IPS Update Issue January 2024

IPS will be holding its annual flagship Singapore Perspectives (SP2024) conference themed ‘Youth’, on 22 and 29 January 2024.   

SP2024 will examine the vast gamut of challenges facing young Singaporeans today, including: How will they fit into Singapore’s ageing society? How will they adapt to the evolving expectations around work? How will family norms change as more young people delay or reject marriage and parenthood altogether? 

There will be a total of three online forums held on 22 January 2024, followed by an in-person conference on 29 January 2024. The conference will close with a dialogue session with Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee.

IPS On Diversity Podcast S4E2:Destigmatising HIV and AIDS

In the second episode of the fourth season of IPS’ On Diversity Podcast, IPS’ Liang Kaixin, delves into this critical issue with Dr Rayner Tan, Assistant Professor at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, and Terry Lim, Associate Director of Outreach Education and Testing at Action for AIDS.

Their discussion revolves around the enduring misconceptions about HIV, the vital role of campaigns and sexual health education in dispelling these myths, and strategies like HIV self-testing kits to encourage early detection, especially for high-risk groups.

IPS On Diversity Podcast S4E3: SP2024 Youth — Hustle Culture and Quiet Quitting

In conjunction with SP2024, which centres on topics surrounding youths, this episode of “IPS On Diversity” dives into the themes of hustle culture and quiet quitting. Dr Laurel Teo, IPS Senior Research Fellow, and He Ruiming, co-founder and main writer of The Woke Salaryman,  join us in this episode to dissect the dynamics between the two social trends.

They explore the changing work attitudes among Singaporean youth, with a focus on phenomena like “lying flat” and the embrace of “lazy girl jobs”, contrasting these with the still-pervasive hustle culture. The discussion delves into how these attitudes impact professional choices, the pursuit of financial independence, and personal well-being.

IPS On Diversity Podcast S4E4: SP2024 Youth — Home Alone and Adulting

Also in conjunction with SP2024, this episode of "IPS On Diversity” discusses the motivations and implications of the trend of young Singaporeans moving out in favour of renting a place on their own, revealing insights into the challenges and experiences of young adults navigating their journey towards adulthood and independence.

In this episode, Dr Chew Han Ei, IPS Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, discusses findings from the Youth STEPS study, highlighting factors such as the desire for personal space, the impact of the pandemic on work-from-home dynamics, and financial considerations. On the other hand, Klinsen Soh, a 32-year-old working adult who has chosen to move out before getting married, shares his personal journey, emphasising the importance of creating one’s own living space for personal growth and independence.

Report — Reflections on the Ngee Ann Kongsi – Institute of Policy Studies Citizens’ Panel on Employment Resilience

The Ngee Ann Kongsi - Institute of Policy Studies Citizens’ Panel on Employment Resilience was held over four sessions in February and March 2023, this initiative involved 59 participants, including Singaporeans and Permanent Residents from diverse professional backgrounds. 

The Citizens’ Panel focused on co-creating strategies to enhance employment resilience amidst a dynamic labour market characterised by technological advancements, shifting industry priorities, and the rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements. The report delves into the challenges faced by mid-career workers, particularly those in vulnerable sectors, and proposes innovative solutions to bolster employability and adaptability throughout an individual's career. 

Report — 39th Singapore Economic Roundtable

The 39th Singapore Economic Roundtable (SER) was organised by IPS on 9 November 2023. 

The first segment was a special session featuring Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong, who delivered a keynote speech on the reorganisation of the global economic landscape, as well as the safeguarding of critical entities through a new significant investment review bill.

The second segment focused on the macroeconomic outlook and its implications for monetary and fiscal policy. Discussions include the softness of energy prices and diversification of investments.

IPS Exchange Series No. 26 — Are Singaporeans Ready for the Future of Work

The Future of Work (FOW) survey, first released during Singapore Perspective 2023 Conference on "Work", delves into areas such as workforce preparedness, career priorities, social mobility, and vulnerabilities.

The IPS Exchange Series No. 26, “Are Singaporeans Ready for the Future of Work?”, discusses how Singaporeans are navigating the evolving landscape of work. The report is based on a survey of over 1,000 economically active Singapore citizens and PRs.