Image (from left to right): Lim Yi, Claudelle Kay, Jessie Lim, Assistant Professor Cheng Cheng and Assistant Professor Kenneth Tan
Three SOSS students received recognition for their undergraduate research at the Population Association of Singapore (PAS) 2026 Annual Conference, showcasing the impact of faculty mentorship and research opportunities available to students at SMU.
The students developed their research papers in SOCG402 Guided Research in Social Science (Sociology): Analysing Gendered Family Dynamics and Later-Life Well-Being, taught by Assistant Professor Cheng Cheng.
The 2026 Annual Conference, themed "Low Fertility and Human Development: Multidisciplinary Perspectives and Solutions," was co-organised by the Population Association of Singapore and the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. It brought together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and students for interdisciplinary dialogue on pressing demographic challenges in Singapore and the region, such as ageing, fertility, family dynamics, health, inequality, and human development.
Recognised Undergraduate Research
Jessie Lim
Jessie Lim was awarded the PAS 2026 Best Undergraduate Student Paper Award for her paper, “Living Near (or Without) Children: Proximity, Marital Status, and Gender Differences in Older Adults’ Mental Health.”
Reflecting on the experience, Jessie shared:
The Population Association Singapore (PAS) conference was an incredibly rewarding experience and a valuable opportunity to share my research and engage with scholars working on similar topics. It was exciting to present my work, receive thoughtful feedback from fellow researchers, and see how my project contributes to broader conversations on ageing, family relationships, and population health. A particularly memorable highlight was having my paper receive the PAS 2026 Best Undergraduate Student Paper Award, which made the experience even more meaningful.
She also highlighted the important role that the GRSS module and faculty mentorship played in her research journey.
The GRSS module, together with the guidance and mentorship of Prof Cheng, has been instrumental in shaping my research journey and encouraging me to explore academic research more deeply. I am grateful to GRSS for providing the support, mentorship, and opportunities that made this experience possible, as well as the chance to learn from researchers across different institutions and participate in meaningful academic conversations.
Lim Yi
Lim Yi received an Honourable Mention for the PAS 2026 Best Undergraduate Student Paper Award for her paper, “Gendered Effects of Children’s Marital Status on Parental Emotional Well-Being.”
Yi described PAS 2026 as a valuable opportunity to learn from researchers across the field.
PAS 2026 has been an insightful experience, getting to learn from many respectable social scientists and fellow aspiring researchers. A huge shoutout to Prof Cheng Cheng for guiding us throughout our GRSS journey and for her constant support at the conference as well!
Claudelle Ashley Kay
Claudelle Ashley Kay’s paper, “Examining the Gendered Effects of Own and Spousal Work Status on Mental Well-Being in Later-Life,” was selected for oral presentation at the conference.
Reflecting on her experience, Claudelle shared:
GRSS provided an in-depth opportunity to pursue our own research project whilst enhancing our academic research skills and writing
,— translating into an opportunity to be part of an academic conference!
She also expressed her appreciation for the supportive environment that made the experience possible.
I’m really grateful to the deeply supportive environment at SOSS, and to Prof Cheng for her warm tutelage throughout my time at GRSS and at the conference that made this enriching experience possible.
These achievements reflect SOSS’ commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities to engage in research, work closely with faculty mentors and contribute to important conversations surrounding contemporary social issues. Through modules such as GRSS, students are empowered to transform classroom learning into impactful research with real-world relevance.