It was a privilege to host Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan at The Institute as part of our Thinking Internationally speaker series. In a characteristically sharp and deeply engaging talk, Ambassador Kausikan brought his trademark clarity and wit to the complexities of diplomacy, statecraft, and strategic clarity. He explored how small states like Singapore can manoeuvre with agency amidst a volatile, multipolar world.

Challenging common assumptions around US-China relations, he highlighted the nuanced interdependence between great powers and offered rare insights into Singapore’s foreign policy posture. He also shared memorable stories from his distinguished diplomatic career.

The audience valued the rare combination of depth and accessibility, the candour with which he spoke and how thoughtfully he responded to questions, keeping students at the heart of the conversation. The session was a timely springboard for continuing discussions beyond the Institute, challenging and sharpening our ideas about the role of diplomacy in today’s world. A remarkable session that left students, educators, parents, and our wider community thinking well beyond the headlines. For an exclusive student interview with Ambassador Kausikan and other Institute speakers, please click here.

Our next and final Institute speaker for this academic year is Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov on 22 January 2026. Join us for an inspiring exploration of the scientific journey that led to his pioneering work in isolating graphene and uncovering its extraordinary properties—research that reshaped modern materials science.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with The Institute, it is part of the school’s Future Ready strategy that brings in external engagement and expertise for students and the larger Tanglin community, through programmes, talks and discussions, as well as building a bridge with industry and higher education. Since 2022, we have hosted world-class speakers on AI, Sustainability, Global Health, Diplomacy, DEI, Fashion, Finance, Economics, Music, Art, Theatre, History, Technology, Engineering and Geopolitics. We look forward to continued engagement with students, parents and the wider community at our events.

Sohini Brandon-King, Director of Scholarship, Inquiry and Partnerships