Risk Radar

Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) at the National University of Singapore

Welcome to Risk Radar! The official podcast of the Institute for Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) at the National University of Singapore. Join us as we explore the science and art of public risk perceptions and risk communication, and how it affects our perspectives, attitudes and decision-making towards topical issues in the social sciences. Each episode features conversations with researchers, professionals, and practitioners who are working in areas relating to environment and climate, emerging technologies, and health and lifestyle. Whether you’re a policymaker, an academic, or simply curious about how evidence on public risk perceptions can better inform decisions in our complex world, this podcast will give you fresh perspectives and practical insights into understanding, communicating and managing risks for a more resilient world.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 9: Breaking Down the Risk Know-How Platform with Dr Leonor Sierra

    In this episode of Risk Radar, Jared speaks to Dr Leonor Sierra, the Risk Know-How Project Lead at Sense About Science about the Risk Knowhow Platform, an international initiative designed to help communities and practitioners make better decisions about risk. Dr Sierra explains that the platform offers resources such as case studies, practitioner spotlights, articles, and a free online course, all aimed at empowering community leaders and practitioners to communicate risk effectively. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding local context, tailoring communication to specific audiences, and addressing the complexity and uncertainty inherent in risk situations. A case study on flood risk communication in Valencia, Spain, is discussed and illustrates the need for clear, actionable, and context-specific warnings. The episode also covers the challenges of disaster risk communication, the role of trust and emotional responses, and the importance of ongoing engagement with communities. Dr Sierra describes the Risk Knowhow Framework, which provides practical tools for risk communication, and shares insights from training workshops conducted for various audiences worldwide. The episode concludes with a look at future plans for the platform, including a website revamp, expanded training, and a focus on connecting communities with experts. Listeners are encouraged to explore the Risk Knowhow website for resources available in multiple languages. For more information, visit https://riskknowhow.org/.

  2. Mar 18

    Episode 8: Exploring Risk and Stigma in Childhood Obesity with Dr Jumana Hashim

    In this episode of the Risk Radar podcast, host Jared Ng and guest Dr Jumana Hashim discuss the VOICE exhibition—a collaborative project between the Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) and the Centre for Behavioural and Implementation Science Interventions (BISI). The conversation explores how childhood obesity is perceived and communicated as a risk in Singapore, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional and social impacts, including weight stigma and mental health challenges. Dr Hashim shares insights from research involving young adults who experienced childhood obesity, revealing how family, educators, and social environments shape risk perceptions and behaviors. The episode delves into how the VOICE exhibition used immersive art and storytelling to translate these complex findings into an engaging public experience. Interactive elements encouraged visitors to reflect on their own attitudes and roles in addressing stigma, making the risks more relatable and prompting meaningful conversations. The episode emphasises the power of creative communication in shifting public understanding of health risks and fostering empathy, with plans for future evaluation and expansion to other public health topics.

  3. Jan 7

    Episode 7: Inside Climate Risk Communication with Prof Ben Newell

    In this episode of Risk Radar, we sit down with Ben Newell, Director of UNSW’s Institute for Climate Risk & Response (ICRR), to unpack how climate risk communication can move both policy and people. We explore useful practices that encourage policy support and individual action, discuss how to strike the right balance between technical risk reporting and plain language, and hear Ben’s candid views on climate risk perceptions, policymaking, and their impacts on climate resilience in businesses and among the public. Tune in to Risk Radar on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to explore what builds trust and climate resilience across business and society — and what doesn’t.

  4. 11/25/2025

    Episode 6: United Nations Global Risk Report - Climate Journalism with Amy Sim

    In this episode of the mini-series on the UN Global Risk Report, we talk with Amy Sim, Regional Programme Manager at Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN), and explore how journalists make climate impacts relatable, and the shift from doom narratives to solutions journalism and touch on the dangers of greenwashing. The episode highlights the need for multilateral preparedness, the knowledge–action gap, and how the community can build resilience in a journalist' perspective. If you would like to check out the Voices for Planetary Health Report mentioned by Amy Sim in the episode, the links are below.  Full Report: HereCommunication Strategies Playbook Version: HereWebsite Link: Here

  5. 09/01/2025

    Episode 5: United Nations Global Risk Report - AI Perceptions and Policies with Jennifer Castaneda & Zoi Roupakia

