IPS Update Issue January 2018

Study on Social Capital in Singapore 

IPS recently published the Study on Social Capital in Singapore surveying over 3,000 Singaporeans and permanent residents – the first such study on this scale to be conducted here. The study showed a clear divide between social classes in Singapore, and gave recommendations on how to mitigate the divide.

Why language is a source of pride for Singaporean Indian millennials 
(TODAY) 
By Ms Shanthini Selvarajan

“A common language offers a sense of belonging for ethnic groups, particularly among the minorities, a point of unique differentiation from dominant cultures. It carves, sustains and reinforces a confident sense of identity.” In her Op-Ed, IPS Research Assistant Shanthini Selvarajan explores the meaning of ethnic pride among Singaporean Indian millennials.

Getting Singaporeans to pay for news 
(TODAY) 
By Ms Siti Nadzirah Samsudin

In light of the recent upheavals in Singapore’s media industry, financial support from readers is more important than ever, argues IPS Research Assistant Siti Nadzirah Samsudin in her Op-Ed. “If journalism in Singapore fails because of a lack of financial support from readers, it is Singaporeans who ultimately end up the poorer for it.”

Why language is a source of pride for Singaporean Indian millennials 
(TODAY) 
By Assoc Prof Tan Ern Ser, Assoc Prof Vincent Chua and Dr Gillian Koh

Despite recent findings of a relatively broad class divide, the researchers behind the Study on Social Capital in Singapore note that this “does not mean that we are a rather divided country, as some would suggest. Rather, it does indicate that, as a nation, Singapore remains a work-in-progress.”

Singapore Chronicles wraps up 2017 with another 5 titles 

Singapore Chronicles, a series of short primers on the various aspects of what makes Singapore, Singapore, has published another five titles: Finance, Flora and Fauna, Policing, Sports, and Urban Planning. All the books can be bought in major bookstores and online.

Singapore Perspectives 2018: “Together”
Date: 22 January 2018, Time: 8.30am—5.30pm

IPS will hold its annual flagship conference, Singapore Perspectives, on 22 January 2018. This year’s theme is “Together”. It will confront Singapore’s rapidly changing demographics, and discuss how Singaporeans can work together to overcome the attendant challenges. It will explore the new demographic dividends, and policy adjustments and options that can enable Singapore to remain an open and vibrant city-state with a productive economy, and a stable and inclusive society. Speakers include academics, industry experts, Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat, and Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean. Look out for coverage of the conference in the media and IPS’ social media channels.

IPS Researchers commented on the growth of Singapore’s median household income and the Workers’ Party’s decision to hold its leadership elections earlier than usual, among other issues.

To read the comments of our Researchers on current affairs and policy issues, click here.

Upcoming IPS events, click here.

For media coverage of IPS seminars and lectures, click here.