In the Spotlight
The Forty-First Singapore Economic Roundtable (SER), organised by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), took place on 14 November 2024.
The event featured two main segments. The first segment focused on the macroeconomic outlook, bringing together economists and analysts from both the public and private sectors. Discussions centred on recent economic developments, including the outcomes of the US elections and their potential implications for Singapore and the broader region.
The second segment examined Singapore-Malaysia economic connectivity, focusing on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ). The speakers delved into the logistical considerations of the JSSEZ, as well as its potential benefits and challenges, highlighting its significance for bilateral economic collaboration.
Click here to find out more and read the event report.
Articles
Commentary — The right outcome for Income? Not a Merger with Allianz
(The Straits Times)
By Tommy Koh and Tan Suee Chieh
• 5-min read
On July 17, NTUC Income announced that it would be merging with the German insurance company Allianz, which would result in Income becoming a minority shareholder. Although the Singapore Government blocked the proposed transaction in its current form, Allianz has stated that the deal remains under negotiation.
In this op-ed, Professor Tommy Koh and past CEO of NTUC Income and past group CEO of NTUC Enterprise Mr Tan Suee Chieh argue that the merger contradicts earlier assurances that Income’s surplus funds would strengthen its capital base for social causes. Instead this merger would prioritise shareholder payouts.
They advocate for Income to remain an NTUC social enterprise, safeguarding its surplus funds for social causes and focusing on addressing evolving social challenges.
Commentary — ‘Blackface’ controversies: Why do they keep happening?
(The Straits Times)
By Mathew Mathews and Sophy Tio
• 4-min read
The recent blackface incident at a corporate dinner and dance event in Singapore prompts the question: why do such controversies keep recurring?
In this article, Mathew Mathews and Sophy Tio discuss how the recurring blackface incidents reflect a lack of societal understanding of racism and its historical and cultural implications. They introduce the H4IPS framework, which evaluates such acts through factors like historical context, instinctive response, intentionality, impact on the individual and community, power dynamics and stereotypes.
These insights will encourage individuals and society to reflect on racial biases and work towards greater sensitivity and inclusion.
Event Summary — 15th IPS-Nathan Lecture Series: Lecture II “At the Crossroads: Universities for the 100-Year Life” by Professor Lily Kong
(IPS Commons)
• 7-min read
On 4 November, Professor Lily Kong, IPS’ 15th S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore delivered her second lecture titled "At the Crossroads: Universities for the 100-Year Life".
Professor Kong called for universities to evolve into lifelong learning partners, addressing the limitations of rigid curricula, hyper-specialisation, and declining humanities enrolments. She advocated for interdisciplinary programmes and the development of resilience, empathy and creativity to prepare individuals for multi-stage lives and global challenges.
The post-lecture Q&A, moderated by Professor Chua Kee Chaing, President of the Singapore Institute of Technology, explored the practicalities of implementing these reforms. Topics included overcoming disciplinary biases, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and addressing systemic barriers to lifelong education. Professor Kong advocated for incremental changes and collaborative efforts from universities, governments, and employers to create a sustainable ecosystem for lifelong learning.
Event Summary — 15th IPS-Nathan Lecture Series: Lecture III “Beyond the Ivory Tower: Research and the Dilemmas of Quality and Relevance” by Professor Lily Kong
(IPS Commons)
• 9-min read
In her final lecture on 27 November, Professor Lily Kong examined the tension between academic metrics and societal relevance in university research. She advocated for holistic evaluation frameworks, such as DORA, and emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse outreach to maximise societal impact.
During the Q&A session moderated by Professor Chan Heng Chee, SUTD Honorary Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities in the Singapore University of Technology and Design, discussions centred on societal relevance, ethical practices, and the need for systemic reforms. Professor Kong reiterated the importance of integrating rigorous research with a commitment to addressing real-world challenges.
Recent Releases on the IPS Website
Report — IPS Forum on Singaporean’s Political Attitudes
The IPS Forum on Singaporean’s Political Attitudes, held on 27 September, featured a detailed analysis of findings of a cross-national time-series study, the Asian Barometer Survey to examine Singaporeans’ perceptions of their political system and their understanding of the concept of democracy.
It included a session that provided comparative insights for East Asia, an exploration of the issues that might shape the upcoming general election in Singapore, and an analysis of the role of the Internet when citizens go to the polls. This report summarises the lively discussion with academics and students from universities across Singapore that ensued.
Recent Publications
Books — The Thirty-Ninth Singapore Economic Roundtable and The Fortieth Singapore Economic Roundtable
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) convened the Thirty-Ninth and Fortieth Singapore Economic Roundtable (SER) on 9 November 2023 and 17 May 2024, respectively.
The Thirty-Ninth SER, featuring Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong, addressed current economic issues, including the economic cycle, monetary and fiscal policy implications, and long-term structural challenges. The discussion also explored potential policy responses to these challenges.
The Fortieth SER examined Singapore’s economic outlook, focusing on its cyclical trends and their implications for monetary policy. It also analysed the reconfiguration of supply chains driven by geopolitical shifts and evolving competitiveness structures.
IPS Exchange No. 30 — Public Attitudes to Persons with Disability and their Inclusion within Singapore Society
An online survey of over 1,800 respondents in Singapore reveals generally positive attitudes toward people with disabilities (PWDs), with strong support for fostering relationships and inclusive socio-political outcomes.
Despite the openness of the population to the inclusion of PWDs, qualitative insights highlight ongoing challenges faced by PWDs, caregivers, and service professionals, showing that inclusion is still a work in progress. Greater public awareness and policy support could help address existing gaps and foster a more inclusive Singapore society for PWDs and their families.
IPS in the News
For media coverage of IPS experts' views on current affairs and IPS events, click here.
For upcoming IPS events, click here. Sign up for the IPS events mailing list here.
Careers at IPS — please check us out and help to spread the word!