IPS Update Issue June 2015

IPS-SAM Spotlight on Cultural Policy Series: Roundtable on the State of Literature Education and its Implications

Since the early 1990s, the number of students studying English Literature in Singapore’s secondary schools has declined significantly. What are the main factors accounting for this trend? Does literature possess the potential, over other disciplines, to nurture a cosmopolitan, inclusive and participatory society? At the inaugural IPS-SAM Spotlight on Cultural Policy Series, over 40 participants animatedly discussed the state of literature education today.

IPS Conference on Moneylending

Of the 15 recommendations submitted by the Advisory Committee on Moneylending to regulate the industry, 12 were accepted by the government. Law Minister K. Shanmugam said the government wanted to ensure that both consumers and lenders receive fair treatment.

IPS Corporate Associates Lunch: Understanding US Foreign Relations in the Region

Speaking during a lunch dialogue with IPS Corporate Associates, the United States Ambassador to Singapore Kirk Wagar discussed America’s presence in the region and the prospects of Singapore having its own Silicon Valley.

The 23rd Singapore Economic Roundtable (SER)

At the most recent SER, the Singapore economy was forecasted to grow modestly in an uncertain and weak global economic environment, with supply constrained by a tight labour market and limp productivity growth. Participants identified human capital development as a key factor for raising productivity, and highlighted the need for more studies on the economy to understand the dynamics driving productivity.

Kishore Mahbubani on Governance and the SG50+ Conference

What will governance be like in Singapore in future? Ahead of the SG50+ conference next month, Professor Mahbubani shared his thoughts on Singapore’s new political environment in a “Supper Club” interview with The Straits Times.

Thirteenth Family Research Network Forum: Familial Caregivers and their Impact on Resilience of Family Function

Caregiving and the impact on carers was the topic of discussion at the 13th Family Research Network Forum. Among the takeaways for participants were the importance of including family caregivers in the treatment process when patients become incapable of decision-making and the need to monitor the health of foreign domestic helpers shouldering caregiving responsibilities.

Mathew Mathews: The Changing Singapore Family

Households with singles and childless couples are on the rise in Singapore. These changes to the family structures in Singapore pose challenges to the availability of informal support networks for the elderly. The good news from various national surveys is that families here are generally strong.

Tommy Koh: The Asian Way to Settle Disputes

Recent developments in the South China Sea might have given the impression that Asian countries are against settling their disputes through the international legal process. On the contrary, countries in Southeast Asia and South Asia have had a commendable track record of turning to international arbitration to resolve disputes.

Andrew Yeo: Building Trust in the SkillsFuture Scheme

To address scepticism about the SkillsFuture scheme, we should move towards a system where adaptability and work aptitude matter more than credentials. Employers should go beyond qualifications when measuring the value of employees.

Magdalene Choo: Encouraging Singaporeans to have more Children – A look at Nordic States

Expanding the inclusiveness of Singapore’s benefits to encourage marriage and parenthood can help the country meet its long-term TFR goal of 2.1. Singapore could look to the Nordic model of multi-faceted and equal support, as it provides a sense of individual security, an important factor influencing childbearing decisions.