Inequality is a growing problem in Singapore, threatening the country’s social stability. The government’s focus on economic growth and individual accountability in tackling inequality, however, means that their policies may not reflect peoples’ actual experiences.

Author Archives: Thum Ping Tjin
Thum Ping Tjin (“PJ”) is Managing Director of New Naratif and a historian at the University of Oxford. A Rhodes Scholar, Commonwealth Scholar, Olympic athlete, and the only Singaporean to swim the English Channel, his work centres on Southeast Asian governance and politics. His most recent work is Living with Myths in Singapore (Ethos: 2017, co-edited with Loh Kah Seng and Jack Chia). Reach him at pingtjin.thum@newnaratif.com.
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Singaporeans Speak: The Top 5 Most Important Issues Facing Singapore in 2022
In Stage 2 of The Citizens’ Agenda, we asked Singaporeans to pick the top 5 biggest issues facing their country. They responded loudly and clearly. Here’s what they said!
Malaysians Speak: The Top 5 Most Important Issues Facing Malaysia in 2022
In Stage 2 of The Citizens’ Agenda, we asked Malaysian to pick the top 5 biggest issues facing their country. They responded loudly and clearly. Here’s what they said!
Sued by Singapore’s Prime Minister: Roy Ngerng’s Ridiculous Case
Blogger and researcher Roy Ngerng had his life destroyed by Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong’s defamation lawsuit. Seven years on, he talks to PJ Thum about the injustice of his case, politics in Singapore, his new life in Taiwan, and what Taiwan is like compared to Singapore.
The Power of Quasa
Producer and Presenter Thum Ping Tjin PJ Thum talks to Irie and Muhammad, two founders of Quasa, a peer support and community network for queer Muslims in Singapore. They talk […]
Who Should be the Next Prime Minister of Singapore, and Why? The Winner: Yeo Kian Hwee!
New Naratif invited people to tell us who they thought the next PM of Singapore should be, and why. The winner is Yeo Kian Hwee, who picked Lawrence Wong.
Dr Chee Soon Juan’s “Orange & Teal”
PJ Thum talks to Dr Chee Soon Juan, Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party, about his restaurant Orange & Teal, why he started it, how the first year has gone, and what he hopes to achieve. They also talk the changing perceptions and role of the SDP in Singapore politics.
Who Should be the Next Prime Minister of Singapore, and Why?
New Naratif invited people to tell us who they thought the next PM of Singapore should be, and why. PJ Thum interviews the four finalists. Vote for the winner!
“Where I Was”: Constance Singam Remembers and Forgets
Legendary civil society activist Constance Singam talks about the “AWARE Saga”, the fluidity of identity, history, activism, and her hopes for Singapore.