Case Studies

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September 2017

Revisiting the Sharing Economy in Singapore
  • Jean Chia
The sharing economy had only started to take off in Singapore in recent years, but had already shaken up certain sectors, with the likes of Uber, Grab and Airbnb making the biggest splashes. These businesses introduced innovations in the business models and technologies that helped to address market inefficiencies and resource under-utilisation. At the same time, they were at odds with existing regulatory frameworks, challenged incumbents, and produced other knock-on effects. This case study discusses the development of sharing economy in Singapore – particularly ride-sharing and home-sharing which were more prevalent – in a for-profit context, and examines how policymakers in Singapore have approached the sectors, and managed the policy considerations.
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September 2017

Successful Ageing in Singapore: Urban Implications in a High-density City
  • Debbie Loo
Singapore is facing the challenge of rapid demographic ageing. The 2013 Population White Paper highlighted that the proportion of elderly Singaporeans would double from 1 in 8, to 1 in 4 by 2030. Due to constraints of its geographical size, it would be increasingly important for Singapore to address the ageing phenomenon through the triad of healthcare, housing and urban infrastructure. This case study explores the inter-connection between ageing and urban development. It looks at the development of Singapore’s ageing policies in relation to the urban environment. It discusses the policy implementations, gaps, and critiques in housing, accessibility healthcare, and community services. It will pose some questions on the way forward for age-friendly city planning in land-scarce Singapore.
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June 2017

Regulating Public Transport Fares in Singapore – What Can We Afford?
  • Jean Chia
The setting of public transport fares has to strike a balance between commuters’ interests – particularly fare affordability – and the financial viability of public transport operators. Singapore adopted a formula-based approach to reviewing fares, while the fare formula itself was tweaked over the years to reflect the cost components of public transport more accurately. On the other hand, even if operating costs had risen, fare increases tended to create unhappiness among the public, especially if service levels were perceived to have deteriorated. This case study aims to provide an understanding of how Singapore managed public transport fares within the context of structural and regulatory changes in the public transport sector. It would also examine the issue of fare affordability for commuters and budget affordability for the government, as well as how public transport service standards were addressed. The case study would also look at the role of the fare review mechanism in light of recent changes in the bus and rail models.
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June 2017

Singapore's transformation into a global financial hub
  • Woo Jun Jie

Ranked third most competitive financial centre in the world, Singapore has over the short span of its 50-year history established itself as a leading global financial hub. Yet the city-state does not owe its success solely to luck and fortuity. Rather, it is through the astute policy planning, active industry engagement, and long-range planning of its government that Singapore has managed to grow and develop its financial services sector.

This case study will provide an overview of Singapore’s emergence and rise to prominence as a leading global financial centre, in the process discussing its key strengths and value propositions as a financial centre. It will examine both the historical factors and policy initiatives that have driven Singapore’s successful transformation into a global financial hub.

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June 2017

Policy Analysis: Singapore’s Public-Private Partnerships for Cybersecurity in the Critical Infrastructure Sectors — Challenges and Opportunities
  • Lim Wei Chieh

It has been more than 15 years since the first public-private partnership for cybersecurity, “Partnership for Critical Infrastructure Security”, was established in the United States by the Clinton administration in 2000. Such partnerships leverage on the strengths of both the public and private sectors, and have become essential given the extent of privatisation, deregulation and globalisation in many countries’ critical infrastructure sectors. While the number of such initiatives are growing around the world, the cybersecurity problem does not seem to be slowing down. What are the challenges and opportunities with such partnerships? How can governments impose punitive regulatory structures and at the same time seek cooperative arrangements with the private sector? This analysis examines Singapore’s strategy and use of PPPs for tackling the issue of cybersecurity in its critical infrastructure sectors.


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June 2017

Policy Analysis: Cybersecurity is a Public Good that Starts with the Individual
  • Lim Wei Chieh
As of 2016, Singapore has an internet penetration of 82.5% and smartphone penetration of more than 70%. According to a recent survey, Singaporeans spend an average of 3.7 hours online per day on non-work usage, much higher than the regional average. Being connected to such an extent also means an increased exposure to the ‘dangers’ of cyberspace. Securing Singapore’s cyberspace is more than just securing our private and public sector organisations. It must also include the millions of devices owned by the general public that are connected into our nation’s infrastructure. If we view cybersecurity as the practice of keeping our digital lives safe and healthy, should the government then treat cybersecurity like public health? This analysis examines the concept of cybersecurity as a public good, whether Singapore should address cybersecurity challenges using a similar approach as it does to public health, and whether it is time to establish a new agency that tackles Singapore’s cyber health.
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