Society I and Culture
What is one potential benefit of artificial wombs mentioned in the article?
A. They could reduce the need for human reproduction
B. They could allow the production of multiple children at a time
C. They could allow women to work throughout gestation
D. They could allow the customisation of babies
C. They could allow women to work throughout gestation
What is data bias?
Data bias refers to data that is incomplete or inaccurate possibly due to the collected data being skewed to a certain category/group of people/animals/things.
What was the purpose of Trump's tariffs? (bonus points if you can explain what seemed to be happening more recently)
To get a better deal with trade partners.
Currently, the impact has failed to materialise as the costs have been absorbed by companies who are afraid to be the first to raise prices. Also, no one wanted a vengeful US President (speculated)
What are the 4 principles of punishment?
Deterrence, Retribution, Rehabilitation and Prevention
What kind of diplomacy does Singapore practice? (bonus points if you can explain how it works)
Orchid Diplomacy
Singapore breeds unique orchid hybrids and name them after foreign dignataries or their partners.
What is the name of the French satirical magazine that suffered from terrorist attacks?
Charlie Hebdo
What is DeepSeek and what is so significant about them?
It is a Chinese AI startup that developed a powerful AI model that could run processes at a fraction of the cost of the ones in the US, in spite of the restrictions on high performance chips from the US.
Which country's president was abducteded by the US in Jan 2026? (bonus points if you know his name)
Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro
Explain the environmental costs of datacentres (at least 1). (bonus points if you can name at least 3)
1. Energy demand (carbon emissions)
2. Consumption of water for cooling
3. Local impact on communities and wildlife through 24/7 lighting and sound
What is job-hugging?
Its when resignation rates in Singapore reach record lows. Singaporeans expect a downturn in 2026 and stay in their current jobs mostly out of fear rather than loyalty.
Based on the article on Trump's banning of transgender women in US sports, name one strength that transgender women have over women?
Strength, speed, higher bone density, larger lung capacity (disputed), greater muscle mass
What is schadenfreude?
Pleasure derived by someone from another person's misfortune.
What is martial law? (bonus points if you can explain what happened in South Korea)
When the military temporarily takes control of civilian governance during a national emergency, infamously concentrates power in the executive and can suppress opposition, democracy and law.
In Dec 2024, then-President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law late one night in response to "anti-state" elements and North Korean threats. This triggered widespread protests and all 190 members of the National Assembly unanimously voted to lift it just a few hours later.
Explain the issue of food racism in the University of Colorado, Boulder. (bonus points if you can name the dish)
2 Indian students won a $200,000 settlement against a university for microaggressions and retaliatory actions following the heating up of their palak paneer.
Why are Singaporean youths hitting the gym more?
1. Social media as a catalyst
2. Peer influence
3. Transformations seen online
4.
What is 'zeitgeist'?
the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.
What is the issue surrounding drone warfare?
1. Cost asymmetry and scale
2. Faster kill chains
Explain the Gen Z riots (provide at least 3 traits). (bonus points if you can name 5 unique traits)
A new wave of political unrest that are largely:
Youth-led, digitally organised, motivated by deep frustrations over unemployment, corruption and rising living costs.
Decentralised, leaderless, transnational, spread through social media.
Why did Dubai become such an appealing operational hub and safe haven for international organised crime syndicates? (at least 2, bonus points for 4)
1. Geographic advantage (convenient location in the middle of multiple continents)
2. Lack of financial oversight (no strict mechanisms like tax filing)
3. Real estate money laundering (easy to launder money)
4. Lifestyle (lavish and luxurious living with minimal threat of law enforcement)
Name the 6 religions recognised in the Inter-Religious Organisation in Singapore. (bonus points if you can name all 10)
Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Baha'i Faith
Briefly describe the issues surrounding Amerasians in the Philippines.
- Abandoned children of American servicemen
- Discriminated based on appearance and the conditions surrounding their birth.
- No country taking responsibility for their welfare
- The area around them has revitalised but they have not benefitted from the newfound tourism.
Name one positive and one negative impact of 'Online Chinatowns'
Positive: Helping overseas Chinese connect with one another, forming united communities amid China's rise, group-buying, new careers
Negative:Inhibition of assimilation/integration, pursuance of one's own country's agenda leading to social implications for the host country
Explain Hong Kong's Umbrella Revolution/Movement in 2014. (bonus points if you can explain what happened later on in 2019)
China's top legislative body ruled that Hong Kong could hold an election for its leader (Chief Executive) but only using candidates pre-screened and approved by Beijing.
In 2019, they Hong Kong government, backed by Beijing, introduced a bill that would allow criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China to face trial.
How has China scaled up its renewable technologies?
Through solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles. Their tech manufacturing and export dominance and largely influenced international trade and global energy.
What is the Code of Practice for Online Safety?
(bonus if you can share what is the OSC)
It's a policy enacted in 2023 to mitigate the risks from harmful social media content (especially for children) by requiring designated Social Media Services to enhance online safety in Singapore.
The Online Safety Commission (OSC) in Singapore is a dedicated government agency that helps victims of severe online harms secure timely relief, content takedowns, and account restrictions.