IPS Update Issue December 2023

"Living with Civilisations: Reflections on Southeast Asia’s Local and National Cultures" by Professor Wang Gungwu, IPS’ 12th S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore, was launched on 5th December 2023. The book compiles Prof Wang's four lectures and Q&A sessions, delivered from November 2022 to March 2023.

The launch was graced by Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, who, in his address, delved into the book's core concepts. He highlighted the unique ability of Southeast Asia to blend elements from diverse civilisations while nurturing its indigenous cultures. He emphasised the critical need for ASEAN's unity and its ability to coexist harmoniously with larger civilisations.

Prof Wang, in his remarks, revisited the themes of his lectures. He elaborated on how the nations of Southeast Asia modernised under the influence of four ancient civilisations - Indic, Sinic, Islamic, and European Christian - without entirely adopting a singular model. Singapore's distinct path to modernisation, aligning itself with the region's efforts towards peaceful coexistence among all civilisations, was also underscored.

Watch the full launch here. 
 
Purchase the book here. Enjoy 20% off with the promo code WSIPS20, valid till 31 January 2024.

Commentary — Gaza war: Hard truths and humanitarian law
(The Straits Times)
By Tommy Koh
• 7-min read

In this op-ed in The Straits Times, IPS Special Adviser Professor Tommy Koh provides a nuanced perspective on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. 

Emphasising the need for adherence to international humanitarian law, Prof Koh assesses the actions of both Israel and Hamas in the context of the October 7 attacks and the subsequent Israeli response. 

Prof Koh highlights the urgent need for peace initiatives, advocating for Israel's return to pre-1967 borders and the establishment of a Palestinian state. His balanced viewpoint underscores the complex dynamics of the conflict and the importance of both sides working towards sustainable peace.

Commentary — To stop the erosion of digital trust, measure it
(Tech for Good Institute Blog)
By Chew Han Ei 
• 7-min read

In this recent article for the Tech for Good Institute, Dr Chew Han Ei, IPS’ Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, discusses the crucial issue of eroding digital trust, particularly highlighted by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean during the 2023 Singapore International Cyber Week. 

The article emphasises the impact of online threats like scams and misinformation on digital engagement and the economy. It references the World Economic Forum's (WEF) initiative and report on digital trust, advocating for a measurement framework that combines mechanical and relational aspects of trust. This framework, still in development with the involvement of the WEF and the International Organisation for Standardisation, aims to provide a comprehensive approach to assessing and improving digital trust in our increasingly interconnected world. 

Event Summary — 13th IPS-Nathan Lecture Series: Lecture III “Mind the Gap: Identity Politics and Geopolitics in Maritime Southeast Asia” by Professor Joseph Liow
(IPS Commons)
• 7-min read

In his concluding lecture, Professor Joseph Liow, IPS’ 13th S R Nathan Fellow, explored the intricate dynamics of identity politics in Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly in response to global geopolitical shifts. The lecture titled "Mind the Gap: Identity Politics and Geopolitics in Maritime Southeast Asia" was delivered on 27 November 2023. 

Prof Liow's analysis centred on how these nations' internal socio-political landscapes influence their stances on issues such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and China's rise. He underscored the significance of identity politics, rooted in ethnicity and religion, within the region's state formation and political discourse.

The session concluded with a Q&A segment, moderated by Ms Lee Sue-Ann, senior fellow and programme coordinator at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, focusing on Singapore's diplomatic strategies in navigating complex regional identity politics. Prof Liow highlighted the importance of understanding and relating to the nuanced domestic contexts of Singapore's neighbours. 

IPS On Diversity Podcast S4E1: The Dual Challenges of Poverty and Single Motherhood

In the opening episode of the fourth season, host Liang Kaixin of IPS, engages in an in-depth discussion on single motherhood with Carrie Tan, Member of Parliament (MP) at Nee Soon GRC and founder of Daughters of Tomorrow, and Elizabeth Quek, Programme Manager at AWARE who managed the Support Housing and Enable (S.H.E.) project. They delved into the multifaceted issues faced by single mothers in Singapore, especially those who are unwed and divorced, and explore the complex intersection of poverty, single motherhood, and societal stigma.

This episode sheds light on the economic hardships, support systems, housing challenges, and the impact of societal perceptions on these women. It also explores recent policy shifts aimed at providing better support to unwed mothers. 

Report — Future-Ready Society Conference: Peers, Places and Platforms — the Future of Empowered Communities

The Future-Ready Society Conference was held on 23 October 2023. Titled “Peers, Places and Platforms — the Future of Empowered Communities”, the conference brought together practitioners, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss these three Ps as different dimensions of community empowerment. The conference series is part of a tripartite partnership between Tote Board, the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKYCIC), and the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS).  

Journal Article — Age and education effects in Singapore’s demographic dividend 1970–2020

This recent research paper by IPS’ Eddie Choo and Christopher Gee explores the significant role of age and education in Singapore's economic growth between 1970 and 2020. 

Published in the Journal of the Economics of Ageing, this study uses the Das Gupta decomposition technique and National Transfer Account methodology to analyse Singapore's demographic dividend. The findings reveal that education's impact on labour income was more substantial than age factors, offering critical insights for policy implications in an ageing Singapore.