Our HASS Freshmore core course, ‘02.003 Social Science: Understanding Behaviour, Culture and Society’, begins with the foundational debates of political economy. We read selections from Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations, including his famous discussion of the origin of the division of labour and its role in promoting national wealth.

The National Day celebrations concluded last week, and as the entire nation rejoices, we should not only take pride in our country’s achievements but also express our gratitude to the seniors who have contributed to the nation’s development. They are the pillars of our society and the foundation of Singapore’s prosperity and stability. On this special day, let us consider how we can better care for their physical and mental well-being, ensuring they remain active in society.

Mr Wang, 55, is a senior network engineer at Singtel. He found that fixing network issues was both difficult and time-consuming. Drawing on his years of experience, he guided young engineers to create an automated alert system that uses AI to detect and resolve problems before they escalate. This system has made the network more reliable and reduced downtime. Mr Wang’s innovation not only enhanced network performance but also demonstrated how senior employees can leverage their accumulated knowledge to create significant value and help train the next generation.

SUTD researchers had set out to test the effect of bilingualism in mitigating cognitive decline in older adults. The team developed and conducted a novel game-based cognitive training programme and found that older adults who played in dual-language mode improved their cognitive skills more than those who played in single-language mode.

Professor Yow Wei Quin, Head of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (SINGAPORE – The mid-year school holidays are almost over, but some students in Singapore have been focusing more on academics than relaxation during their month-long break.

Tuition centres report a spike in demand for their academic “boot camps” for June for primary and secondary school students. And observers say that spending a significant portion of the holiday period, which ends on June 23, on studies is commonplace in Singapore, which risks fatigue and burnout for kids.

However, some children and parents report satisfaction with the youngster’s goals, motivation and packed holiday schedule.

HASS) at SUTD says: “Overscheduling can occur when a child’s holiday is filled with too many structured activities, leaving little to no time for rest, play or unstructured time. This can lead to stress, burnout and a lack of opportunities for creativity and self-directed learning.”

Imagine how wonderful it would be if every senior was filled with the energy and curiosity of young people! In Singapore, we are creating a reality where seniors not only live longer, but also live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Through psychological research and carefully designed activities, we are helping seniors maintain their zest for life.

Professor Yow Wei Quin Visited Tsinghua University Academy of Arts & Design and the Tsinghua Future Lab

Professor Yow Wei Quin, Head of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at SUTD, writes about recent studies challenging the notion that older adults are inherently less creative or innovative than their younger counterparts.

As individuals age, both their bodies and brains undergo changes. Certain brain regions shrink, and the communication between neurons becomes less efficient. According to Professor Yow Wei Quin from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), these structural and functional changes contribute to an age-related decline in cognitive function, affecting language, processing speed, memory, and planning abilities.

Be it for work or vacation, chances are that many will have passed through an airport. In the largest cities, the airport presents to travelers the first glimpse of a new land and a reflection of the surrounding city. Beyond first impressions, airports stand as an important economic hub for local policymakers, with a continuous flow of goods and passengers fueling the urban economy.