IPS Update Issue September 2015

Tracking GE 2015 and its Outcome

Like we did with GE 2011, the Institute of Policy Studies is running a series of surveys to understand the outcome of the 11 September 2015 parliamentary election, which the ruling People’s Action Party won with a popular vote share of 69.9%. Findings from the surveys will be presented at a conference later in the year. In the meantime, IPS Special Adviser Professor Tommy Koh and Senior Research Fellow Dr Gillian Koh have, in two separate articles, given their take on how the PAP got its strong mandate. IPS researchers also kept busy during the hustings, offering insights on political developments and party strategies.

Launch of a Primer on Singapore’s Parliamentary Elections

Changing voter sentiment and values, the electoral strategies of the incumbent and opposition parties, and the evolving role of media in Singapore’s general elections were some of the topics discussed at the launch of a handbook explaining Singapore’s parliamentary elections.

New IPS Book on New Media and Elections in Singapore

Battle for Hearts and Minds: New Media and Elections in Singapore explores the role of the media in the Singapore 2011 General Election. The chapters, many of which draw on data collected from a national survey conducted by IPS right after GE 2011, discuss media use and attitudes, and how old and new media influenced political participation, among other things.

Learning both ways – the IPS Internship Programme

IPS has taken in interns for over 20 years and of late, more young people are expressing an interest in a stint here. Interns come from both Singapore and overseas universities and can expect to gain a better understanding of Singapore policy issues through their involvement in research projects and conferences.

Teng Siao See: From Tolerance to Acceptance: Racial and Religious Harmony in Singapore

How should we talk about race and religion in Singapore? It would perhaps serve Singapore better if we are able to undertake some risks and alter the sensitive climate that surrounds race and religion to allow more space for educators to broach related topics. In guiding students to have deep and honest dialogues on racial and religious matters, educators can help students develop critical thinking as well as empathy and respect for others when handling related issues.