Coverage of International Humanist Conference 2024

The following articles were written following the International Humanist Conference 2024, hosted by the Humanist Society (Singapore) from 30 Aug to 1 Sep 2024.

“One of the big takeaways was how much research and how many projects exist related to secularism and interfaith harmony. It often seems like atheism and secularism are not interesting topics for study, as religious scholars tend to focus on new ways of understanding spirituality and religiosity. But at this conference, I saw excellent speakers presenting fascinating research on secularism and interfaith projects and sharing real-life experiences. They offered practical, perhaps diplomatic, approaches to handling interfaith projects.”

“Singaporeans are lovely people, especially older people. For some reason, I connect more with older people because I’m always seeking wisdom from those more experienced than me. I had great conversations with Nora and Peter from Humanists International. Nora has been exceptionally kind and helpful, always going out of her way to assist the attendees. Peter, in particular, was very interested in Ghana and how things are going here. I had many enjoyable conversations with both of them. I also met another remarkable woman, Gerda. It’s quite impressive how we are not alone in our activism. Even though we may have different experiences, the underlying principles—equity, empathy, and so on—remain the same. I enjoyed that aspect of my interactions with everyone.”

Humanist Society (Singapore) did a fantastic job hosting the dozens of delegates who came by preparing six enlightening talks surrounding Interfaith Dialogue and tapping the Ministry of Home Affairs to give us three tours tackling the history of the city’s social diversity. The Society also gave us plenty of time to mingle and befriend one another during several social nights, which my extroverted side (trust me, it’s usually not that active) appreciated!”

“I met people from the Humanist Society (Singapore) without knowing they were staff or in leadership positions. Just meeting them as members of the tour was amazing to me. I emphasize relationality, one of the main frameworks I’m constantly trying to embody, practice, and center in my work and life.

The Humanist Society (Singapore) curated various tours from various organizations. They were ushering us into a world that isn’t my own and listening to how they frame their histories. They live in a relatively young society, yet the design, intentionality, and work that went into building what they have is impressive. That speaks to human creativity and capacity—what can be achieved in what some might call a modern world.

That leads me to the Humanist Society (Singapore) itself. We were able to come in and see the work they’ve done and are still doing, especially in collaboration with Humanists International, to put together this international conference. I’m still reflecting on and cherishing that in my work here and in conversations with peers.”

It was refreshing to be on the road again and to reconnect with fellow humanist friends. The experience may not have been as new or surprising to me as it was for others. Still, I did appreciate the warm Singaporean welcome, generous hospitality, and positive, energetic way of speaking. The honesty in how Malaysians and Singaporeans express themselves resonates with me. The welcome from the humanist community in Singapore was fantastic.

In the lead-up to the conference, there were some concerns about government oversight, surveillance, and their interest in our activities—particularly about speaker visas—which might have conflicted with the human rights values held by many of us. While some concerns did come up, they didn’t overshadow the event. The immigration process was smooth, and the friendliness and dedication of the people immediately struck me.

As for my takeaway, I was particularly pleased that interfaith dialogue and harmony were central themes at this conference. The International Humanist Conference (hosted by Humanists Society Singapore) and the Humanists International General Assembly took place over the long weekend. Interfaith dialogue is a significant aspect of my Humanism and is why I joined the humanist movement. I am a humanist ambassador, someone who engages in dialogue with other faiths and beliefs rather than being inward-looking. Singapore embodies that spirit, and I left with renewed motivation and inspiration to continue my interfaith work. That message truly resonated with me.

“It was quite an experience. It was the first time we hosted such a large conference. We’ve had events like the Asian Humanist Conference, but that was on a smaller scale. That event was back in 2015 and lasted only a few days. But when we bid to host this event, we had our doubts. However, everyone on the committee unanimously said, “Let’s go for it.”

If other countries like Australia and New Zealand can do it, why not us? So, we took the opportunity and won the bid. Initially, it wasn’t very comforting because it was such a challenge. But we eventually came together as a team, and everyone played their part.

For the first time, people from all different countries came together. It was overwhelming, exciting, and yet nerve-wracking because we didn’t want to disappoint anyone. We wanted to ensure that everyone who came to Singapore would have an unforgettable experience. What we learned from organizing such a big event is invaluable. It was a great experience, and we’re glad we did it. It’s a challenge, but you’ll never know what’s possible if you don’t take that first step.”

