Secular Assembly – April 2025

27 April 2025 by

Our fourth Secular Assembly of the year, held on 19 April, responded to a fundamental question. Without depending on a supernatural authority, what frameworks can non-religious people use to live an ethical and meaningful life? 

A look at the philosophy of ethics

Our guest speaker Adrian Chia provided a whirlwind introduction to ethical approaches and acknowledged their links to humankind’s history of cultural traditions and intellectual inquiry. Adrian, a regular volunteer at HSS with a background in philosophy, ethics, and psychology, discussed four main branches of the philosophy of ethics: metaethics, descriptive ethics, normative ethics and applied ethics. Diving into applied ethics, the study of how moral principles can be used in real-life situations, he discussed principlism (an approach that prioritises commonly accepted principles such as justice and autonomy), case-based reasoning and ethical codes (e.g., codes of conducts followed by professions). 

Beyond the Golden Rule 

The study of ethics gives us a plethora of concepts. Want a quick takeaway that can be applied to daily life? In terms of personal and specific recommendations to humanists, Adrian highlighted the Golden Rule and its variations as useful moral tools.

A formulation of the Golden Rule is “Treat others as you would like others to treat you”. Related principles have arisen across the major faiths across the world, which arguably indicates that these principles are rooted in collective human experience. Beyond the Golden Rule, Adrian noted its limitations and certain variations to consider: the Silver Rule (“Do not treat others in ways that you would not like to be treated”) the Platinum Rule (“Treat others the way they would like to be treated”) and the Rhodium Rule (“Think about the entire ecosystem”).

Throughout the talk, members of the audience added their perspectives on varied topics such as karma, sin and gender biases. Attendees were also polled on a variety of trolley problems that challenged us to determine what to do in a situation where individual rights and collective good seem in conflict. As Adrian put it, readymade answers to complex ethical questions are in short supply: “there is no Ten-Year Series”.  

Adrian’s recommendations for further reading and exploration included:

  • Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaardner – an introduction to philosophy in novel form
  • The Moral Landscape by Sam Harris – a neuroscientific look at morality
  • The Moral Landscape Challenge, an essay rebutting the book
  • Three Worlds Collide by Eliezer Yudkowsky, a short story on metaethics
  • The Effective Altruism movement, which provides a framework for identifying effective charities

In addition to the guest talk, we continued the tradition of previous Assemblies by holding a fun singalong and a closing meditation which united our group in reflection on everyone’s interdependence within wider society. For more fellowship and thought-provoking conversations, join us for the next Assembly as we continue to build the Humanist community!

Blog, Events, Featured Articles/Letters, Secular Assembly

Keeping our elections secular

26 April 2025 by

In the midst of the Singapore General Election 2025, the Humanist Society (Singapore) supports the call by political leaders and the government to keep religion and politics separate.

Singapore is a diverse multiracial and multireligious country and includes a significant number of non-religious residents.

A secular state protects all religious communities, as well as the non-religious, because it ensures everyone’s freedom of belief and freedom from belief is protected, and that no group is privileged over another.

Singapore is not immune to the push and pull of global identities, be it religious, racial, cultural, political. Singaporean voters are highly connected to the world through the internet.

Thus, beyond the government’s call, we urge Singaporeans from all religious communities to also support efforts to keep our politics secular.

Secularism is the best guarantor of freedom of religion.

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Hanging out With Humanists [ 4th April 2025 ]

5 April 2025 by

The April Hanging Out with Humanists session was nothing short of meaningful. As conversations flowed across the table, what emerged was more than just dialogue—it was a shared moment of reflection, openness, and connection.

On Religion as Story and Culture

Yew Hwee Ong shared a deeply thought-provoking perspective that emerged right at the end of the evening. While firmly identifying as an atheist and secular humanist, he expressed a new appreciation for the influence religion holds—not as truth, but as a powerful narrative form deeply embedded in culture.

“To me, religion should be seen like fiction—much like One Piece, Attack on Titan, Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter,” he said. “These stories, while fictional, offer guidance, inspiration, and commentary on real life. Rituals, then, become simulations of those stories—like walking through a living museum of mythology.”

He acknowledged the undeniable impact of religion on human behavior and the structures of society—both positive and oppressive. The key difference, he noted, is that religious believers equate their stories with reality, while secular humanists treat them as cultural narratives that still deserve thoughtful engagement.

On Morality, Disagreement, and Mutual Respect

Melvin added that the evening was lively, especially with the presence of three newcomers who each brought unique perspectives. He mentioned the “merry, respectful disagreements” with Yew Hwee, especially around how we define and measure morality.

In response, Yew Hwee reflected with sincerity:

“I truly respect your points. They made me think seriously about how we can make better decisions by balancing morality, utility, and the well-being of people in different contexts.”

It was a beautiful example of how disagreement, when held with respect, can deepen understanding rather than divide.

