Tapestry of Cohesion Podcast
A podcast by the Social Cohesion Research Programme (SCRP) at the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.
Through insightful conversations with experts across disciplines, we examine the challenges and opportunities of building more inclusive and resilient societies.
As a platform for meaningful dialogue, this series spotlights key themes from the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS), positioning it as the premier forum for advancing discussions on cohesion.
Tapestry of Cohesion Podcast Episodes
Title & Author | Date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|
Episode 10 : Mapping Cohesion: Insights from the 2025 Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar | 25 July 2025 | In this episode, Dr Leong Chan-Hoong, Head of the Social Cohesion Research Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, unpacks the latest edition of the Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar—a groundbreaking regional study tracking the state of social cohesion across all 10 ASEAN countries. From the frameworks used, to the importance of measuring trust, to understanding how horizontal ties, institutional confidence, and civic engagement interact across societies, this episode offers a unique look into what builds or breaks cohesion in Southeast Asia. |
4 July 2025 | Sir Peter Gluckman—renowned paediatrician, biomedical scientist, and President of the International Science Council—to explore how science, governance, and society intersect in an increasingly complex and polarised world. Drawing on his experience as New Zealand’s inaugural Chief Science Advisor and his current role at the Centre for Informed Futures, Sir Peter reflects on the breakdown of civil discourse, the rise of corrosive politics, and the dangers of short-termism in democratic systems. | |
Episode 8: Head, Heart, and Home: Why Mental Health Matters for Cohesion | 20 June 2025 | Marion Neubronner, a trained counsellor and psychologist and educator, shares more about the deep ties between mental health and social cohesion. Drawing from her professional practice and personal journey, Marion reflects on how identity, community, and resilience are interwoven in today's complex world. |
Episode 7: Stories, Service and Society | 9 May 2025 | Martin Tan, Chief Executive Officer of The Majurity Trust shares how storytelling became a catalyst for youth transformation, and how that journey evolved into broader work in creating systemic social impact. He explores the often-overlooked yet critical topic of migrant workers in Singapore, diving into questions of public perception, policy reform, and why this issue should matter to all Singaporeans. |
Episode 6: Multiculturalism Under Pressure | 4 April 2025 | Professor John Berry, Professor Emeritus at Queen’s University and a pioneering scholar on multiculturalism and acculturation breaks down the key dimensions of multiculturalism—demography, policies, and attitudes—and reflects on Canada’s experience as the first country to adopt a Multiculturalism Act. He also discusses the backlash against multiculturalism, how xenophobia is fuelled, and the proposed decline of DEI. |
Episode 5: Retreat into Privatised World: What It Means for Social Cohesion | 9 May 2025 | Dr Leong Chan-Hoong, Head of the Social Cohesion Research Programme at RSIS, discusses an emerging trend—our quiet retreat into "privatised worlds." As organic, in-person interactions diminish in daily life, what are the consequences for our shared experiences, communal understanding, and national identity? |
Episode 4: Misinformation, Moderation, and the Future of the Internet | 4 April 2025 | Benjamin Ang, Head of the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, talks about how the internet has transformed over the past decade. From the constant stream of misinformation and disinformation to the challenges posed by AI-generated content, Benjamin unpacks the evolving digital landscape. |
Episode 3: How Rituals Shape our World: From Faith to Football with Professor Harvey Whitehouse | 4 April 2025 | Renowned Professor Harvey Whitehouse, from the Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion at the University of Oxford, explores the powerful bonds that hold communities together. In this episode, he shares key insights from his latest book, Inheritance: The Evolutionary Origins of the Modern World, delving into themes of conformism, religiosity, and tribalism. Amongst other topics, he unpacks the impact of doctrinal and imagistic rituals on our lives, the complex relationship between religion and morality, the idea of toxic masculinity, and highlights The Twinning Project — an initiative that uses sports to help prepare prison inmates for social reintegration. |
21 March 2025 | Religion experts Professor Yoshiko Ashiwa and Venerable Chuan Sheng explore the evolving role of faith in modern society, highlighting how religion can offer spiritual and moral guidance amid contemporary challenges like instant gratification and social media addiction. They emphasise that religions and rituals need not be static or rigid; instead, our approaches to religion can be fluid, adapting to the diverse circumstances individuals face at different stages of life. | |
Episode 1: Lord Alderdice on Effective Leadership for Multicultural Societies | 07 March 2025 | As a seasoned politician and expert in navigating complex negotiations between diverse groups, Lord John Alderdice shares his insights on the role of leadership in multicultural societies. He explores the intricate balance between democracy, human nature, and societal differences — shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in fostering social cohesion. |