Conference

Singapore Perspectives 2026 "Fraternity"

Synopsis

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) will hold its annual flagship Singapore Perspectives (SP) conference on 20 and 26 January 2026.

The theme for SP2026 will be “Fraternity”. As a compact urban city, Singapore’s social fabric has long been woven from dense everyday interactions in homes, schools, workplaces and shared public spaces. These social connections form the basis of the trust, norms and networks that bind our society together. In recent years, however, significant changes and disruptions — such as rapid digitalisation, demographic changes, social stratification and an unsettled global environment, among others — have heightened the complexity of our society and transformed how we connect with one another.

Against this backdrop, this year’s conference asks: How do we renew the ties that bind? How do we bridge diverse interests and backgrounds, to strengthen our shared belief and distinctive identity as Singaporeans?

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam have both spoken about the critical need to nurture a “We First” society that emphasises the value of individuals taking initiative for collective ends. This conference will discuss how we can navigate challenges to social cohesion and help Singaporeans embrace a “We First” mindset.

There will be two online panels held on 20 January 2026, followed by an in-person conference at Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 26 January 2026. The conference will close with a dialogue session with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong.

The conference programme will feature Mr Tan Kiat How (Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health); Ms Jasmin Lau (Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Education); Mr Jeffrey Siow (Acting Minister for Transport & Senior Minister of State for Finance); Mr David Neo (Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Senior Minister of State for Education), as well as prominent panellists such as Associate Professor Kokil Jaidka (National University of Singapore); Professor Lim Sun Sun (Singapore Management University); Professor Elaine Ho (National University of Singapore); Associate Professor Vincent Chua (National University of Singapore); and Mr Tony Soh (National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre).

Please click here to view the programme.

Day One — 20 January 2026

Session 1 — Tech and Ties: The Impact of Emerging Technologies on Social Cohesion

• Slides of Grace Ann Chua

Session 2 — New Ways to Talk Through Tough Topics: Testing Different Modalities of Citizen Engagement

Day Two — 26 January 2026

Opening Address by IPS Director Mr Janadas Devan

• Speech by Mr Janadas Devan
• Presentation Slides of Mr Janadas Devan

Panel 1 — Rethinking Social Capital in a Smart Nation

• Presentation Slides of Mr Ang Jin Shawn

Panel 2 — Navigating Challenges to Social Cohesion

• Presentation Slides of Ms Shahrany Hassan

Note: During his speech, Ag Min Jeffrey Siow referred to the Foochow Association’s 125th anniversary. He attended the Association’s 115th anniversary event in November 2025.
Note: Ag Min Jeffrey Siow stated that Singapore's Total Fertility Rate in 2024 was 0.94. The correct figure is 0.97.

Panel 3 — Building a More Inclusive and “We First” Society