IPS Update Issue March 2025

On 6th March 2024, Mr Philip Yeo, IPS’ 16th S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore delivered his first lecture titled “Charting Singapore’s Economic Transformation”.

This is the first lecture of his three-part lecture series titled “Neither Civil Nor Servant: Singapore’s Disruptive Economic Playbook”, as part of the IPS-Nathan Lecture Series.

Mr Yeo discussed Singapore’s industrial strategy and EDB’s role in driving growth, highlighting how manufacturing contributes significantly to GDP due to its high value-add. Reflecting on past shifts, from low-value industries in the 1970s to today’s advanced technological sectors, he stressed the need for continuous upskilling and adaptation. Looking ahead, he discussed challenges such as trade tariffs, tax policies, and talent acquisition, emphasising regional partnerships and global talent as key to sustaining Singapore’s competitiveness.

The post-lecture Q&A session, moderated by Mr Chng Kai Fong, Permanent Secretary (Information & Development) at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, further discussed Singapore’s value propositions, how the Johor Bahru Special Economic Zone can benefit Singapore, and the enduring comparative advantages of China and the United States in capital-intensive, value-adding industries.

Dive deeper into the insights by watching the lecture here. 

IPS-SBF Conference Global-City Singapore: SG60 and Beyond

The IPS-SBF Conference Global-City Singapore: SG60 and Beyond will be held on 29 July 2025, featuring global thought leaders, policymakers, and academics exploring Singapore’s role in a changing global economy. Key topics include resilience, economic progress, and supporting a rules-based trading system. PM Lawrence Wong will deliver the keynote speech, with a closing dialogue by DPM Gan Kim Yong. A pre-conference forum on 22 July and “Future-Ready Businesses Spotlight” site visits from 23-25 July are also part of the programme. Learn more here. 

Commentary — The CMIO model should be a tool for harmony, not another method for stereotyping
(CNA)
By Mathew Mathews and Izzul Haziq Bin Murad
• 9-min read

The CMIO framework has long shaped Singapore's approach to managing racial harmony, but does it still reflect our evolving multicultural identity? In this commentary, Mathew Mathews and Izzul Haziq Bin Murad discuss its strengths and limitations.

They argue that while the framework is needed for desired policy outcomes, it should not define individual identities. They emphasise the need to embrace diversity within and beyond the categories, fostering inclusion, and combating stereotypes to adapt the system for a future-ready Singapore.

Commentary — If we don’t shape the internet, others will
(CNA)
By Chew Han Ei
• 7-min read

The internet was once a space for discovery and connection, but how did it become dominated by outrage, misinformation and division? In this commentary, Chew Han Ei examines the erosion of digital trust and the role of both platforms and users in shaping online culture.

While stronger regulation and platform accountability are necessary, they alone cannot restore a healthier digital environment. He urges users to rethink how they interact, share, and contribute to online spaces to help make the internet a place of joy once more.

Commentary — Snap Insight: Why Budget 2025 is making it more affordable to have larger families
(CNA)
By Tan Poh Lin
• 4-min read

Singapore’s new Large Families Scheme, announced in the 2025 Budget, offers up to $16,000 in support for each third or subsequent child, easing maternity, healthcare and child-rearing costs. Beyond boosting birth rates, it also promotes equitable resource distribution, supporting existing large families and those with greater needs.
 
Tan Poh Lin examines how financial support for bigger families will be more effective, compared to incentivising families with no children.

Commentary — Budget 2025 and the appeal of CDC vouchers over cash handouts
(CNA)
By Clara Lee
• 6-min read

The CDC voucher scheme has been expanded in the 2025 Budget, providing $800 per household and additional SG60 vouchers to help Singaporeans manage rising costs. In this commentary, Clara Lee discusses whether this targeted aid is the most effective way to address cost-of-living concerns.
 
With high utilisation rates and a well-established digital infrastructure, the scheme has proven effective and will likely remain a cornerstone of future Budgets. She argues that its continued success will depend on how it complements broader economic strategies to provide sustainable support for households.

Commentary — Budget 2025: How far can financial support push the third-child dream?
(The Straits Times)
By Tan Poh Lin
• 5-min read

Can financial aid alone shift family planning decisions?
 
In this commentary, Tan Poh Lin explores the deeper challenges that deter larger families. She argues that beyond monetary support, policies should promote early reproductive planning, improve workplace flexibility, and create societal benefits for big families to help make the third-child dream a norm.
 
These adjustments can create positive spillovers for workplaces and society as a whole, giving all of us reason to celebrate large families, she said.

Commentary — To raise birth rate, the middle ground is fertile ground
(The Straits Times)
By Kalpana Vignehsa
• 7-min read

The Large Families Scheme announced during the budget introduces enhanced financial support to encourage families to have a third child or more. However, demographic trends suggest that a more effective approach would be to extend these incentives to families with two or more children.
 
In this op-ed, Kalpana Vignehsa explains why targeting this broader group aligns better with Singapore’s evolving family dynamics, with more couples choosing to have one child or no children at all. She highlights that financial support is more likely to help parents move from one to two children than from two to three, as financial strain, career penalties, and the sheer demands of parenting make having a third child significantly more challenging.

Forum Letter — Singapore’s foreign policy based on realism
(The Straits Times)
By Tommy Koh
• 4-min read

In this Forum letter, Professor Tommy Koh challenges Bilahari Kausikan’s views on world order, international institutions, and Singapore’s foreign policy. 

He emphasises that both the UN and ASEAN are essential to Singapore’s security and economic interests, with ASEAN playing a key role in regional stability. Additionally, he refutes the claim that Ukraine is a proxy in the US-China rivalry and asserts that Singapore’s condemnation of Russia is grounded in both principle and national interest, consistent with its past opposition to unlawful invasions. He underscores that upholding international law is vital for Singapore’s survival.

Feature — Women Shaping Policy at LKYSPP

This International Women’s Day, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy celebrates the women who are driving meaningful change, one policy paper at a time. 

IPS’ Tan Poh Lin explores the impact of remote work on women’s well-being in her policy paper, “The Impact of Teleworking on Women’s Work–Life Balance and Life Satisfaction: A Longitudinal Study from Singapore.” Her research provides critical insights for policymakers and organisations shaping the future of work.

Discover her research here.

IPS Working Paper No. 61 — AI-Enabled Organisational Listening – Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for a More Relational Approach to Government Communication

This working paper on AI-enabled organisational listening explores how artificial intelligence can enhance government communication through improving engagement with citizens. The paper highlights the potential for AI to process diverse feedback at scale, expand inclusivity, and refine citizen interactions.

Building on global examples, it identifies both opportunities and risks, AI bias, dehumanisation of interactions, misinformation, and privacy concerns. The paper concludes with recommendations to balance AI's benefits with robust privacy safeguards, human involvement, and increased citizen AI literacy, ensuring a responsive and inclusive approach to governance.