One of IPS’ flagship programmes is the Young Singaporeans Conference (YSC). Held biennially, the YSC gathers young Singaporeans, between the ages of 25 and 35, who have shown leadership or excellence in their respective fields of endeavour to discuss issues of national interest.
This year’s edition of the YSC will take place as Singapore approaches her 50th anniversary. The world has also become increasingly complex and ever-changing, throwing out new challenges and new paradigms that we must respond to. Past successes can no longer be taken for granted – our prosperity and survival are now at stake. Hence, it is useful to think about how life will be like in Singapore over the next quarter century: What challenges will the next 25 years bring? How can Singapore overcome these challenges? What can we do to ensure that we are well-prepared for possible game-changers that may arise?
Hence, the theme for this year’s YSC is “Game-Changers”.
This theme is based on a bold vision: to engage young Singaporeans to reflect upon the possible challenges Singapore might face over the next 25 years, empower them to picture themselves as plausible game-changers who will embrace uncertainty and change as opportunities for improvement, and inspire them to work towards making Singapore into a home that stirs passion and pride in all.
To accomplish this, YSC 2014 will revolve around an envisioning exercise based on a simple question: “How will we live in Singapore in 2040?” Participants will explore plausible driving forces and trends of change, and how they could interact to shape game-changing scenarios for Singapore in 2040.
Speakers include Senior Minister of State (Law and Education) Ms Indranee Rajah, who will engage participants in a dialogue; Professor Kishore Mahbubani, Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy; and Mr Bilahari Kausikan, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Please click here to view the conference concept and programme.