PAE Conference 2019

Topic: Conserving our modern built heritage amidst en bloc collective sale fever

Group Members: Foo Ming Yee, Regina Marie Lee Shu Wei, Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal, Xu Qiaoqiao
Client: Singapore Heritage Society
Faculty Advisor: Asst. Prof Joo Yu Min

Time: 2.30pm to 3.00pm

Abstract:

In the last two years, Singapore has seen many of its buildings sold collectively (‘en bloc’) for redevelopment. These deals amounted to more than $8 billion in 2017, raising concerns that the pace of urban redevelopment is proceeding too fast. This is especially so for buildings of high heritage value on sale, such as Golden Mile Complex and People’s Park Complex, or already sold, like Pearl Bank Apartments. This PAE project seeks to explore the current gaps in en bloc policy that allow for the demolition of modernist strata-titled buildings, using Golden Mile Complex as a case study. Our research explores the different kinds of value inherent in a building site, such as the social, cultural and heritage value, and which the en bloc sales process prioritises and ignores. Building off our fieldwork and research, we propose policy recommendations to better address the interests of multiple stakeholders, and an evaluation of how these recommendations would fare with different stakeholders.

Topic: one-north: How has it fared? Development Prospects and Future Directions

Group Members: Fahim Ali, Bayaraa Temuulen, Choo Whee Yhee Jarrod, Hor Chor Kiat, Sarah Li Hui, Yichen Zhu
Client: Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC), Ministry of National Development, Singapore
Faculty Advisor: Asst. Prof Joo Yu Min

Time: 3.10pm to 3.40pm

Abstract:

In December 2001, one-north was conceptualised as an economic and urban development project to promote entrepreneurial high-tech businesses and startups in the fields of science and technology through the creation of an innovative science hub. Almost 18 years have passed since the project’s launch; it is therefore expedient for the Singapore Government to take stock on how one-north has fared as an innovation district, reflecting on its achievements and limitations. Furthermore, given the rapid changes taking place in global and local economies, it is also necessary for the government and its relevant authorities to reexamine the mission and objectives of one-north. Such insights are useful in considering how policies and programmes on governance and planning towards one-north can be implemented to realign not only one-north’s purpose, but its economic prospects in addressing current and future directions of the Singapore economy.

Topic: Achieving Low Carbon City in Asia: Promoting the Usage of Public Transport for Tourists in Chiang Mai

Group Members: Gianina Amadira, Mirza Akmarizal Ghazaly, Zhang Hao Sylvia, Sokichi Morioka, Ren Wanxuan, Meng Le
Client: United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
Faculty Advisor: Asst. Prof Mehmet Akif Demircioglu 

Time: 4.00pm to 4.30pm

Abstract:

Global warming and climate change have become major concerns in development, with transportation being one of the biggest generators of global greenhouse gases emissions. The issue of public transport usage, hence, became important in order to reduce carbon emission. The city of Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination in northern Thailand with approximately 600,000 inhabitants, is not an exception. Since there is no effective public transportation system, staggering number of private vehicles are registered daily, increasing the city’s carbon emission. In addition, traffic congestion and high traffic accident rate have also been an issue in Chiang Mai. UNDP, in cooperation with the government of Chiang Mai aimed to increase the usage of public transport by tourists, as one of the measures in reducing carbon emission. Through literature review, survey, interviews, and field observation, we found that the public transport system in Chiang Mai is not designed with tourists’ usage in mind. The main barriers for tourists to use public transport are language and the absence of clear guidance. Furthermore, the public transport system itself needs an improvement. Introduction of more effective, efficient, user-friendly, and environment-friendly transport modes should be considered as a measure to reduce carbon emission in Chiang Mai.

