In the Spotlight
IPS-Nathan Lectures: Bilahari Kausikan on An Age without Definition
In his first IPS-Nathan Lecture last month, Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan, IPS’ 2015/16 S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore, stressed the importance of legitimate frameworks “premised on realistic, not hopeful, assessments of our external environment” in helping Singapore navigate the global order. His hour-long speech focused on why we are living in an age without definition, while in the question-and-answer session, he was asked about the early days of Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and whether he thought Singapore could always remain a sovereign nation.
Features
IPS Corporate Associates Breakfast with Professor John Kay, on “Other People’s Money”
Author and economist John Kay spoke at an IPS Corporate Associates (CA) Breakfast meeting last month about his latest book Other People’s Money. He also discussed the functions of the financial sector in the real economy, how technology is reshaping payment systems, as well as how risk mitigation in the past has become risk concentration today.
Singapore’s Families: Risk and Protective Factors
What impact has the changing family structure and the increasing trend of transnational marriages had on Singapore families? A workshop jointly organised by NUS and the IPS Social Lab brought together experts and practitioners in family issues to speak about the state of family relations here.
IPS Exchange Series: The Rationality of the Political Online Space
The latest IPS Exchange Series report published this month is based on a study of the rationality of blog posts published between June and July 2014, when there were many online comments about various contentious issues like the Pink Dot and Wear White campaigns. Findings from this study were first presented at a seminar in February 2015.
Views
Yvonne Arivalagan: When Age Matters
In an effort to reduce discrimination at the workplace, government leaders have recently promoted the idea of an “ageless” or “age-blind” Singapore. But we must be careful not to completely disregard age. Doing so has its risks.
Justin Lee: TCM — Cultural Practice or Valuable Science?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is increasingly being seen as a viable medical option. The community should collectively learn the language and methods of science and gradually discard its cultural or metaphysical roots. While the diversity of culture adds richness to our experience, in science it is the unity of knowledge that matters.
Manu Bhaskaran and Ng Yanhao: Rising costs, rentals and inflation
In a two-part essay on the implications of inflation and rising costs in Singapore, the authors look at why domestic costs and inflation rose dramatically between 2007 and 2013, and whether REITs have contributed to rising rentals. They go on to provide several policy recommendations to help business owners.
Christopher Gee: Ideas to Further Refine the CPF System
The CPF system provides a good return-risk tradeoff, arguably better than anywhere else in the private markets, and it caters to a large majority of members’ needs and profiles. But there is scope to revamp the CPF Investment scheme (CPFIS) so that members are not exposed to various risks that are difficult for the individual to manage.
Gillian Koh: Political reforms to strengthen minority representation and political inclusion
The recently proposed changes to Singapore’s political system are generally welcome, because they keep the political system open and contestable and will ensure fair representation of minorities in the population.
Upcoming
IPS in the News
IPS Researchers comment on changes to the political system, the return-risk tradeoff offered by the CPF, and the new social studies syllabus. To read their comments, click here
For media coverage of IPS seminars and lectures, click here
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