“The Humanist Society Singapore, whose motto is: “Guided by reason, informed by evidence, and driven by compassion,” were gracious hosts. They started events on Friday, August 30th, with a guided discussion and tour of the nation’s Harmony in Diversity Gallery, where we learned that Singapore is the most religiously diverse country globally but also sees some of the least religiously motivated conflicts. This is no accident. As their presentation showed, they intentionally create shared pluralistic spaces, encouraging engagement between people of differing beliefs and educating about religion and nonbelief to reduce othering and bring people together positively.”

Other articles

A Christian among Humanists: A Chat over Easter #3

Over the long Easter weekend, Christians worldwide commemorated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Easter, the Humanist Society (Singapore) also occasionally carries out interviews with a handful of Christians have been regularly attending our events for years. They are independent-minded, well-read, and supportive of many Humanist causes. Their perspectives are valuable as a bridge between Christian and non-religious communities.

Previous interviews are with John Hui (2017) and Mathia Lee (2020) and a summary of both interviews are found at the bottom of this post.

This year, we feature Angela Ow (photo below, first from left), who has been participating in Humanist Society (‘HumanistSG’) events for the past seven years. Her favourite events were the hikes at nature parks, as well as our Humanist Cafe series.

Q: What is your religious faith and what religious services do you attend regularly?

Angela: I identify as a Catholic Christian. My father was an agnostic atheist and my mother was Roman Catholic, so I grew up with a mix but went through Catholic formation from a young age. These days, I go to a non-denominational community church, but I still attend Catholic Masses on many occasions.

Q: When did you start attending Humanist Society events? And what attracted you to our events?

Angela: I can’t remember exactly, but I think it was sometime around late 2018? That’s when I started going to the monthly Humanist Cafés and joined the hikes whenever they were held (I love hiking!). Back then, the Cafés didn’t have set themes, so the conversations just flowed naturally. I remember some interesting discussions on history, astronomy, and science. There was even one on quantum physics that totally went over my head – haha!

Q: What is your first impression of HumanistSG?  What was the biggest surprise to you?

Angela: One of the things that really stood out to me was how intellectual and analytical everyone was! I remember thinking, “Wow, these guys can really discuss very cerebral topics!” It was a little intimidating at first, but I also learnt a lot during the Humanist Café conversations.

Back then, I also noticed that there weren’t many women around – it was mostly a male-dominated space. That was a surprise to me! But it’s been really great to see more women joining Humanist Society events nowadays. It feels more balanced than before, and it’s nice to have a wider mix of perspectives and experiences in the discussions.

Q: How did the humanists, atheists and agnostics etc. react when they learnt you are a Christian? How did you respond to them?

Angela: People are usually surprised when they find out I’m Christian. Some get curious and ask why I’m volunteering with the Humanist Society. Right now, I help out as a Humanist Café facilitator as well as organize bimonthly hikes.

I volunteer because I find these events meaningful – they bring HumanistSG people together and help create a sense of community and friendship. This is especially important since most in the Society do not join religious groups, so they may not have access to the many fellowship and bonding activities that religious groups offer.

Photo above: Angela (standing, 2nd from right) at a HumanistSG hiking event.

Q: Did you feel hurt whenever the Humanist Society releases statements that are critical of religion/religious institutions?

Angela: I don’t think I’ve come across the Humanist Society putting out any statements that were openly critical of religion or religious groups. From what I’ve read, the statement releases have always come across as fair and balanced. What I like is that they highlight the perspectives of non-religious people – views that sometimes get overlooked in our society as Singaporeans with religions still largely outnumber those without.

Q: What is the biggest misunderstanding that many atheists, agnostics, humanists have about Christians?

Angela: I think a lot of non-Christians tend to see Christians as one monolithic group – like everyone believes the same things and acts the same way. To be fair, we all kind of do this sometimes with groups we’re not a part of (I think the term for it is “outgroup homogeneity bias”). It’s common for people to mainly come across Christians who are really active in converting non-believers – whether in public or within their own circles – so it’s easy to assume that all Christians are like that. But that’s not the case. Different Christians choose to live out their faith in different ways, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all thing.

