Lianhe Zaobao held its inaugural cultural forum titled City Insights 2026 on May 17, 2026, at the NTUC Centre in Singapore, attracting around 500 attendees [1, 2]. The event brought together four prominent cultural figures from Asia to discuss urban growth, migration, and cultural identity.
Malaysian film director Chong Keat Aun delivered the keynote speech, "Rural Legends: Gods Guarding The City," exploring deities worshipped by Malaysian communities such as Na Tuk Gong [1, 2]. Chong recently won three prizes at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards in November 2025 for his film Mother Bhumi, securing awards for Best Leading Actress, Best Original Film Song, and Best Cinematography [1, 2].
Chinese writer and researcher Shen Jialu and Singaporean writer and former museum director Kennie Ting spoke on the urbanisation of Shanghai and New York City, respectively [1, 2]. Taiwanese architect Kris Yao discussed the spirit of cities expressed through architectural development [1, 2].
The forum covered topics including the migration of Chinese people, the effects immigrant influx has on multicultural societies like Singapore and Malaysia, and the influence of information flow on cultural dissemination [1, 2]. Lee Huay Leng, editor-in-chief of Lianhe Zaobao, said the event "was also organised to create a space for the exchange of viewpoints that reflect the concerns and anxieties of Chinese people living in different cities" [1].
Lee emphasized the importance of examining urban spaces, economic structures, historical culture, religious beliefs, and identity amid rapid technological changes. She asked, "As technology undergoes dramatic changes, how will urban spaces, economic structures, historical culture, religious beliefs and identity change?" [1]. She added that understanding cultural development in island nations like Singapore requires international exchanges to learn varied perspectives [1, 2].
City Insights 2026 marks Lianhe Zaobao's first foray into cultural forums spotlighting urban and cultural issues in Asia. The next forum dates or topics have not yet been announced.
