SMU Assistant Professor of Psychology (Education) Ivy Lau was interviewed for a story on the new compulsory cleaning activities that all schools have to do starting January 2017. Students from primary schools all the way to Junior Colleges have to take part in cleaning activities daily, the Ministry of Education announced last year. Assistant Prof Lau shared her views on whether there are any actual benefits to such activities, or any long-term benefits, noting that it is not certain that “developing this habit (taking part in cleaning activities) may affect people’s attitude towards other good habits or forming good habits in general”. She added that to develop good habits, it is easier to start young.