January 23, 2025

Singapore’s new Workplace Fairness Act (WFA), passed on 8 Jan 2025, marks a significant step forward in protecting workers from discrimination. However, experts have raised concerns about gaps in the legislation, particularly the exclusion of LGBTQ workers, individuals with learning disabilities, and those with chronicillnesses, such as cancer. These gaps mean that vulnerable workers are not fully protected.

How can Singapore strengthen the WFA to ensure comprehensive protection for all?

Hear from Asst Prof Rayner Tan and his co-author as they highlight the need for broader legal definitions, enhanced public access to workplace discrimination data, and stronger protections against retaliation.

Social media amplifies panic with every new outbreak, but the real challenge lies in fostering scientific literacy and maintaining measured vigilance. Reactions are common whenever new respiratory outbreaks occur, especially when these involve pathogens that are less well-known outside healthcare and research communities. The recent surge in Mycoplasma pneumonia infections in China, avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks in the US, and concerns over a possible Human Metapneumovirus pandemic have sparked increased public interest. However, the media’s increased reporting, particularly on social media, can cause unnecessary panic at the same time.

How can we balance public vigilance with accurate information to prevent fear from spreading faster than the disease itself?

Hear from Prof Hsu Li Yang as he delves into the need to improve scientific literacy in current and future generations, empowering individuals to distinguish between credible and misleading information.