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.

Hiking with Humanists at Kent Ridge Park & Alexandra Park

We recently embarked on a refreshing morning hike through the lush greenery of Kent Ridge Park and explored the iconic black-and-white bungalows of Alexandra Park. The day began with a gentle climb and panoramic city views, offering a glimpse into Singapore’s wartime past. Along the way, lively conversations flowed—true to the spirit of any Humanist event!

Here’s a lovely note we received from one of our participants:

“Thanks for leading such an enjoyable walk last Saturday, 7th December 2024. I appreciated the warm welcome from all those I walked with and talked to over brunch at the hawker market. It was a really interesting route and for a lover of vernacular architecture, the black-and-white bungalows were a real bonus!”

Strolling through Alexandra Park, we soaked in the unique colonial charm of these historic homes. By the end of the hike, everyone left with a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s green spaces and our architectural heritage—and, of course, plenty of happy memories and new connections.

If you missed out this time, don’t worry—more adventures await! We look forward to seeing you at our next event for more exploration, camaraderie, and the warm humanist spirit.

Secular Assembly – Nov 2024

Photo of Assembly participants taking part in the HDG gallery tour, Sep 2024

The Secular Assembly (30 Nov 2024) was a vibrant mix of music, learning, and inspiration. The session kicked off with Lava leading us in two spirited sing-alongs, “Beautiful Sunday” and John Lennon’s iconic “Imagine.” The uplifting melodies set the perfect tone, reminding us of the simple joys and shared humanity that bring us together.

The highlight of the assembly was a thought-provoking sharing session by Adrian Chia, a dedicated humanist, futurist, and transhumanist, as well as a longtime volunteer and member of our society. Adrian, deeply passionate about Healthy Longevity, offered insights into this fascinating field. He discussed its significance in today’s world and shared practical tips to help optimize our health and well-being.

Adrian’s talk covered recent research and key factors influencing longevity, sparking engaging conversations among attendees. His expertise and enthusiasm left everyone inspired to reflect on the future of health and how small changes can lead to big outcomes.

With music, wisdom, and community spirit, this assembly truly celebrated the essence of humanism: cherishing life, learning together, and striving for a better tomorrow.

Conversations on Humanism

On 23 Nov 2024, we held an insightful session focused on understanding Humanism and what it means to be a humanist. The discussion delved into the foundational principles that guide Humanist thought and action, emphasizing Humanism’s dedication to reason, compassion, and the pursuit of human well-being.

Participants explored the philosophy’s emphasis on critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to creating a better world for all. By prioritizing shared human values over supernatural beliefs, Humanism offers a framework for individuals to contribute meaningfully to society while embracing inclusivity and mutual respect.

The session further highlighted Humanism’s optimistic vision of human potential and progress, underscoring the importance of empathy and cooperation in striving for collective betterment. It was an engaging exploration of how Humanist principles apply to daily life and inspire positive change within communities.

This discussion served as a vital opportunity for attendees to reflect on their own values and consider how Humanism provides a unifying and empowering worldview for people from all walks of life.

Dr Lee Wei Ling’s Passing

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This is a personal sharing by Mdm Norhaiyah Mahmood, President of the Humanist Society (Singapore).

Dr. Lee Wei Ling, a prominent Singaporean neurologist and the daughter of Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, passed away on 09 Oct 2024. Her many accomplishments in life and her dedication to helping others are remembered by many.

Not many are aware that she was also one of the very few public figures in Singapore who is openly atheist. We recall Dr. Lee’s thoughtful column from 31 March 2013 in The Sunday Times, titled An Atheist ‘Sent by God’.

In this piece, she shared the story of helping a patient, R, who had been exploited and faced legal troubles. Through the efforts of a psychiatrist and a law firm offering pro bono services, Dr. Lee helped reduce R’s sentence from jail time to a fine.

