Tommy Koh

IPS Special Adviser and Director (1990 – 1997, 2000 – 2004)

Professor Tommy Koh recalled being approached by Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong to become the Director of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), after his return from Washington D.C. in 1990. He shared how the lack of platforms and dialogues in Singapore at the time created in him the desire to conduct closed-door discussions, where people could confidently share their thoughts about Singapore policies, without fear of penalties. His other objective was to educate the CEOs of Singapore on Singapore and world affairs. He emphasised the need for think tanks that build a bridge between the world of scholars and the world of action. 

In his first year as Director, he launched the IPS Year in Review in 1991 (now known as Singapore Perspectives) and envisioned the conference to be similar to town hall meetings, where people would come together to review important events and trends that happened each year. IPS became the secretariat for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and collaborated with the Ministry of Finance to organise seminars for the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to discuss issues relating to the world economy and monetary policy.

Upon reflection, he described IPS’ culture as very positive, with employees who were mostly very engaged and committed to their work. He also shared how IPS alumni were often willing to come back to help where possible.