Topic: An Assessment of Sustainability Practices of Companies in Singapore, Myanmar, and the Philippines

Group Members: Cho Zin Thet, Anjali Shivananda, Naga Trinadh Burra, Tatum Palad Ramos
Client: Global Compact Network Singapore (United Nations Global Compact)
Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof Eduardo Araral 

Time: 4.40pm to 5.10pm

Abstract:

Corporate sustainability has been a prevalent concept in the world of business in recent years, but difficulties are still faced in determining the status and progress of the sustainability practices of companies. There is a paucity of evaluations that examine the alignment of ongoing business practices with sustainability principles being promoted by international organizations. This research aims to fill in the gap by assessing sustainability practices of selected companies in Singapore, Myanmar, and the Philippines using the Responsibility Index Communicator for Enterprises (RICE) Tool which was recently launched by the Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS), the local chapter of the United Nations Global Compact. A review of related literature is conducted, and the GCNS’ RICE Tool is administered to selected companies in the three countries. An analysis is carried out, and recommendations are provided to improve the companies’ sustainability.

Topic: Getting parking right: A case study on parking management in Singapore and how to leverage it for going car-lite  

Group Members: Samuel Mark Wempe, Johan Martin Seland, Maria Isabel Urrutia Villanueva, Ravi Shankar Jha
Client: nuTonomy
Faculty Advisor: Asst. Prof Lee You-Na 

Time: 5.20pm to 5.50pm

Abstract:

Government of Singapore intends to push Singapore towards a car-lite future. By 2030 it aims to increase the peak hour public transport mode share to 75%.1 nuTonomy has been working with AVs in Singapore since 2011, and believes that autonomous vehicles (AVs) can help Singapore transition to a car-lite future. nuTonomy suspects that extant parking regime – where parking is abundantly available- may be a hindrance in adoption of AVs by encouraging private car usage.

This case study on parking dynamics in Singapore provides nuTonomy with in-depth understanding and recommendations for optimizing parking management so that it contributes to a car-lite city. We use 2018 data on HDB parking spaces, expert interviews, and GIS mapping to analyze how much parking is used and how this changes across the city according to parking supply, pricing and proximity to public transport. Our results show that parking is underutilized in varying degrees across the city and might therefore be undermining efforts to go car-lite.

Topic: Regulation Policy for Antimalarial Drugs: A Comparative Case Analysis of Myanmar and Vietnam

Group Members: Yap Yee Chern, Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh, Aarthi Raghavan
Client: United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
Faculty Advisor: Asst. Prof Lee You-Na

Time: 2.30pm to 3.00pm

Abstract:

In this project, we explore the public health challenge of malaria in ASEAN. As a team, we are exploring the role of regulations governing antimalarial drugs in controlling malaria in two focus countries: Myanmar and Vietnam. We primarily compare and contrast the regulatory landscape of the two countries, while involving their diverse stakeholder groups, contextual factors and policy implementation strategy, in being able to provide large-scale access to quality antimalarial drugs to patients. Although both countries follow WHO treatment guidelines, microscopic details of implementation vary both across and within these countries. As the two countries move towards malaria elimination by 2030, they are facing the battle with the persistence of antimalarial drug resistance which can potentially derail the achievement thus far. Knowing no borders, controlling malaria is a global issue with vast significance. Our research aims to understand the dynamics of the current situation and the road ahead to eliminate malaria. Through primary research followed with recommended policies, our findings can help these countries move forward effectively towards complete malaria elimination.

Topic: Designing Impact Bonds in India: An Innovation in Development Finance

Group Members: Piyush Gupta, Kinnari Gurnani, Saipriya Devamuthyam Salla, Kathleen Rose Gatchalian Kho, Kundan Madireddy
Client: Tri-Sector Associates
Faculty Advisor: Prof Ramkishen Rajan

Time: 3.10pm to 3.40pm

Abstract:

Decades of experience has led to the realization that traditional development finance can be ineffective and myopic, focusing expenditures on activities that do not necessarily lead to positive outcomes. In view of this, Results-Based Financing (RBF) has been gaining global traction. A Development Impact Bond (DIB) is a type of RBF instrument that ensures that funding channeled towards a development project is used to meet specific outcomes that are measured by an external impact evaluator. In turn, the investor only gets pre-determined returns if the intended outcomes are met. DIBs bring together investors, non-profit organisations, governments, beneficiaries, impact evaluators, and outcome funders in a true multi-sectoral effort to finance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This Policy Analysis Exercise with Tri Sector Associates Singapore, scoped and designed DIBs to tackle some of India’s most persistent and confounding development issues. Through extensive literature review and in-depth interviews, the team developed measurable outcome metrics and financial models for the client’s investment acquisition and implementation of the projects.