R expressed deep gratitude, calling her “a person sent by God” and gifting her a clay tablet with an inspiring message. In Dr Lee’s own words:

“I continue to take solace in this story, most especially at Easter. In this cynical world, there are still people who want to do what is right, even if doing so will not profit them personally, as my psychiatrist friend and the lawyers who defended R pro bono show. This gives me hope that we can develop into a compassionate society no matter what our religion, or whether or not we believe in God.”

Dr Lee Wei Ling

Her column can be read in these two blog entries:

When Dr Lee’s passing was announced, her family requested no flowers, and all donations were directed to a list of charities that were close to her heart.

***

This brings us to some thoughts about non-religious funerals. In many non-religious funerals, the deceased (even famous personalities) are remembered without specific labels.

In death, the non-religious often don’t emphasize their non-religiosity, nor do they feel the need to. There were no specifically non-religious “verses” pasted on obituary notices for comfort or blessing. If the living chooses, they will be remembered for the person they were, their impact on society, and how they made others feel.

However, one unintended consequence of being silent about non-religiosity is that few people know how non-religious individuals live their values, beyond personal testimonies, leaving much of the broader narrative unfilled. This narrative, unfilled, could be filled by various misconceptions, such as the non-religious being immoral and uncharitable.

We were surprised that Dr. Lee chose to be open about her atheism many years ago. After all, she is a prominent public figure with two Prime Ministers in her immediate family. And while one fifth of the country is non-religious, a huge majority are still religious.

For individuals who face challenges being openly atheist, due to opposition from conservative family members and community, her openness on the national broadsheet was a breath of fresh air.

We are also happy that in her passing, the family has encouraged donations to a list of charities. This is generous and meaningful.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Lee family. May Dr Lee rest in peace.

Summary of IHC tours and social events

[3 min read]

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The International Humanist Conference 2024 was held from 30 Aug to 1 Sep 2024, including the Humanist International General Assembly on the final day. The theme for this year’s Conference is Secularism and Interfaith Harmony.

Singapore is the third Asian country to host a global Humanist event since the first World Humanist Congress began in 1952 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 1999, the World Humanist Congress was held in Mumbai, India. In 2015, the General Assembly was held in Manila, Philippines. 

More than 100 participants from all around the world attended the conference, including about 80+ foreign delegates. This summary captures the tours, social night and dinner from 30-31 Aug.

(For summary of the main conference, read the summary here)

Tours on 30 August

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To kick off the IHC, three engaging tours were held. The first, the My River Valley Heritage Tour, organized by MyCommunity—a non-profit dedicated to preserving community stories—introduced participants to Singapore’s historic multiracial and multireligious sites, including the Former National Theatre, Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, Teochew Building, 38 Oxley Rd, Former Chung Cheng High School, and Hong San See Temple.

***

Next, delegates visited the Harmony in Diversity Gallery (HDG), established by the Ministry of Home Affairs with community partners to celebrate Singapore’s rich religious diversity.

The gallery features four sections: “Journey of Faith,” “Seeking What Is Common,” “Many Faiths,” and “One People.” The knowledgeable guides enhanced the experience, and delegates provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, finding the exhibits enlightening and insightful regarding Singapore’s approach to religious harmony. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. James Low, Senior Consultant at the Ministry of Home Affairs, who warmly welcomed our delegates and joined our social night, enriching our event further.

***

The final stop was the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) Gallery. The RRG comprises voluntary Islamic scholars and teachers focused on counseling and rehabilitating radicalized individuals.

The gallery showcases their extensive efforts in this area, providing insights into community-led initiatives that prioritize compassion, education, and dialogue. For us humanists, understanding the role of religious and community leaders in building resilience against extremism is essential. The RRG’s commitment to restoring societal harmony aligns with our values of reason, ethics, and human dignity. We thank the RRG for an informative and engaging tour, which deepened our appreciation for the multifaceted approaches needed to foster peace in an increasingly complex world.

Social Night (30 Aug) and Dinner (31 Aug)

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As the first day concluded, conference participants gathered in Bras Basah Room 2F for the Social Night—an evening filled with memorable performances and laughter. The organizers adopted an “open microphone” format, allowing anyone to share their stories.

