States of Unease: From Critique to Collective Imagination

This event is co-presented by Academia SG and Ethos Books. Refreshments provided as part of the Ethos Nights series.

How can we make space for multiple conceptions of the good life?

What is a good society, and how can we make space for multiple conceptions of a good life? In their work, academics, artists, and activists regularly critique the status quo. They point to the gaps between ideal and reality in contemporary Singapore—the ways in which there is an uneasy space between formal achievements and on-the-ground realities. While critique is necessary and valuable, they do not always lead to alternative visions of an ideal society and good lives. This public forum is an invitation to connect critique of the past and present with imaginations of the future—to contemplate both a vision of a good society and pathways for getting there.

Panel 1—States of Unease:
Cheng Nien Yuan (Performance scholar, educator and dramaturg)
Paul Tambyah (Academic and politician)
Ng Kok Hoe (Social policy researcher)
Yeo Kang Shua (Architectural historian and conservation academic)

Panel 2—Imagining, collectively:
Teo You Yenn (Sociologist)
Cherian George (Professor of media and politics)
Pooja Nansi (Poet, performer and educator)
Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib (Interfaith advocate, dialogue facilitator and independent researcher)

Moderators:
Kok Heng Leun (Theatre practitioner)

📅: 24 July 2026 (Friday)
🕒:  7:30pm-10.00pm (Registration starts at 7pm. Please arrive early to register.)
📍: Stephen Riady Auditorium (1 Marina Blvd, #07-01, Singapore 018989)
[Nearest MRT station is Raffles Place MRT Station and Downtown MRT Station.]
🎟️Tickets are $16.35 (inclusive of GST). Please present your email order confirmation during registration. Please note that this event has free seating.

Join us for an evening of conversation featuring two thought-provoking panels with diverse voices, followed by an extended audience dialogue where questions, reflections, and perspectives can be shared.

The springboard for our Public Forum is Teo You Yenn’s latest release Unease.