On Connection, Care, and Reaching Out

Meanwhile, on the other side of the table, Lava shared insights into the emotional and social outreach strategies of religious institutions. He pointed out how adept these institutions are at making people feel seen—stepping out of their own spaces to meet others where they are, and building genuine human connection.

“We talked about how religious institutions blur the lines between secular and sacred, reaching into marketplaces and even influencing the upper echelons of society. There’s a lesson here for us: we, too, need to step out of our comfort zones.”

Lava emphasized the importance of noticing members of our own society who may be silently struggling. A simple check-in message or an open ear can mean the world. He reminded us that:

“Sometimes the conversation becomes more important than the person—but it shouldn’t be. The person should always come first.”

What made the evening truly special, he reflected, was how personal the conversation felt. “I got to know some of our members more deeply than I ever have since joining,” he said.

A Night of Thoughtful Connection

The HOH reminded us of what makes humanist spaces meaningful: not just the sharing of ideas, but the care and curiosity we extend toward one another. Whether through challenging perspectives, respectful disagreement, or heartfelt conversation, we continue to learn not just how to think—but how to be human, together.

Blog, Featured Articles/Letters, Hanging Out with Humanist, HSS Socials

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

4 April 2025 by

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.

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2025 AGM [ 29th March 2025 ]

1 April 2025 by

This year’s AGM was a meaningful gathering, even though we did not meet the required quorum to proceed with the proposed constitutional changes. Nonetheless, the session went ahead with the official agenda and gave us much to reflect on as a community.

The President opened the AGM with an honest and heartfelt speech. She spoke candidly about the doubts she faced in discharging her responsibilities—and the courage it took to step forward anyway. She outlined three key pillars of focus for the year ahead:

  1. Community Building
  2. Education and Advocacy
  3. Outreach and Engagement

Drawing from the history of the Humanist Society (Singapore), she reminded us that HSS was itself a movement born from a movement—emerging from the aftermath of the AWARE saga. In her words, “Relevance is not inherited—it is created.” Quoting diplomat Bilahari Kausikan, she emphasized:

“Small city-states have no intrinsic relevance to the workings of the international system. Relevance is an artefact, created by human endeavour, and having been created, must be maintained by human endeavour.”

She urged members to think beyond waiting for the next ‘saga’ to define us, and instead, take deliberate steps to shape our relevance in today’s context.

“HSS is a movement born from a movement—a community that emerged from a transformative period and now has the power to shape its own future. We must ask ourselves: What is our story now?”


Following the President’s opening address, the AGM proceeded with the official agenda:

  • ✅ Confirmation of the Minutes from the 2024 AGM
  • 🗓️ Summary of Events and Activities in 2024 — a year marked by thought-provoking Conversations on Humanism, successful Secular Assemblies, community socials, and impactful outreach initiatives
  • 💰 Adoption of the Auditor and Treasurer’s Reports, affirming the Society’s financial health and transparency

🗳️ The election of the Executive Committee for 2025/2026 was conducted smoothly, along with the appointment of Honorary Auditors. Congratulations to the newly elected EXCO members—we look forward to their leadership in the coming year!

Members were also briefed on ongoing key programmes such as the Secular Assembly and Conversations on Humanism series, followed by a preview of major events planned from March 2025 onwards.

The floor was then opened for items submitted by members, followed by an engaging and generous Q&A session, allowing for open discussion and feedback.


The old guards of HSS came to give their support.

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Conversation about Humanism : Materialism [ 23rd March 2025 ]

1 April 2025 by

In true conversational spirit, this session was lively, thought-provoking, and filled with personal reflections. Nora opened the floor with an imaginative question:

“Imagine you received $10 million overnight. What’s the first thing you’d do with it?”

Responses were diverse—many said they would donate to charity, invest in education, and keep a portion for personal use. One participant said they’d take time off to travel the world. And in a wonderfully grounded moment, someone asked, “Where did the $10 million come from?”—reminding us that even daydreams come with taxes and consequences!

We then dove into the heart of the conversation:
What comes to mind when you hear the word Materialism?

Participants shared that materialism often evokes ideas of wealth accumulation, possessions, and lifestyle. This led to a deeper question:

“At what point does ‘wanting a good life’ become ‘excessive materialism’?”

The conversation also explored how different philosophies and cultures view materialism. The idea of Positive Materialism was introduced and unpacked—highlighting how wealth can be embraced as a means to do good, rather than an end in itself. Participants also reflected on the concept of Mindful Materialism, which encourages conscious, value-driven use of resources.

The session concluded with a reflective prompt:
“If you had all the material wealth in the world but could only keep one non-material thing, what would it be?”

And a fitting quote to close the discussion:
👉 “Use wealth as a tool for doing good—not as a measure of your worth.”