Topic: How and why does FDI influence economic growth in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region?

Group Members: Akhmed Gumbatov, Ammara Shabbir, Inkar Aitkuzhina, Samuel Mark Nicholls, Viktoriya Nem
Client: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Faculty Advisor: Prof Ramkishen Rajan

Time: 4.00pm to 4.30pm

Abstract:

Since its foundation in 1989, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has aimed to achieve the liberalization of cross-border trade and investment in the region. Partly due to APEC’s investment facilitation efforts, there has been a ten-fold increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into the APEC economies since 1989. Studies find that FDI can facilitate the transfer of technology and provide much needed capital to finance productive activities that create jobs, alleviate poverty, and boost economic growth, thus playing an important role in fostering development. This paper discusses and models the potential of FDI inflows to affect economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region using panel data of the twenty-one APEC member economies over the period 1989 to 2016. The influence of absorptive capacity on the effects of FDI is also explored to determine the conditions under which FDI has the greatest impact on economic growth.

Topic: Establishing a Non-profit Center for Governance Training and Research in Singapore

Group Members: Low Tzeh Shyian Russell, Liliko Tanaka, Marmik Himanshubhai Joshi, Roman Diodorov, Chan Kar Ee
Client: The Clermont Group
Faculty Advisor: Asst. Prof Mehmet Akif Demircioglu

Time: 4.40pm to 5.10pm

Abstract:

Good governance plays a key role in the development of countries. This project aims to assess and pilot the best model for a Non-profit Center for Governance Training and Research in Singapore, with executive education programs tailormade for government leaders and officers from developing countries. Emphasis will be placed on imparting practical lessons, skills and values that participants can act on and apply immediately.  In-principle funding has been secured for a pilot project if the feasibility of the Center can be demonstrated.

In-principle funding has been secured for a pilot project if the feasibility of the Center can be demonstrated.

Topic: "Please mind the gap!" - An analysis of infrastructure status, needs and investments gaps in Asia Pacific.

Group Members: Harman Partap Singh Bhatia, Nguyen Phan Dai Trang, Raiya Kishwar Ashraf, Kaori Suzuki
Client: World Bank
Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof Eduardo Araral

Time: 5.20pm to 5.50pm

Abstract:

According to the World Economic Situation and Prospects report, the Asia Pacific hosts the fastest growing economies in the world in 2019. This is attributed to robust domestic demand conditions and rising infrastructure investments in the region. To support national, subnational and multilateral efforts related to infrastructure development, a more accurate understanding of the status of infrastructure services especially across developing countries is required. The World Bank Singapore started a conversation on this through their 2017 report “The Status of Infrastructure Services in East Asia and the Pacific.” This project carries forward the work and aims to further take stock of infrastructure services (in terms of access, quality and pricing) and the infrastructure financing needs and gaps in the region. We provide a sectoral overview of Energy, Roads, and Water & Sanitation using 40+ indicators, followed by 29 country- snapshots with a deep dive into the infrastructure financing needs and gaps of selected countries. We also examine various methodologies for measuring infrastructure financing gaps. Based on this analysis, we provide recommendations on i) country specific measures for better infrastructure financing policies and ii) best-practices among the analysed methodologies.

Topic: Making Better Policies Now and For the Future: A Case for Evidence-Based Policy-Making in the Ministry of Finance, Singapore

Group Members: Kershia Tan Wei, Clara Wong Mu Tze, Lam Ghin Ip Jerome, Burasakorn Tangsatchanan, Iedo Radityo
Client: Ministry of Finance, Singapore
Faculty Advisor: : Assoc. Prof Alfred Wu

Time: 2.30pm to 3.00pm

Abstract:

As government expenditure continues to rise over the long term partly due to growing social needs, there is a need to take a more targeted approach towards resource allocation for social programmes. In this regard, policymakers can benefit from the increased availability of data and high-quality evidence in both local and international contexts in making the crucial policy decisions. This presents an opportunity for the government to employ Evidence-Based Policymaking to achieve better policy outcomes. Hence, this PAE project attempts to develop a framework for Evidence-Based Policymaking, including an evidence comparison toolkit, in the context of the Ministry of Finance, Singapore. 