For me, one thing that stood out in the stories of Jesus was how he was always on the lookout for people in the margins of society, people who didn’t fit in, and actively reaching out to them, even if it meant breaking social norms of the time. This aspect of Christianity resonates with me and living out my faith as a Christian means seeking to do the same. That is quite different from seeking the conversion of others, which is often considered by many to be the mainstream or core pursuit of Christianity.

Q: What is the biggest misunderstanding that many Christians have about non-religious people? (atheists, agnostics, humanists etc.)

Angela: I’m not sure if it’s the biggest misunderstanding, but I’ve come across some Christians who think that people without religion don’t have a moral compass – or worse, that they’re amoral and don’t care about doing what’s right.

From what I’ve seen, that’s just not true! Religion and sacred texts can be an important source of guidance, but they’re not the only ones. A person’s sense of right and wrong is also shaped by many other things – their upbringing, the values of society, culture, their lived experiences, and an education that encourages critical, rational and moral thinking.

Take my father, for example. He’s an agnostic atheist, but he’s one of the most honest and considerate people I know – especially for the less abled. Not having a religion won’t make a person less moral or amoral. We all have a conscience, and life is about following one’s conscience to the best of our ability.

Q: How do you think our mutual misunderstandings can be resolved?

Angela: I believe having an open and honest conversation is the best way to go. If we are willing to set aside our preconceived notions, make the effort to see things from the other person’s perspective, and perhaps the hardest part – the courage to be wrong (let’s face it, we all have blind spots and biases), I believe a lot of our misunderstandings can be resolved.

The point of a conversation isn’t about agreeing on everything. We may not see eye to eye as we are all shaped by different lived experiences, ways of thinking and personalities. But that should not preclude us from working together for good. 

Whether it’s doing good because of one’s faith in God, or doing good for goodness’ sake, we all have something to contribute to our shared humanity.  I believe religious and the non-religious have a lot more in common than we think.

Past Interviews

John Hui (2017): John is drawn by its commitment to critical reasoning, secularism, and support for the non-religious community. Despite holding Christian beliefs, including in the resurrection of Jesus, John uses evidence-based reasoning to reconcile his faith with humanist values, engaging respectfully with atheists and agnostics who often question his stance. He sees the Society as a valuable platform for promoting rational discourse and pluralism in Singapore, and believes it can empower progressive religious individuals to stand against religious fundamentalism.

Mathia Lee (2020): Dr Lee sees her faith as a personal moral compass rather than a set of Western-influenced rituals, and appreciates HSS’s respectful but critical stance on harmful religious practices. She highlights the importance of mutual understanding through dialogue, emphasizing that both Christians and non-religious people often hold misconceptions about each other that can be resolved through open, respectful engagement.

ST Forum: Beyond counter-terror drills, people have a vital role to play

The Humanist Society (Singapore) submitted a letter to the Straits Times Forum:

In the letter, our President Nora expressed concern over the recent cases of self-radicalised individuals in Singapore.

She suggested NGOs, including various interfaith groups, can conduct closed-door table-top exercises to simulate first responses to various scenarios of terrorism aimed at weakening social cohesion. And if such exercises already exist, these exercises can be expanded to involve more NGOs and self-help groups.

She added that “scenarios can be based on past attacks that have happened abroad. Scenarios should also change according to how terrorists are adapting to the latest security measures.”

“During an exercise, NGOs and self-help group leaders can take the lead as “social first responders” in the information space, simulating and coordinating their statements and publicity materials, including both social media and mass media,” she said.

Secular Assembly – Jan 2025

On 25-Jan-2025, our Secular Assembly offered an inspiring mix of creativity, personal growth, and collective sharing. The event kicked off on a high note as everyone united in singing “Firework” by Katy Perry, setting an upbeat and celebratory atmosphere right from the start.

Our highlight speaker, Bertram, then took the stage to share his journey as a coach. With enthusiasm and authenticity, he detailed the evolution of his career and introduced his innovative AI Ikigai webapp—a tool designed to help individuals uncover their life’s purpose. The interactive demo invited the audience to try the app firsthand, sparking engaging discussions about the blend of technology and personal development.