Blog, Conversations on Humanism, Events, Featured Articles/Letters

Secular Assembly [ 22nd March 2025 ]  

1 April 2025 by

Celebrating International Women’s Day- A Humanist Reflection

The Secular Assembly has always embraced discussions on meaningful, worldly themes. This month, in celebration of International Women’s Day, we were honored to welcome a visiting speaker and guests from AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research) to engage in dialogue on gender equality, human rights, and social progress.

A Song of Strength and Solidarity

The assembly opened with a sing-along of Helen Reddy’s iconic anthem, I Am Woman, a song that has long been a rallying cry for women’s empowerment:

“I am woman, hear me roar… Whoa, yes, I am wise,

But it’s wisdom born of pain. …

If I have to, I can do anything,

I am strong,

I am invincible,

I am woman.”

The lyrics resonated deeply with the audience, setting the tone for the event—one of reflection, solidarity, and action. It was a fitting reminder of the resilience and determination that have fueled both the feminist and humanist movements throughout history.

Humanism and Gender Equality

Following this uplifting start, Nora, President of the Humanist Society of Singapore (HSS), introduced the audience to the principles of humanism, emphasizing its core belief in rational thought, compassion, and individual freedom. Dan, the event’s lead organizer, then highlighted a significant statistic: according to the Singapore Census 2020, nearly 20% of Singapore residents identified as having no religious affiliation. In a society as diverse as Singapore, he stressed, harmony and mutual respect must never be taken for granted.

A Personal Journey: Breaking Stereotypes

The keynote speaker, Shamima, opened her talk by sharing her personal journey—one that led her away from the traditional expectations of women in her community. Growing up in a Muslim family, she had been expected to follow a conventional path, but her search for meaning and self-determination led her toward humanism. She eventually became a member of HSS and even served as Vice President for one term. 

Her personal experiences also reinforced a critical lesson: simplifying identities through labels and stereotypes is both dangerous and dehumanizing. A society that confines women to a single narrative fails to see the richness of human experience.

The AWARE Saga: A Defining Moment

Shamima then turned the discussion to a pivotal event in Singapore’s feminist history—the 2009 AWARE Saga, a dramatic power struggle within AWARE that captured the nation’s attention and led to significant public discourse on women’s rights, religious influence in civil society, and democratic values.

Though Shamima had not personally attended the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) that saw thousands rally to reclaim AWARE’s mission, her years working with the organization put her in close contact with the “old guards”—the women who fought through the crisis. One such figure was Constance Singam, an AWARE veteran of 24 years and a six-term president, whose powerful speech at the EGM remains an enduring testament to activism and resilience. It is a timely reminder to us all, that change happens because people decide to make a difference, not because they wait for the world to change around them.

The impact of the AWARE Saga extended beyond the feminist movement. Dan, a founding member of HSS, noted that the reflections and social awakening it inspired also contributed to the birth of the Humanist Society—which later became Singapore’s first recognized humanist organization.

Shared Values, Common Purpose

As stated at the start of the assembly, humanism affirms that individuals have the right and responsibility to shape their own lives. This philosophy mirrors AWARE’s core principles:

• Embrace diversity

• Respect for individual choices

• Recognition of universal human rights, regardless of gender

The fact that AWARE Saga is still studied in some junior colleges and high schools in Singapore is a testament to its enduring social and educational relevance. As we revisited this chapter in history, we were reminded of the words from I Am Woman:

“It’s wisdom born of pain.”

Engaging the Next Generation

During the Q&A session, participants explored questions on how to engage younger women in the feminist movement and how to encourage more involvement in HSS and AWARE. Those interested were encouraged to sign up through the official websites or reach out to the relevant organizers via email.

A Celebration of Life and Diversity

Before closing, Dan orchestrated a lighthearted moment by identifying the “birthday celebrant of the month” among the audience. With a surprise cake and warm wishes, we celebrated not just an individual milestone, but the shared journey of humanist and feminist activism.

Life, in all its diversity, is always a journey worth celebrating.

Stay tuned for our next assembly!

Write up by Humanist OQ

Blog, Events, Featured Articles/Letters, Secular Assembly

Existential Therapy [ 8th March 2025 ]

1 April 2025 by

Building on the insightful dialogue from last Conversation on Humanism series on irreligiosity and mental health,We were grateful to have Ms Deborah Koh from North Ship Counselling facilitate a deeply enriching and well-attended session on Existential Therapy.

She opened the conversation with a question many of us may have asked—often half-jokingly: “What is an existential crisis?”

Ms Koh helped unpack the real meaning behind the term, linking it to life-altering events such as the loss of a loved one, a serious illness, or rejection by one’s religious community, especially in relation to sexuality or gender identity.

Unresolved emotions and persistent questions like “Why is life unfair?” or “What happens after we die?” can all contribute to existential distress.


