore how inclusivity and accessibility are understood and experienced in Singapore’s leisure and tourism landscape. Moving beyond just physical infrastructure or universal design, students will be encouraged to consider the social, emotional, and cultural meanings of participation. For example, what does it mean for someone to feel welcome, comfortable, or represented in a space? How do certain spaces enable or limit one’s ability to connect with others, form memories, or engage with heritage and community? Students may choose to explore these issues through a range of lenses: aging, disability (visible and invisible), caregiving, neurodivergence, language and cultural inclusion, or intergenerational interaction. Similarly, students are free to focus on any setting relevant to leisure and tourism in Singapore — such as museums, parks, recreational areas, historic sites, or urban precincts. Rather than focusing only on what is present or absent in design, students are invited to interpret the deeper role these spaces play in people’s lives. Some possible guiding questions include: What different forms of access and inclusion are important in leisure and tourism? How do people with different needs experience the same public space? What emotions, memories, or meanings do individuals associate with these spaces? How might small changes—physical, social, or symbolic—transform a space for greater inclusivity? Students may choose from a range of research methods, including observational studies, interviews with users or practitioners, media/document analysis, surveys, or comparative case studies. Emphasis will be placed on helping students develop clear research questions, identify appropriate data sources, and critically reflect on the broader implications of their findings. Ultimately, this project encourages young researchers to engage thoughtfully with issues of equity, identity, and belonging, and to reimagine how Singapore’s public leisure and tourism environments can be more inclusive—not only in terms of access, but in how they support meaningful and joyful participation for all. | Social Sciences (Sociology) / Others: Geography | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
93 | R63a | Dr | Siwage Dharma Negara | ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | Regional Studies Programme | Technology and labour market dynamics / Digital economy and resource distributions | Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | The Impact of Technology on Youth Employment in Southeast Asia | This research explores how technological advancements, such as automation, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms, are changing the job landscape for youth in Southeast Asia. It examines both opportunities, such as the rise of new digital careers and flexible work, and challenges, including job displacement, skills mismatches, and income inequality. The project seeks to understand how the region can prepare its future workforce for a rapidly changing world of work. | Political Science / Social Sciences (Anthropology) / Philosophy / Social Sciences (Economics) / Social Sciences (Psychology) / Social Sciences (Sociology) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
94 | R63b | Dr | Siwage Dharma Negara | ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | Regional Studies Programme | Technology and labour market dynamics / Digital economy and resource distributions | Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | The Impact of Digital Platforms on Consumers and Small-Medium Entreprises in Southeast Asia | This research examines how digital platforms, like e-commerce, ride-hailing, and online payment systems, are changing consumer behaviour and business practices in Southeast Asia. It looks at the benefits these platforms bring, including wider market access for SMEs and greater convenience for consumers, as well as challenges such as platform dependency, uneven access to technology, and regulatory issues. The study aims to understand how digital platforms reshape economic opportunities and risks in the region’s fast-growing digital economy. | Political Science / Social Sciences (Anthropology) / Philosophy / Social Sciences (Economics) / Social Sciences (Psychology) / Social Sciences (Sociology) | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
95 | R64a | Dr | Soh Kai Ruo | National University of Singapore | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dept of Communications and New Media | Popular Culture / Media and Cultural Studies OR Communication for Social Change/Social Impact | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Popular Culture/ Media and Cultural Studies | Topics relating on the impact of popular culture on society. Film, television or music would be the preference. | Social Sciences (Culture and Arts Management) / Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
96 | R64b | Dr | Soh Kai Ruo | National University of Singapore | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dept of Communications and New Media | Popular Culture / Media and Cultural Studies OR Communication for Social Change/Social Impact | Individual / Pair / Trio | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Communication for Social Change | The impact media has on social issues in Singapore or how we can use the media to amplify social issues in Singapore | Social Sciences (Culture and Arts Management) / Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
97 | R65 | Assoc Prof | Taberez Ahmed Neyazi | National University of Singapore | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dept of Communications and New Media | Communication Studies and Political Science | Individual / Trio / Pair | N.A. | 1 | Artificial Intelligence, Deepfakes, and Regulation | This initiative explores the regulatory challenges posed by deepfakes and their influence on public opinion. As AI-generated videos become more realistic and accessible, they create new risks for misinformation, democratic integrity, and media trust. The project examines how legal and policy frameworks both existing and emerging, can address these risks while balancing innovation, free expression, and accountability. In addition, it considers how law and policy can work alongside technological solutions, such as detection tools, to preserve transparency, trust, and accountability in the digital public sphere. | Political Science / Social Sciences (Communication and New Media) | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
98 | R66 | Dr | Takahiro Yamamoto | Singapore University of Technology and Design | Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | History | Pair / Individual | N.A. | 1 | The history of Singapore-Japan relations | Japan-Singapore relations have evolved dramatically from wartime occupation to strategic partnership. During World War II, Japan occupied Singapore from 1942-1945, leaving lasting scars. However, diplomatic ties were established in 1966, shortly after Singapore's independence. The relationship transformed through economic cooperation, with Japan becoming a major investor and trading partner. The topic offers a variety of entry points, such as economic and trade relations, shifting mutual images, legacies of the occupation into the late 20c, and so forth. | History | Yes | https://go.gov.sg/hssrp26-app-mentor-reading | ||||||||||||
99 | R67 | Asst Prof | Tan Kuo Siong | Singapore University of Technology and Design | Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences | Financial geography | Individual / Pair | Pick up basic statistical analysis, conduct fieldwork | 1 | Cashless Teens: How Digital Payments Shape Spending and Lifestyles of Secondary School Students in Singapore | The rapid adoption of digital payment systems such as PayNow, GrabPay, and contactless cards has transformed the way financial transactions are conducted in Singapore. Among secondary school students, cashless payments have become an integral part of daily life, from purchasing food and beverages to paying for online entertainment and shopping. This trend reflects the nation’s broader move towards a cashless society and presents both opportunities and challenges for young consumers. This report examines how the increasing use of digital payments influences teenage spending behaviour and lifestyle choices. As financial transactions become faster and less tangible, the traditional sense of money management may be altered, potentially leading to greater convenience but also a higher risk of impulsive or unplanned spending. In this context, cultivating sound financial habits, such as budgeting, regular saving, and mindful expenditure, becomes especially important. | Others: Finance/financial geography | N.A. | N.A. | ||||||||||||
100 | R68a | Assoc Prof | Tay Kay Chai | Singapore Institute of Technology | Health and Social Sciences Cluster | Psychology | Individual / Pair | N.A. | Total of 2 across both topics offered | Gender differences in solitary and social recreational activities | This study investigates the sociodemographic and psychosocial factors associated with male and female-specific preferences for solitary and social recreational activities. The study will adopt a mixed methods, or quantitative survey and experimental approaches. | Philosophy / Social Sciences (Psychology) | N.A. | N.A. |