***

This led to spontaneous sharing from about 30-40 attendees, with informal musical performances included. Our President, Nora, delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Where Is It Written” by Barbra Streisand, contributing to the evening’s memorable atmosphere.

The Main Conference took place all day on 31 Aug. Afterward, delegates relaxed at the post-conference dinner held at Enchanted Gardens, a restaurant in Lavender.

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Delegates from around the globe, alongside local Singaporean Humanists, enjoyed mingling and a lively performance by a local Malay band, with delegates singing along joyfully.

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Awards were also presented to local volunteers and Humanists worldwide in recognition of their contributions.

Socialising beyond the IHC

Beyond the Conference, the delegates also took the opportunity to travel around Singapore and check out the various landmarks. Here are some photos!

Summary of Main Conference at IHC 2024

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[5 min read]

The International Humanist Conference 2024 was held over three days from 30 Aug to 1 Sep 2024.

Singapore is the third Asian country to host a global Humanist event since the first World Humanist Congress began in 1952 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 1999, the World Humanist Congress was held in Mumbai, India. In 2015, the General Assembly was held in Manila, Philippines. 

The theme for this year’s Conference is Secularism and Interfaith Harmony, with the Main Conference being held on the second day (31 Aug) at HUONE, an event space nestled in the vibrant Clarke Quay district. More than 100 participants from all around the world attended the conference, including about 80+ foreign delegates.

We are very grateful for Mr Kelvin Wan of K Pixel Photography for contributing photography for this historic event.

Opening Remarks

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Ms Norhaiyah Mahmood (‘Nora’), Humanist Society (Singapore) President, gave an opening speech, welcoming delegates to the IHC. She said it was an honor to host this gathering as the President of the HSS and thanked everyone for their dedication to humanism. She briefly recapped the tours the day before (more info here) and explained that these tours underscored the conference’s theme of secularism and interfaith harmony, reminding us of the importance of mutual respect and dialogue.

***

Next, Humanist International (HI) President, Mr Andrew Copson (above) gave his opening remarks. He expressed delight that the International Humanist Conference is here in Singapore for the first time, and he noted how the local SG humanist movement has gone from “strength to strength” since its early days 14 years ago.

Andrew said Singaporean Humanists have become a great inspiration for others in the region, encouraging them to organize and take bold steps. On the chosen theme of interfaith and secularism, Andrew said that humanists value personal choice and the right to pursue a good life without harming others, naturally leading to a more diverse world. Managing this diversity is essential, and secularism plays a key role in fostering common ground amid diversity.

Watch a video of the Nora’s and Andrew’s opening remarks here.

What followed was 6 presentations and 2 panel sessions, divided into morning and afternoon sessions.

Morning Session

Next up, there were 3 speakers in the morning.

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The first presentation is by Dr Paul Hedges (above), Associate Professor in Interreligious Studies in the Study of Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies at Nanyang Technological University. Dr Paul offered a framework for understanding the necessary types of dialogue to engage both groups. He clarified key terms such as “atheist” and “religious people” and differentiated interreligious dialogue from interworldview dialogue. Dr Paul emphasized that such dialogues are vital for addressing social cohesion, environmental concerns, and peacebuilding, especially in Singapore.

Watch a video of the speech here.

***

Mr Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib (above), Founding Director, of Dialogue Centre, examined the phenomenon of “falling out” of religion and how attitudes towards faith are evolving globally, including in Singapore.

Imran concluded that improved dialogue between religious and non-religious individuals requires epistemic humility, reformed institutional leadership, and the protection of religious and non-religious freedoms through a democratic political culture.

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Ms Nazhath Faheema (above), Founder, Hash.peace shared personal encounters as a religious person with individuals identifying as atheist, agnostic, spiritual but non-religious, and non-religious.

