Interactive Talk: The Weight of the Unspoken–Understanding Grief and Beyond

As of March 2026, Singapore became a super-aged nation, with more than 21 per cent of its population aged 65 and above, impacting the country’s economic, social, healthcare, and infrastructure like never before.

But have we considered the emotional impact of a greying nation, not just the grief and loss of family members but jobs, income, homes, marriages, identities and values? 

Contrary to popular belief, grief does not wait for death to arrive – it begins the moment we lose anything or anyone that is meaningful to us, and it shows up in any significant life transition.

Grief isn’t just quiet tears, but it can leave you feeling edgy and grappling with a complex cocktail of emotions – from anger and confusion to a deep, underlying sadness. When left unchecked, it can cause misunderstanding and further isolation, and even lead to depression or anxiety.

Grief is deeply personal and complex. Join us for an experiential session exploring what grief looks, sounds, and feels like and what "recovery" can mean for you.

Please note: This session is strictly informative and intended to provide education and support. It is not a substitute for professional clinical counselling, but a counsellor will be on-site to assist if needed.

James Leong is an Adjunct Lecturer at NTU’s Master of Science in Psychology – Asia’s first master’s-level specialisation in thanatology (the study of death, dying, and bereavement), and runs his own counselling practice at Listen without Prejudice.  A registered counsellor with the Singapore Association of Counselling and a certified grief counsellor, James runs his own counselling practice at Listen Without Prejudice and works extensively with incarcerated individuals, families, and caregivers navigating complex loss.

Recognised by Audible and IMDA  as one of Asia’s leading storytellers in 2021, his podcast The Dance of Fear and Vulnerability was lauded for its treatment of the Covid-19 pandemic and its emotional impact. In 2024, he collaborated with Temasek Foundation and SG Enable to produce Asia’s first podcast on caregiver stress. “This is What Caregiver Stress Feels Like” won “Podcast Thought Leader and Innovator of the Year” at the Asia Podcast Awards 2025.

James was also a Psychological First Aid trainer with the Singapore Red Cross, and a facilitator for Singapore’s only men’s suicide survivor group at the Samaritans of Singapore.

As of 2026, Singapore is officially a super-aged society, yet grief remains a taboo topic. James wants to transform Singapore into a grief-literate society, where accurate information and honest conversations can prevent grievers from feeling stuck, misunderstood and further isolated.