IPS Update Issue April 2025

The inaugural S R Nathan Fellowship Young Leaders Seminar Series was held on February 24th. Titled “Shaping Singapore’s Climate Future: Achieving NDCs with the Use of Carbon Markets,” the keynote address by Melissa Low, Research Fellow from the NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate solutions provided a comprehensive overview of Singapore’s evolving climate policy framework and detailed how the nation leverages international carbon markets to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Emerging Patterns of Household Formation in Singapore

Are you part of a family or household that is different from the norm? For example, you might be living with close friends, cohabiting with a partner without plans to marry, or part of a multigenerational or blended household.

The Institute of Policy Studies is looking for Singapore Citizens or PRs aged 21-75 to take part in a one-time, 3-hour English-language interview to explore emerging and unconventional family formations in Singapore. Receive a Reimbursement of $150 as a token of appreciation for your time and help further research on emerging household formation trends in Singapore today!

Click here to find out more about the study.

On March 27th, Mr Philip Yeo delivered his second lecture, titled “Transforming Singapore’s Economy Through Research and Development,” as part of his three-part series, “Neither Civil Nor Servant: Singapore’s Disruptive Economic Playbook”.

During the lecture, he explored Singapore’s evolution from a manufacturing-based pharmaceutical industry to becoming a hub for biomedical research and innovation. Looking forward, he emphasised the importance of nurturing homegrown talent, forging strategic industry partnerships, and shifting towards data-driven precision medicine.

The post-lecture Q&A session, moderated by Dr Lisa Ooi, Assistant Chief Executive at A*STAR, delved further into topics such as how to inspire interest in science and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among young Singaporeans.

On March 7th, IPS organised a Corporate Associates Breakfast Dialogue on Budget 2025. The discussion featured Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, Ms Indranee Rajah, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Finance, Mr Shawn Huang, in a session moderated by Mr Christopher Gee, Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Director at IPS.

The participants engaged in a discussion on the various Budget 2025 measures, including those that promote a vibrant business ecosystem, enhance skills upgrading and provide comprehensive support for Singaporeans at every life stage. Held against the backdrop of SG60, the session explored how Budget 2025 addresses the needs of our current and future generations.

Commentary — Will new electoral boundaries affect voting patterns in GE2025?
(CNA)
By Teo Kay Key
• 4-min read

The release of new electoral boundaries ahead of GE2025 has redrawn constituencies more extensively than expected, affecting voters across Singapore. While these changes may introduce new candidate line-ups and potential multi-cornered contests, how much will they truly impact voting patterns?

In this commentary, Teo Kay Key examines how boundary shifts could shape voter behaviour. While some may be influenced by changes in local representation, national concerns such as the economy, jobs, and governance are likely to remain the key factors driving electoral decisions.

Ultimately, while the new boundaries may alter the political landscape, the fundamental issues at stake remain unchanged.

Commentary — NSmen and mental health: Our soldiers don’t need to suffer in silence
(The Straits Times)
By Chew Han Ei and Isabelle Tan
• 5-min read

Mental health is just as crucial as physical readiness for national servicemen, yet the culture of resilience in the SAF can discourage open discussions about mental struggles.

In this op-ed, Chew Han Ei and Isabelle Tan highlight the challenges NSFs and NSmen face, from career disruptions to strained relationships, and how societal attitudes shape their well-being. A holistic approach that extends beyond the military can ensure that servicemen feel supported, strengthening both individual resilience and national well-being.

Singapore Unpacked Episode 1 — Large families scheme – will it nudge families to have a third kid?

IPS Podcast — Singapore Unpacked’s first episode examines Budget 2025's Large Families Scheme, which offers financial support for third and subsequent children to combat declining birth rates.

Host Liang Kaixin, senior research fellow Dr Kalpana Vignehsa, and working mother Peggy Teo discuss whether monetary incentives alone can overcome Singapore's two-child norm. They explore how additional measures — enhanced childcare leave, flexible work arrangements, and supportive workplace policies — might better help parents balance career demands with family responsibilities in today's society.

Singapore Unpacked Episode 2 — Fake Videos, Real Problems: Can AI and Deepfakes Influence Elections in Singapore?

The second episode of Singapore Unpacked explores how artificial intelligence (AI) could disrupt Singapore’s elections. With the new Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) (Amendment) Bill banning deepfakes targeting candidates, the episode asks whether laws alone can protect democracy and public trust.

Carol Soon, Associate Professor at NUS Department of Communications and New Media, and Joel Lim, media entrepreneur at Zyrup Media, discuss how even low-cost AI tools, like those behind recent deepfake incidents in the US, can produce convincing fakes that may sway voters if not closely examined.

Report — The Year in Review: Policy and Political Developments in 2024

The report offers an overview of Singapore's policy and political landscape in 2024, emphasising economic recovery, significant policy shifts and international engagements. Key areas include the final GST increase to 9% and economic support measures under Budget 2024, addressing both citizens' and businesses' needs. The report highlights infrastructure developments like the ERP 2.0 rollout and social policies such as lifted bans on HDB cat ownership.

Politically, it documents the leadership transition to PM Lawrence Wong, significant corruption trials, and debates over 38 Oxley Road. Internationally, it covers the Johor-Singapore SEZ agreement and global climate commitments.

Journal Article — From depoliticisation to repoliticisation: Rethinking Singapore’s developmental state in a post-industrial era

NUS sociologist Associate Professor Vincent Chua and IPS Research Associate Eddie Choo co-authored a journal article in Competition and Change, exploring how Singapore’s developmental state has evolved. They show how rapid industrialisation and global growth led to rising inequality, sparking greater political contestation and calls for reform.

Using the concept of “arena-shifting”, they argue the state now faces “policy stretch” – balancing economic growth, global competitiveness, and social welfare. In a compressed timeline, Singapore is shifting from depoliticisation to repoliticisation, where the government must engage citizens more deeply and strengthen social protections to address inequality and build a fairer, more cohesive society.