The session continued with heartfelt personal stories from our community. Koi Hin recounted his experiences from a personal retreat, sharing valuable insights on balancing mind, body, and spirit. His reflections resonated deeply with many, encouraging us all to embrace holistic well-being. Adding another layer to the tapestry of experiences, Lionel also shared his personal journey. His story, rich with challenges overcome and transformative insights gained, provided a unique perspective that underscored the power of resilience and self-discovery.

Overall, the Secular Assembly was a celebration of individual narratives woven together by a shared commitment to growth and community support. The day reminded us that every personal story enriches our collective journey, inspiring us to keep exploring new paths towards a more fulfilled and balanced life.

Conversation on Humanism: Irreligiosity and Mental Health

On 25-Jan-2025, we hosted an insightful session as part of our Conversation on Humanism series on Irreligiosity and Mental Health.

This engaging discussion explored the intersection of secular values and mental well-being, addressing key questions like: How does irreligiosity influence mental health, and how can we, as humanists, foster resilience and support?

Key Highlights

Understanding Humanism and Mental Health:

The session began with a broad exploration of humanism, emphasizing its values of compassion, reason, and community. Participants discussed how these principles shape mental well-being in secular contexts.

Insights from Mental Health Statistics and Research:

We delved into local mental health statistics, including findings from the Institute for Health Metrics and Sofia Wellness Clinic, highlighting the growing challenges faced by Singaporeans.

Studies on the relationship between religion and mental health, such as the Straits Times report, were discussed alongside the unique experiences of irreligious individuals.

Debunking Stereotypes:

There is a common misconception that irreligious individuals lack purpose or face higher rates of depression and suicide simply because they don’t adhere to a faith community. However, mental health is influenced by a variety of factors genetics, environment, social support, and personal life experiences rather than religious affiliation alone.

Irreligious people, like those with a religion, can find meaning in family, friendships, personal goals, or ethical and humanitarian values. This highlights that a lack of religious belief does not inherently lead to poor mental health; well-being is shaped by complex, multifaceted influences.

Interactive Activity:

An engaging session on values and coping mechanisms encouraged participants to reflect on their personal approaches to mental health and how their values shape their resilience.

A Humanist Approach

We discussed the “three-prong approach” to mental health which emphasises a holistic framework. It involves three key dimensions:

1. Psychological: Humanism and Mental Well-being

Focuses on fostering emotional resilience and self-awareness through reason, critical thinking, and evidence-based practices like journaling, mindfulness and therapy to build a supportive communities were shared as effective tools for maintaining mental well-being.

2. Existential: Building Meaning and Purpose

Humanists seek answers to life’s big questions—such as existence, morality, and the afterlife—through reason, critical thinking, and shared human experience rather than doctrine. They value personal growth, embracing evolving perspectives shaped by curiosity, compassion, and fairness.Meaning is often found in relationships, creativity, scientific exploration, and contributions to society. Whether through deep personal connections, artistic expression, activism, or altruism, humanists recognize that purpose is self-created and enriched by the positive impact we have on others and the world around us.

3. Social: Supportive Community

Providing a safe and inclusive spaces where irreligious individuals can openly share beliefs, experiences, and support. Rooted in empathy, reason, and respect for autonomy, these communities help combat isolation and foster a sense of belonging.Beyond social connections,  we should promote secular mental health initiatives, including access to non-religious therapists, peer support groups, and evidence-based well-being programs. By encouraging open dialogue and resilience, these efforts ensure that individuals can seek help and thrive without religious judgment.

The session concluded with an open discussion and a call to action, acknowledging that Compassion is at the heart of building strong, supportive secular and humanist communities. By fostering meaningful connections, we create inclusive spaces where individuals feel valued and understood. We encourage everyone to seek support when needed and extend kindness to those around them, reinforcing the humanist commitment to mutual care, empathy, and shared well-being.

A quote by Robert G. Ingersoll beautifully captured the essence of the evening: “Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here.”

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this meaningful conversation. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, including the next session in the Conversation on Humanism Series!

HSS Socials: Movie and Game Night

On 24-Jan-2025, a member initiated a movie and game night, and it was a resounding success! The event brought together a delightful mix of new faces and long-time members, some of whom we were thrilled to welcome back after a long absence. It was heartwarming to see everyone reconnecting and enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed, fun-filled atmosphere.