    In this episode of Risk Radar, host Jared Ng is joined by AI policy experts, Jennifer Castaneda and Zoi Roupakia to unpack the findings of the UN Global Risk Report —with a special focus on public perceptions of AI risks in Southeast Asia. They explore more on optimism about AI in the region, digital divides in governance frameworks, and how data security and misinformation fuel concern.  The discussion highlights the challenges governments face in balancing innovation, regulation, and public confidence, for integrating safe and effective AI adoption. This episode also spotlights an executive summary booklet featuring key policy insights on AI, data, workplace safety, and digital trade in Southeast Asia, developed by Cambridge Industrial Innovation Policy and partners using World Risk Poll data. Tune in to discover why understanding perceptions is vital for responsible AI governance and read more the executive summary here!

  6. 08/07/2025

    Episode 4: A Human-AI Partnership in Environmental Risk with Marla Orenstein

    In this episode, host Jared Ng is joined by IPUR Visiting Fellow Marla Orenstein to discuss the newly released report, Using AI to Assess and Manage Environmental Risk: A Toolkit for the Public Sector. Tailored for environmental regulators, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders, this episode explores how AI and the data revolution are transforming environmental risk management and regulatory practices. Hear real-world case studies from around the globe, discover how AI can augment (not replace) the work of environmental professionals, and learn about the critical challenges—from accountability and transparency to equity and energy use—facing the field.  Tune in to explore how AI can be responsibly leveraged for more informed and ethical environmental decision-making.

  7. 07/29/2025

    Episode 3: UNDP Anti-Scam Handbook - Evolving Landscape of Scams with Dr Reuben Ng

    Welcome to Risk Radar, the official podcast of the Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) at the National University of Singapore. In this episode, host Jared Ng chats with Dr Reuben Ng, IPUR’s Lead Scientist for Data and Technology, about the fast-evolving threat of scams. Discover how technologies like AI-powered phishing and deepfakes are driving a surge in scams worldwide, and why Singapore’s high-trust society faces unique vulnerabilities. Hear insights from the UNDP Anti-Scam Handbook and learn why fighting scams demands solutions tailored to different communities. Tune in for practical tips, the latest legislative updates, and strategies to build digital resilience in an age of uncertainty.

  8. 07/24/2025

    Episode 2: United Nations Global Risk Report - Inside the Process with Prof Leonard Lee

    In this special episode, we sit down with Professor Leonard Lee, IPUR Director and Marketing Professor at NUS Business School, to take listeners behind the scenes of the United Nations Global Risk Report (UNGRR). As a key survey partner, IPUR played a central role in designing and analyzing the survey that shaped the report’s findings. Discover how the report examines not just global risk perceptions, but also the preparedness of the international community to tackle today’s most pressing challenges. Learn about the unique survey methodology, the importance of understanding interconnected risks, and the key vulnerabilities highlighted by the report.

  9. 07/16/2025

    Episode 1: United Nations Global Risk Report - Key Findings with Dr Olivia Jensen

    Welcome to the first episode of Risk Radar, the official podcast of the Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) at the National University of Singapore. Join host, Jared Ng, and guest speaker, Dr. Olivia Jensen, IPUR's Deputy Director and Lead Scientist for Environment and Climate, as they delve into the landmark United Nations Global Risk Report. Discover how global stakeholders—from governments and businesses to academia and civil society—perceive today’s biggest risks. Learn why risk interconnectedness matters, and what it really means for all of us. How prepared is the world to handle the next big crisis? What actions can individuals take in the face of uncertainty? Tune in for fresh insights, practical tips, and explore the science and art of risk perception.

  • 9 Episodes

About

Welcome to Risk Radar! The official podcast of the Institute for Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) at the National University of Singapore. Join us as we explore the science and art of public risk perceptions and risk communication, and how it affects our perspectives, attitudes and decision-making towards topical issues in the social sciences. Each episode features conversations with researchers, professionals, and practitioners who are working in areas relating to environment and climate, emerging technologies, and health and lifestyle. Whether you’re a policymaker, an academic, or simply curious about how evidence on public risk perceptions can better inform decisions in our complex world, this podcast will give you fresh perspectives and practical insights into understanding, communicating and managing risks for a more resilient world.

Information

  • Creator
    Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) at the National University of Singapore
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Risk Radar
  • Show Website
    Risk Radar