Faheema emphasized the use of interfaith dialogue through the Trialogue method, which creates a “third space” for deeper understanding, breaking down binary oppositions. She also discussed the “temporary suspension of belief” technique, which allows for open, judgment-free dialogue, fostering empathy and common ground.

Watch a video of the speech here.

Panel Session #1

After the morning session, there was a panel session featuring the 3 morning speakers. The discussion revolves around how to build mutual respect and cooperation between the religious and the non-religious in an increasingly diverse society. The 1hr panel session can be viewed here:

After the panel, the delegates enjoyed a delicious lunch and engaged in networking.

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Afternoon Session

After lunch, there were 3 more speakers.

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Dr. Ichioka Takashi (above) presented his research on interracial and interfaith relations in Singapore since 2013, identifying two main approaches: friendship building and dialogues. Friendship building involves organizing race and faith-based events, such as Iftar and the Dumpling Festival, where leaders foster mutual friendships.

However, opportunities for mingling beyond community leaders are limited. Dialogues, in contrast, bring together people from various backgrounds to discuss sensitive topics in a civil manner, fostering deeper mutual understanding.

Dr. Ichioka emphasized that both methods are important: friendship-building events increase participation at the community level, while dialogues deepen understanding. He concluded that interfaith activities should combine both approaches to enhance the breadth and depth of interfaith relations.

Watch a video of the speech here.

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Next, there was a heartfelt sharing from Dr Pepper Lim (above), Senior Manager, Educator and Author, about his experience in Malaysia. Dr. Lim went through the history of Malaysia, including the tensions between the three major races (Malay, Chinese, Indian), his experience with Malay culture, and the growing Islamic religious conservatism in Malaysia, where Islam is synonymous with the racial identity of being a Malay. He also shared his views on the impact of conservatism on freedom of expression, religious pluralism, and the rights of minorities in Malaysia.

Watch a video of the speech here.

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Mr Paul Tobin (above), founding President of the Humanist Society (Singapore), addressed the issue of offence-taking in his speech. He highlighted the challenges humanists face in religious environments, where the non-belief aspect of humanism often creates tension. Tobin posed three key questions:

  • Can offence be avoided?
  • Should it be avoided?
  • And can one be free from being offended?

He argued that offence-taking can be used strategically to halt discussions, as it garners sympathy and silences criticism. Tobin urged people to develop thicker skins, as the offence is inevitable, and to reject retaliation. He called for rethinking the concept of “respecting each other’s beliefs,” advocating instead for respecting the right to hold different beliefs or non-beliefs. This, he argued, is key to fostering tolerance.

Watch a video of the speech here.

Panel Session #2

The 2nd Panel session discusses: How can we better engage and protect non-religious individuals at risk?

Mr Gary McLelland (above), HI Chief Executive, shared about The Humanists at Risk programme by Humanists International (HI). Gary shared there are 3 domains:

  1. Personal domain: HI supports individual humanists facing prosecution for their beliefs. Last year alone, 163 people reached out for help, including monetary support, legal aid, and assistance with asylum—a significant challenge for a small organization.
  2. Social domain: While HI is effective in supporting persecuted individuals, there is a need to build stronger communities around them, especially for those relocating to the West who face difficulties integrating. Creating a community that provides ongoing support is vital.
  3. Policy and legal domain: HI advocates for freedom of religion or belief at institutions like the UN, a contentious issue in many parts of the world where non-religious individuals are often marginalized.

Addressing humanist challenges requires efforts in all three domains, as no single aspect can solve these complex issues alone.

The rest of the 2nd panel session (50mins) can be viewed here:

The Main Conference concluded around 530pm with delegates heading off for the Dinner at V Hotel Lavender.

Appreciation to HUONE

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For a successful event, the location and venue play a crucial role, and HUONE exceeded our expectations in every way. The staff at HUONE were not only courteous and friendly but also incredibly accommodating, even when we had some last-minute requests.

Their professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile made a significant difference in the overall experience. We truly appreciate their support and dedication, which contributed to the success of our event.