About Us

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) was established in 1988 as an independent think tank to study and generate public policy ideas in Singapore. IPS joined the National University of Singapore in 2008 as an autonomous research centre of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, before transitioning to an autonomous research institute within the University in 2026. Today, IPS continues to analyse public policy, build bridges between thought leaders, communicate its findings to a wide audience, foster deliberation platforms to engage and educate the policy ecosystem and experiment through pilots. The Institute examines issues of critical national interest across a variety of fields, and studies the attitudes and aspirations of Singaporeans through surveys of public perception. It adopts a multi-disciplinary approach in its analyses and takes the long-term view in its strategic deliberation and research. It also tests policy interventions through programme pilots and evaluations.

Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong is the Founding Patron of IPS. In 1988, ESM Goh announced the establishment of IPS, as a think tank outside the government, which could examine and add value to government policies, and provide a platform for mature, open, and incisive discussion on Singapore’s challenges, options, and direction.

Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-Large of Singapore at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is Special Adviser of IPS. He was previously Director of IPS.

Mr Janadas Devan is Director of IPS.  He was appointed in 2011.

Previous Directors of IPS: (in chronological order)

• Professor Chan Heng Chee (Founding Director, 1987 – 1988)
• Professor Jon Quah (Acting Director, 1988 – 1990)
• Professor Tommy Koh (1990 – 1997, 2000 – 2004)
• Dr Lee Tsao Yuan (1997 – 2000)
• Mr Arun Mahizhnan (Acting Director, 2004 – 2008)
• Ambassador Ong Keng Yong (2008 – 2011)