IPS Update Issue October 2023

On 10th October 2023, Professor Joseph Liow, IPS' 13th S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore, delivered his first lecture titled "On the Edge of a Precipice? Paradigms and Prognosis for the US-China Rivalry".

Delving into the intricate dynamics of the intensifying US-China rivalry, Professor Liow, who is also the Dean of College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, at the Nanyang Technological University, shared five paradigms pivotal in shaping their relationship. He underscored the nuanced challenges Singapore grapples with in formulating its foreign policy amidst these sharpening global power dynamics.

The post-lecture Q&A session, moderated by Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, further explored global tensions and their broader ramifications.

Dive deeper into the insights by watching the lecture here.

Read the edited excerpts on The Straits Times.

The second lecture, titled, "Southeast Asia in a Shifting Global Order: Grasping the Nettle or Groping in the Dark?" will be held on 1st November.

IPS News Fellow 2023 — Nigel Chua and Justin Ong

IPS is pleased to announce the appointments of Justin Ong, Senior Journalist with TODAYonline, and Nigel Chua, Assistant Editor at Mothership, as the IPS News Fellows for 2023.

Justin Ong will embark on a research venture examining the increasing ownership and fascination with pets in Singapore and its correlation with the country's declining fertility rates.

On the other hand, Nigel Chua will be delving deep into Singapore's hawker culture during his Fellowship. Motivated by a particular intrigue in the unique hawker dish, satay bee hoon, he seeks to explore the question: "Is hawker food in Singapore becoming commodified?"

Learn more about the IPS News Fellowship here. 

Commentary — Spare a thought for outdoor workers as temperatures rise
(The Straits Times)
By Faizal Yahya 
• 10-min read

In this op-ed for The Straits Times, IPS’ Faizal Yahya discusses the escalating temperatures around the world and its implications for outdoor workers in Singapore. With 2023 being the second-hottest year on record, outdoor workers, especially delivery riders, are exposed to increasing risks, affecting not only their productivity but also their health. The rising number of heat injuries indicates a need for a more comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of its outdoor workforce.

Commentary — Remembering Lee Kuan Yew on his 100th Birthday
(The Straits Times)
By Tommy Koh 
• 8-min read

In a tribute on the 100th anniversary of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's birth, IPS’ Special Adviser, Professor Tommy Koh reminisces about his time with Singapore's founding prime minister. Professor Koh sheds light on Mr Lee's unforgettable address to the US Congress in 1985, advocating for free trade and its global significance. 

While acknowledging Mr Lee's monumental contribution to Singapore's success, Professor Koh highlights both his strengths and controversial decisions.

Commentary — Why religion remains a force for good, not source of division, in Singapore
(The Straits Times)
By Mathew Mathews and Melvin Tay 
• 10-min read

In this op-ed for The Straits Times, IPS researchers Mathew Mathews and Melvin Tay explore the shifting perception of religion in Singapore. Despite recent surveys suggesting a decline in the importance attributed to religion, a closer examination reveals that a vast majority still identify with religious or spiritual beliefs. 

While religion has been a cohesive force in Singapore, the country has to protect itself against the misuse of religions for identity politics.

Commentary — Imagine having skills training during NS to prepare for the next phase of your life
(The Straits Times)
By Chew Han Ei and Shane Pereira
• 6-min read

Singapore's National Service (NS) has long been a rite of passage for young men, emphasising military defence and nation-building. In an op-ed for The Straits Times, IPS’ Chew Han Ei and Shane Pereira delve into the potential of integrating skills training during NS.

This timely introduction would not only reaffirm the military's primary role but also empower servicemen with skills for smoother academic or career transitions post-NS. Whether it's cyber hygiene, refresher courses, or resume writing, the suggested programmes aim to blend military training with civilian readiness.

Commentary — Superstitions on Tiger or Dragon year babies won’t disappear, but they will evolve
(CNA)
By Tan Poh Lin
• 6-min read

In this commentary for CNA, IPS' Tan Poh Lin delves into the historical and modern significance of the Chinese zodiac in influencing birth rates, particularly the preference for Dragon-year babies and the avoidance of Tiger-year ones. 

While there might not be scientific evidence for these beliefs, their real-world effects are undeniable. Dragon babies, although culturally preferred, could face heightened competition and challenges due to larger birth cohorts.

Commentary — Thinking twice about having kids even if money isn’t an issue?
(The Straits Times)
By Kalpana Vignehsa and Matthew Hammerton
• 7-min read

Amidst an evolving societal landscape, Singaporeans grapple with the age-old question of whether to have children. 

In this piece for The Straits Times, IPS' Dr Kalpana Vignehsa and SMU's Dr Matthew Hammerton, both parents, introduce four frameworks to contemplate this decision. They prompt readers to weigh the present-day challenges against potential long-term benefits, and to discern between the pursuit of meaning and pleasure. 

Commentary — PE 2023 and brewing questions over the elected presidency system
(Lianhe Zaobao & Berita Harian)
By Gillian Koh
• 6-min read

In this op-ed, IPS' Gillian Koh writes about the nomination process and eligibility criteria of the Elected Presidency and suggests what the Presidential Elections Committee and Elections Department can do to prepare for the next election.

Originally written for The Straits Times, the piece was translated and published on Lianhe Zaobao and Berita Harian.

Reports — Future-Ready Society Conference Series: Web3 and Community Development

The Future-Ready Society Conference Series is a partnership between the Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities and Tote Board. As part of this series, panel discussions serve to introduce novel ideas to spark dialogue across the people, private and public sectors. 

On 29 August 2023, the partnership held a panel titled “Web3 and Community Development” which discussed the implications of this digital space for non-profits.

Access the full report here.

Global Social Security Review — An Overview of Pro-natalist Policies in Singapore, 2001-2023

Tan Poh Lin from IPS offers an overview of Singapore's strategies towards elevating marriage and fertility rates from 2001 to 2023. The piece examines the evolution of Singapore’s Marriage and Parenthood (M&P) Package, which initially aimed to encourage couples to have second and third children but has since broadened its scope to support citizens throughout various stages of family formation.

She also discusses the transformation of these policies in response to changing fertility trends, highlighting key initiatives and broad-based institutional changes. Finally, she identifies areas for further policy enhancement, such as promoting earlier childbearing ages and addressing the unresolved conflict with human capital policies.