The evening kicked off with games—many of us learned how to play mahjong and sharpened our skills at pool. Laughter and cheers filled the room as participants discovered hidden talents or simply enjoyed the camaraderie.

After the games, we gathered for the feature movie of the night, Heretic, which did not disappoint! Hugh Grant’s chilling portrayal of a psychopath kept us all on edge, while the unexpected plot twists had the group collectively gasping with “aahs” and “oohs.” It was refreshing to share the thrill of such a gripping film together as a community.

Of course, no movie night would be complete without food, and we indulged in a feast of pizza and KFC, perfectly complementing the electrifying atmosphere. Sharing a meal while engaging in lively post-movie discussions made the night even more enjoyable.

This event marked our first movie and game night, but it’s certainly not the last! The success of the evening reminded us how vital and rejuvenating it is to gather as a community, share experiences, and create lasting memories.

Thank you to everyone who attended and made the night so special. We look forward to seeing you at our next event! 

Hanging Out with Humanists Updates

These are updates from Hanging Out with Humanists from Sep 2024 to Jan 2025, starting from the most recent.

Jan 2025

Eugene’s Rare Appearance and The Case of the Empty Plates!

On 04-Jan-2025, our hangout session got a delightful twist when our revered veteran, Eugene, graced us with his presence. Although he pops in only once in a blue moon, when he does, his wise words and cheerful vibes remind us that our society is on the right track.

Joining our usual merry band—and a few eager newcomers—everyone gathered for an evening of hearty laughs, thoughtful advice, and a touch of mystery. Speaking of mystery, if you took a peek at the group photo and wondered where everyone went, fear not! The empty plates on display are not evidence of a ghost town but a clever nod to our camera-shy members, who prefer to let the plates (and their appetites) do all the talking.

A big shout-out to Eugene for the nuggets of wisdom and to everyone who made this session unforgettable. Until next time—keep the empty plates ready for more fun and unexpected appearances!

Dec 2024

December was our last hanging out session of the year at Han’s Union in Springleaf, and it was a pleasure to welcome several new faces to our circle. As always, the conversation was delightfully loud and full of laughter — just the way we like it! The energy in the room was tangible, and it was wonderful to see newcomers quickly feel at home among us.

We’ll continue to make Han’s Union our go-to hangout spot for as long as they’ll have us. It is also in a convenient location, close to the MRT and bus stations, making it easy for anyone to pop by without fuss. On top of that, the food there is both tasty and reasonably priced, and the friendly staff often let us claim our usual corner to ourselves. It’s the perfect backdrop for our lively discussions and good-natured banter.

If you haven’t joined any of our socials yet, we’d love to see you at our next gathering. Bring your curiosity, your sense of humor, and be ready for some engaging conversations with fellow humanists. We’re always eager to meet new people and share ideas in a fun, relaxed atmosphere!

Nov 2024

We had our regular crew plus two new faces, who were brave enough to join us. As always, the night was a perfect mix of laughs, chatter, and just enough decorum to remind us we’re not a stand-up comedy club… yet!

Oct 2024

We welcomed our regulars alongside four new guests, including two ladies – one an expat opera singer, who surprised us with a beautiful rendition of The Name of the Rose theme. True to our lively spirit, the night was filled with laughter and good company, as usual, but with that signature dose of respect for all!

Sep 2024

September’s Hanging Out with Humanists session was a lively gathering as always, with the usual crowd joined by two new faces. One was a familiar friend of HSS, resurfacing after a two-year hiatus, and the other was a newcomer curious to learn more about who we are and what we do. We spent some time explaining our society’s work and values to her.

As always, the chatter was loud and enthusiastic, with our signature pink T-shirt draped over a chair, signaling our presence. The discussions covered the conference that was held in August with a briefing for those who couldn’t make it, and a buzz of excitement around our Anniversary and Appreciation Dinner on 26-Oct-2024. Look out for this announcement!

The topic of the night? The Pope’s visit—yes, even Humanists get excited about that! Meanwhile, another group engaged in a serious debate about the truth: the ultimate truth versus the perceived truth.

