IPS Update Issue February 2019

Unlike carers of a newborn child or an ageing parent, many are thrust into the role of caring for the disabled without warning, and find themselves groping in the dark, write IPS researchers Mr Andrew Lim and Dr Justin Lee. More can be done to help carers manage the physical and emotional demands of caregiving, improve disability-specific training for caregivers, and recognise caregivers’ own initiatives to help one another.

Commentary — “The tension between north and south in China’s history”
(The Straits Times)
By Professor Wang Gungwu

Prof. Wang was a speaker at Singapore Perspectives 2019. In this edited excerpt of his speech, he discusses the history of interactions between northern and southern China, and its relevance for how China relates with Southeast Asia and the rest of the world today.

Commentary — “Foreign policy in an age of technological disruption”
(The Straits Times)
By Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

In this adapted text from Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s speech at Singapore Perspectives 2019, he discusses the historical role of technology as a driver of national and international politics. Against the backdrop of disruptions in the international system, he argues that Singapore must remain open and connected, strengthen and contribute actively to shaping and promoting multilateral processes, and extend our links to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and beyond.

Commentary — “Challenges SMEs face in their digital transformation journey”
(The Business Times)
By Dr Faizal bin Yahya and Shazly Zain

IPS researchers Dr Faizal bin Yahya and Mr Shazly Zain show how clarifying the rationale for the Industry Transformation Maps and re-looking the administration of available schemes, grants and programmes, can help to motivate SMEs to digitalise their operations.

Commentary — “Budget 2019: Time to boost digitalisation”
(The Business Times)
By Dr Faizal bin Yahya and Shazly Zain

IPS researchers Dr Faizal bin Yahya and Mr Shazly Zain observe that, three years after Budget 2016’s announcement to digitalise Singapore’s private sector, companies remain slow to adopt digital solutions. To help Singapore’s economies prepare for Industry 4.0, Budget 2019 needs to promote deeper collaborations between industry and government, and channel resources to digitalisation programmes that companies – especially small and medium-sized enterprises – can easily access.

Report — IPS Forum on Older Workers

In partnership with the Tripartite Workgroup on Older Workers, IPS convened a forum and dialogue to discuss Singapore’s policy framework for older workers, and explore ways to extend their employability. Videos from the event can be accessed here.

Report — Singapore Perspectives 2019: Singapore.World

Highlights from this year’s Singapore Perspectives include the intensifying competition between the United States and China, technological disruptions to the global economy, opportunities in Southeast Asia as one of the biggest and fast-growing regions, and the importance of ASEAN to Singapore’s foreign policy, particularly as a tool to manage regional tensions.

Videos from the conference are also available on the IPS website.

Copyright 2018 by Institute of Policy Studies. All Rights Reserved.

The IPS newsletter team comprises Andrew Lim, Choo Kia Ming, Cai Dewei, Rachel Hau and Ariel Tan. To contact us, please e-mail decb64_aXBzLnVwZGF0ZUBudXMuZWR1LnNn_decb64
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