Topic: Inclusion of Refugees in formal education: An assessment of the Malaysian case

Group Members: Muhammad Ashik Bin Mohamed Daud, Eleni Ayala Ojeda, Abu Al-Rasheed Talpis Tanggol, Janani Balasubramaniam
Client: UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof Francesco Mancini

Time: 3.10pm to 3.40pm

Abstract:

“Should refugee children be included in the formal Malaysian education system, and, if so, what conditions would help the new Malaysian government move toward with an inclusionary education policy?” Malaysia currently hosts over 150,000 refugees spread out in different states. Of these, approximately 40,000 fall under the age of 18. At present, refugee children are barred from accessing formal education in Malaysia, instead relying solely on independent learning centres as a source of schooling. While the lack of access to formal education further limits the opportunity of refugees to become productive members of the host community, the costs borne by the State of granting refugees access to formal education must also be considered. This project relies on primary and secondary qualitative data including in-depth interviews with NGOs, learning centres, and subject experts. The study seeks to: (i) identify the social challenges of integrating refugee children in education, (ii) evaluate the possible education models, and (iii) analyse the political and security concerns associated with legalising refugee children’s access to education. To conclude, policy recommendations are proposed.

Topic: What is the Role of Philanthropy in Creating, Maintaining and Improving Inclusive and Sustainable in Asia Pacific?

Group Members: Harisan Unais Nasir, Tessa Sabrina Tham, Warren Teo, Pang Hui Jun, Shan Song, Okako Djamboleka
Client: Citi Asia Pacific
Faculty Advisor: Asst. Prof Joo Yu Min

Time: 4.00pm to 4.30pm

Abstract:

What role can philanthropy occupy in developing inclusive and sustainable cities in the Asia-Pacific region? Our PAE suggests that philanthropic activities occur when there are gaps in the government’s delivery and provision of essential goods and services to the public. We identify that when it comes to the provision of essential goods and services, these gaps exist as a result of a lack of awareness, power, willingness or a combination of these factors faced by governments. We also identify the types of philanthropic activities that aim to fill these gaps, namely through the direct provision of goods, capacity-building partnerships, propelling markets and publicising efforts. Through case studies and interviews with industry professionals and philanthropists, we determine which of these philanthropic activities are most efficacious in filling which gaps and, in so doing, we identify the role of philanthropy in tackling the challenges faced by cities in the Asia-pacific region, especially in expanding  economic opportunities to marginalized residents in urban settings. Our study also suggests how the challenges faced by cities in high income, high-middle income and low-middle income settings differ and how philanthropies ought to tailor their strategies accordingly.

Topic: Countering Islamic State-inspired Terrorism in the EU and ASEAN: a comparative analysis of policies

Group Members: Francesco Gaetano Fazzi, Hao Linlin, Nirnaya Bhatta, Sudarta, Chen Yen Shan
Client: EU Centre in Singapore
Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof Francesco Mancini

Time: 4.40pm to 5.10pm

Abstract:

Counter-terrorism has been established as a consistently pressing issue on the highest levels of decision-making in international security. On behalf of the European Union (EU) Centre in Singapore, the project investigates existing and potential areas of cooperation between the EU and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to counter IS-inspired terrorism. The project explores IS-inspired terrorist attacks in France, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore between 2013 and 2018 and aims to identify their possible root causes in the existing socio-economic and cultural landscape of these countries. With a thorough understanding of the causes, current efforts to implement a whole-of-society approach to counter and prevent IS-inspired terrorism are analysed. Further, the analysis encompasses traditional counter-terrorism policies in the five selected countries in the EU and ASEAN, recent legal amendments that expanded administrative measures of security forces, and the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism systems (AML/CFT).