IPS Update Issue November 2017

Launch of the Routledge Handbook of Civil Society in Asia: An Interview with the Editor, Akihiro Ogawa

IPS Researchers, Dr Gillian Koh and Ms Debbie Soon, recently published a chapter on civil society in Singapore in the Routledge Handbook of Civil Society in Asia (2017). In this interview, Dr Akihiro Ogawa, Professor of Japanese Studies, Asia Institute, University of Melbourne, who edited this special volume, shares his views on scholarship of civil society in Asia.

IPS is inviting single-parent and two-parent households, and representatives of organisations who work with children and families in Singapore, to participate in a research study on how different family structures affect children’s adoption and use of ICT. Findings from the study will help to inform policies relating to the promotion of digital inclusion in Singapore. Click here for more information on the study and eligibility criteria.

Silver lining in the battle against fake news
(The Straits Times)
By Elmie Nekmat and Carol Soon

A survey conducted by IPS and the Department of Communications & New Media of NUS, and the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information of NTU, found that young people are more likely to believe they are less susceptible to fake news. This optimistic bias could hurt their ability to discern the truthfulness of online information.

CNA-IPS Survey on Ethnic Identity in Singapore:
IPS Working Papers No. 28

What do people in Singapore see as important markers of ethnic identity? What are the implications for our CMIO model? The Channel NewsAsia-IPS Survey on Ethnic Identity in Singapore surveyed over 2,000 people on ethnic identity and the state of inter-ethnic interactions. Click here to read the Working Paper on the study.

Beyond “Happy Arts for Happy People”:
IPS-SAM Spotlight on Cultural Policy Series Three 

IPS and the Singapore Art Museum organised a roundtable to bring together 70 participants comprising policymakers, academics, artists and civil society activists to examine the progress and impact of community arts initiatives, and exchange views on how each group could contribute to the development of community arts. Check out the report for a spectrum of fascinating perspectives and deep insights offered at the event.

Innovation takes a village: Action Plan Singapore in Global is Asian 

How can we encourage the public to embrace innovation and smart nation goals? Action Plan Singapore, a series of scenario planning workshops by IPS, gave some suggestions. More information about Action Plan here.

IPS-DPA Roundtable on the Disability Network 

IPS and the Disabled People’s Association conducted a Roundtable to discuss the design and formation of a network for and with the disability community in Singapore. This process of co-creation is aimed at helping voluntary organisations and community groups interested in disability issues to understand the needs of their sector, define their own agenda and take collective action. More insights from the Roundtable in the report.

Singapore Ethnic Mosaic: Many Cultures, One People 

Singapore prides itself on the richness of its ethnic communities and cultures. This volume, edited by IPS Senior Research Fellow Dr Mathew Mathews, provides an updated account of the diversity within each of Singapore’s main communities — the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian and others.

IPS CSR trip to Ground-Up Initiative with MINDS

IPS took its second CSR trip of the year to Ground-Up Initiative (GUI) together with MINDS on 30 October! We spent a fun and educational morning with 22 students and their teachers from Fernvale Gardens School-MINDS on a tour of GUI’s Kampung Kampus and participated together in a wheatgrass potting activity. We are grateful for the company and warm friendship of our friends from MINDS.