25/08/2026
There’s been a lot of discussion about what young men believe. I’m more interested in what’s shaping those beliefs.
I’m glad to see AWARE’s latest research adding to the growing conversation around men and masculinity in Singapore.
The study raises important questions about younger men, emotional expression and traditional ideas of what men and women “should” do.
For me, its value is less about labelling a generation and more about opening up better questions. Experts have also cautioned against drawing sweeping conclusions from a single study, and AWARE itself describes the research as a starting point for deeper exploration.
That reflects what I see in my own professional work.
I do meet young men who hold quite traditional views about what it means to be a man. But I also meet many who are open, thoughtful and actively working out what masculinity means for them today.
So rather than simply asking, “What is wrong with young men?”, perhaps the bigger question is:
What is happening around our boys and young men?
What are they hearing about strength, success and masculinity? Where are they finding connection and belonging? Who are their role models? Where do they go when they feel lonely, uncertain, or wonder if they are good enough?
At Amicus, these questions sit behind our work with MenToo and the Men’s Charter. We are also partnering with Murdoch University on further research into men’s experiences. Clear evidence matters if we want to understand what is really happening and build support that genuinely helps. We’ll share more when the research is ready.
We are also exploring a support group for younger men, after hearing directly from young men about loneliness, wanting deeper connection, and wanting a space where they can talk openly.
I’m encouraged that more people are entering this conversation.
The more we can show up, speak up and grow together, the better we can support the boys and men around us.
-- Nicholas Gabriel Lim, Managing Partner, Amicus Psychological and Coaching Services; Co-founder, MenToo
Nicholas Gabriel Danny Loong Joan Chan Benedict Long Jiming