IPS Update Issue June 2017

While Singapore today is a highly successful market economy, standard economic measures fail to capture the full range of socially valuable but unpaid work in caregiving, household production and volunteerism. This Closed-Door Discussion explored the concept of time banks to provide non-monetary values for these forms of informal labour to be recognised in society.

(The Straits Times)
By Gillian Koh

Last month, local actor Shrey Bhargava wrote a Facebook post alleging racism encountered during the casting process of Ah Boys to Men, leading to debates online on “casual racism” in Singapore. In this piece by IPS Deputy Director Dr Gillian Koh, she suggests how netizens could have responded in a manner that is more constructive and less vitriolic.

By Mathew Mathews

There is no contradiction in embracing a strong Singaporean identity and yet taking pride in one’s own ethnic or linguistic background, argues IPS Senior Research Fellow Dr Mathew Mathews. “All Singaporeans experience some aspects of being Chinese, Indian, Malay, Eurasian or some other ethnicity, while at the same time experiencing Singaporeaness.”

(URBAN SOLUTIONS)
By Tan Tarn How

Vibrant spaces and places that evolved organically due to their historical, cultural, community and commercial roots, such as Mustafa and Toa Payoh town square, continue to stay lively in the long term. In contrast, large-scale festivals tend to spark short-lived vibrancy, argues IPS Senior Research Fellow Tan Tarn How.

(The Business Times)
By Faizal Bin Yahya

The outlook for private education institutions is mixed and uncertain for some, says IPS Senior Research Fellow Dr Faizal Bin Yahya.

(TODAY)
By Valerie Yeo

There are numerous merits to learning the mother tongue of our fellow citizens. For one, it can expand our cultural consciousness, in turn fostering stronger bonds between Singaporeans, says IPS Research Assistant Valerie Yeo.

(Channel NewsAsia)
By Paveena Seah and Petrina Chew

Despite Singapore Airlines’ recent fourth-quarter net loss, its relevance is seen in non-economic ways, argues IPS Senior Research Analyst and Research Assistant Petrina Chew. For instance, it is seen as an important emblem in Singaporeans’ sense of national identity.

Former Head of Civil Service (2005 – 2010) Mr Peter Ho was the Institute of Policy Studies’ 2016/17 S R Nathan Fellow. From April to May 2017, Mr Ho delivered four lectures, collectively titled The Challenges of Governing in a Complex World. Read on for a summary of all four lectures, or watch the full series on our YouTube page.