It was another memorable evening of connection, conversation, and, of course, a lot of laughter.

Secular Assembly – Dec 2024

Our last event of the month was the lively Secular Assembly held at HDG on 28 Dec 2024, complete with an optional 45-minute excursion through the HDG gallery. For those who arrived early or simply wanted to explore, the gallery tour offered a fascinating look at the venue’s history, exhibits, and art pieces that beautifully complemented the spirit of our gathering.

Year-in-Review Reflection
After the gallery excursion, our co-founder and Secular Assembly Programme Director, Dan Thio, led a guided reflection session on three key areas: health, relationships, and meaningful work or passions. Through a series of thoughtful prompts, participants took a moment to identify their personal achievements, challenges, and the valuable lessons they learned over the course of the year. This introspective exercise allowed everyone to connect more deeply with themselves and to consider how they might carry these insights into the new year.

Sing-Along Session
Rounding out the evening was a sing-along led by our enthusiastic member, Lava. We sang two tunes that captured both the festive mood and the sense of togetherness at this time of year:

• Christmas Is a Time to Say I Love You

• Auld Lang Syne

Voices rose in unison, bringing a heartwarming close to our December events. Whether you joined for the gallery tour, the reflection, or simply for the good company, we appreciate everyone who made this final Secular Assembly a memorable one! We look forward to welcoming you at future gatherings as we continue to foster community, personal growth, and humanist values.

A Celebration of Life – Nov/Dec 2024

29 Nov 2024

We hosted our very first Celebration of Life gathering, a heartfelt event dedicated to embracing life’s precious moments. This was a time to celebrate milestones, honor the inspiring legacies of others, and revel in the sheer joy of being alive. Together, we celebrated the birthdays of Yew Hwee Hong, Ashwini, and Lava, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with gratitude and camaraderie. The gathering was a meaningful pause to reflect on life’s beauty and the connections that make it so special. Here’s to many more such moments of shared happiness!

22 Dec 2024

To close out the year on a joyful note, we held our final Celebration of Life meetup, honoring the moments that make life extraordinary—birthdays, the memory of inspiring individuals, or simply the everyday joy of being alive. This time, it was a Mookata Night at Phuket Town Mookata in Ang Mo Kio on 22 Dec 2024, and it couldn’t have been more fun!

Great Food and Great Company
We indulged in a sizzling spread of delicious and reasonably priced Mookata, sharing laughs, stories, and the warmth of a close-knit community. New friends and familiar faces came together around the table, making it a truly memorable evening.

A Special Birthday Celebration
Amid the clinking of cutlery and lively banter, we also had the pleasure of celebrating NeoSree’s birthday, complete with a birthday cake. Everyone joined in with well-wishes, turning the night into a heartwarming blend of celebration and camaraderie.

It was the perfect way to wrap up the year, reflecting on life’s precious moments and cherishing them together. Here’s to many more meetups filled with shared meals, laughter, and collective gratitude for life’s gifts! 

And if you find yourself with no one to celebrate your birthday or achievements, don’t worry—reach out to us, and we’ll celebrate with you!

Humanist Cafe Dec 2024 – Navigating relationships across different beliefs and faiths

Our final Humanist Cafe of 2024 focused on a theme that resonates with many of us: how to nurture and sustain relationships when beliefs and faiths differ. It was a warm, enlightening session where participants openly shared their personal stories and insights.

One participant, for instance, spoke candidly about her experience marrying into a different cultural and religious background—a journey that began with “culture shock” due to various traditional beliefs and superstitions she wasn’t familiar with. When asked, “Why did you decide to marry this person?” her response highlighted the importance of character over creed:

“He was humble and genuinely caring toward others. That was what caught my attention.”

Their relationship blossomed from a simple friendship into love, and eventually led to marriage. Now, more than 25 years later, she has learned to adapt and accommodate her partner’s cultural practices and religious customs. She attributes her flexibility and open-mindedness to humanist values, which encourage empathy, respect, and an acceptance of diversity.

This moving story underlined our discussion about the importance of focusing on shared humanity rather than differences in beliefs. By embracing humanist ideals, we can broaden our perspectives, build deeper connections, and find harmony in even the most diverse environments.