Chang Li Lin

Deputy Director (Public Affairs) (1995 – 2013)

Starting as an intern during her undergraduate studies in IPS’ early years, Chang Li Lin helped with administrative work and supported conference preparations. Later, she was a research associate under the International Relations portfolio, supporting Professor Tommy Koh’s many engagements with foreign organisations and dignitaries. She described her collaboration with Prof Koh on a book about UN Peacekeeping operations and another called The Little Red Dot: Reflections by Singapore's Diplomats. IPS also organised many conferences on international issues, given Prof Koh’s profile and connections. She described the early years of IPS at the Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library and Heng Mui Keng Terrace. 

Ms Chang later switched from research to administration when she took over as Public Affairs head from Peggy Kek, handling media pitches and donor events. IPS gradually shifted towards domestic issues, with the International Relations division becoming Special Projects. She continued running the Corporate Associates programme. When the merger with the Lee Kuan Yew School was announced, there were concerns among staff about the independence and scope of research work. When the Prime Minister called upon her to be his press secretary, she decided to leave IPS after nearly 20 years of service in 2013.

Looking towards the future, Ms Chang stated that IPS is special as a space for different stakeholders who come to flesh ideas, to criticise, to engage and “to find what is valuable in the different perspectives and how they can be applied in the planning for Singapore's future.”


This interview was conducted on 12 Sep 2019. Click here to listen to the full interview.