IPS Update Issue July 2014

IPS Working Paper on Religion

Religion and its accompanying values remain crucial considerations in the lives of Singapore residents, even as society becomes more modern. Using the third tranche of survey findings from a large-scale representative survey done in 2012, an IPS Working Paper published in June 2014 documents the Singapore population’s religious beliefs, and how these relate to life orientation, moral values and inter-religious relations. […]

Young Singaporeans Conference 2014: Game-Changers

IPS will hold its flagship biennial Young Singaporeans Conference on 22 Sep 2014. In two pre-conference workshops, participants were asked to envision future directions and scenarios for Singapore based on current trends and projections. The discussions uncovered many valuable and cross-cutting insights on multiple issues like the use of space in future Singapore, identity and belonging, the changing nature of economy and work and the impact of new technologies. […]

Ho Kwon Ping is the First S R Nathan Fellow

On 3 July 2014, as Mr Nathan celebrated his 90th birthday, IPS announced the appointment of Mr Ho Kwon Ping as the first S R Nathan Fellow. IPS set up the S R Nathan Fellowship for the Study of Singapore in 2013 with generous support from individual and corporate donors, to recognise former President S R Nathan’s lifetime contribution to public service and the advancement of Singapore. […]

IPS Corporate Associates Breakfast: Getting the Best out of the ASEAN Talent Pool

While ASEAN’s growth story continues to hold opportunities for investors, the region’s demographic, socio-economic and cultural diversity — coupled with a workforce with changing expectations of work — requires business leaders to rethink their approach to managing and retaining talent across different markets. The rapid development of technology will also reshape human resource as technology can be used as an enabler for talent management and engagement. […]

Tommy Koh: Friendship among Diplomats

Diplomats typically represent their countries at their embassies and consulates by spending several years in a country before being posted to another. Would such nomadic practices render the formation of deep friendships among diplomats and countries difficult? Is diplomacy not about promoting and protecting national interests in the first place? […]

Christopher Gee and Yap Mui Teng: Approaches to Managing Healthcare Costs in Singapore

Singapore faces swift demographic changes, new technology and treatments in the healthcare sector, not to mention possible cost inflation. This calls for a standing committee to continually review the demand and supply sides of healthcare. Such a committee could act as an independent body to assess the actuarial fairness of basic MediShield Life premiums and other private plans. […]

Leong Chan-Hoong: Using Dialects to Affirm the Contributions of Our Pioneer Generation

Many elderly Chinese in Singapore consider dialects their first languages and mother tongues. To this group of pioneer generation, dialects are also sources of emotional ties linked to their contributions to nation-building. Singapore could further show her appreciation for the pioneer generation by re-evaluating the media regulation of dialects. […]

Mathew Mathews: What Religious Leaders Must Do

Religious leaders must ensure that society is not fractured, even as they play the role of moral guide for adherents. It would be useful for them to remain cognisant of the consequences of what they say or do, not just on those who have embraced their religion, but also on those who have not. […]

Faizal Bin Yahya: Is the Singapore Economy Succumbing to ‘Credential Inflation’?

One commonly held belief about attaining a university degree from a reputable tertiary institution was that it would bring better career opportunities and prospects of higher wages and remuneration packages. However, with more highly educated individuals entering the job market, bachelor’s degree holders will struggle to find attractive opportunities. Is the Singapore economy exposed to challenges such as credential inflation? […]

Carol Soon: Libraries should Promote Learning, not Police Values

Public libraries enable Singaporeans to participate more effectively in building a better society for all. Critical thinking skills are best honed when we are exposed to contradictory ideas, data and dogmas, and the books in our libraries will expose us to the unfamiliar, the unknown and the untested, challenging our assumptions and fostering critical minds. […]