Ms Koh introduced Yalom’s Existential Psychotherapy (1980) and reflected on two local studies examining the link between religion and mental health:

  1. Religiosity, Religious Coping and Distress Among Outpatients with Psychosis in Singapore (2022)
  2. Religious Affiliation in Relation to Positive Mental Health and Mental Disorders in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population (2021)

These studies sparked a thought-provoking question: “Are humanists doomed?”—prompting us to reflect on whether religion is necessary to make sense of life’s struggles.

Ms Koh shared insights from Viktor E. Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning (1946), a moving account by a Jewish psychiatrist who survived Auschwitz. Frankl observed that survivors were not necessarily the strongest, but those who had a sense of purpose and meaning—a reason to live even in the face of suffering.

She then explained what existential therapy entails:

  • Creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgemental space
  • Coming to terms with grief, loss, and uncertainty
  • Reconnecting with oneself and others
  • Embracing ambiguity and existential anxiety as part of life
  • Taking responsibility for personal choices

Philosophy is not a requirement in therapy, she noted—“unless you want to talk about it!”

Values are central to the process. Participants were encouraged to reflect on:

  • Am I living in accordance with my values?
  • What do I want to stop doing?
  • What do I want to do more of?

Ms Koh emphasized that existential therapy can support individuals facing:

  • Divorce, illness, bereavement
  • Career transitions, ageing, retirement
  • Addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma
  • Loss of motivation or identity
  • And crises of faith or community disconnection

The ultimate aim? To live with authenticity—and to learn to “live the questions.”

The session concluded with a reflective activity where participants considered their personal values and how to express them through value-driven actions. A thoughtful Q&A session followed, with Ms Koh patiently addressing participants’ questions.

It was a powerful, informative, and affirming evening—reminding us all that seeking help is never a sign of weakness, but a courageous step toward healing.

Blog, Conversations on Humanism, Events, Featured Articles/Letters

Humanist Café : Do you feel you’ve made the most of your life ?

6 March 2025 by

At our latest Humanist Café, we delved into some of life’s biggest questions: Have you truly lived or merely existed? Do you feel you’ve made the most of your life? These thought-provoking questions sparked deep and meaningful conversations among a diverse group of participants, with a balanced mix of younger and senior voices bringing unique perspectives to the discussion.

As the conversation unfolded, two key themes emerged:

A Sense of Belonging – Many shared that their most meaningful moments in life were shaped by the relationships they built, the communities they became part of, and the sense of connection they felt with others. Whether through friendships, family, or shared experiences, finding belonging played a crucial role in making life feel fulfilling.

The Purpose of Life – The discussion naturally led to reflections on what gives life meaning. For some, it was about pursuing passions and personal growth. For others, it was about making a difference in the lives of others or embracing new experiences with curiosity and courage.

One of the most powerful moments of the evening was when participants were asked: “Share one moment from your life when you felt truly alive.” Many spoke about experiencing the beauty of nature—whether it was standing before a breathtaking sunset, hiking in the mountains, or simply watching the waves crash onto the shore. These moments, filled with awe and wonder, reminded us of how deeply intertwined we are with the world around us.

The Humanist Café once again proved to be a space for open dialogue, reflection, and meaningful exchanges. It left us all with one important takeaway: Life is not just about existing—it’s about finding joy, purpose, and connection in the journey.

We look forward to more conversations that challenge, inspire, and bring us together.

Join us for the next session!

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Secular Assembly : Celebrating Charles Darwin.

6 March 2025 by

Our second Secular Assembly of the year was held on 22 February 2025. Featuring an intriguing talk that dispelled common myths about reactions to the theory of evolution, the Assembly once again invited attendees to connect, learn and reflect.

The Assembly began with a tour of the Harmony in Diversity Gallery. This gallery celebrates Singapore’s multi-cultural society and depicts the importance of getting along with others of different creeds.

Indeed, while differences of belief are part of a healthy society, they can also lead to ridicule and conflict. For example, it’s easy to assume that Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking theory of evolution was met with an angry backlash from everyone in his time.

This brings us to our guest speaker Dr John van Wyhe, a historian of science at NUS who has also spoken at our past Darwin Day events. Through an engaging presentation on his research into historical caricatures of Darwin and evolution, Dr van Wyhe showed that many contemporary reactions to Darwin’s ideas were in fact more light-hearted and less dismissive than one might have assumed.

Dr van Whye’s insights gave attendees an appreciation of religious contexts and historical shifts regarding reactions to the theory of evolution, and sparked a lively Q & A session. Other highlights of the Assembly included a rousing rendition of “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick, led by our intrepid president Nora. The event closed with a gratitude exercise, a welcome pause to reflect on interconnectedness and aspects of our lives for which we felt thankful.

See you at the next Assembly where we will continue to enjoy food for thought and build the humanist community!

Complete work of Charles Darwin online

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