This case study explores Singapore’s digitalisation journey in the past decade from 2014 to 2024. Beginning with the Smart Nation 1.0 initiative in 2014, it provides an overview of digitalisation initiatives before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and traces notable digitalisation programmes since then. It also discusses key issues that the country faced along the way and how the government responded. The case study outlines digitalisation efforts in select countries that may help bolster Singapore’s digitalisation policy, before zeroing in on the emerging trends that may shape the country’s future digital landscape.

Link to PDF: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/309074

Amid the escalating climate crisis, demand-side emissions mitigation strategies – engaging individuals and communities to adopt sustainable consumption and green lifestyles – hold immense promise for meeting global climate goals. As the world’s largest carbon emitter, China has increasingly embraced demand-side mitigation policies to tackle climate issues and transition toward a low-carbon future. However, this transition is hindered by challenges including the high costs of low-carbon alternatives, social resistance, and the difficulty of sustaining long-term behavioural changes, as this case study identifies. Moreover, it explores three categories of policy options for demand-side climate mitigation within the “Carrot-Stick-Sermon” policy instrument framework by drawing lessons from international strategies. Finally, it evaluates seven demand-side mitigation policies implemented by the Chinese government, demonstrating that widespread social and behavioural changes require complementary use of these instruments and tailored adaptation to specific national conditions.

Merit Prize - LKYSPP Case Writing Competition 2024/25

Link to PDF: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/309988

This case study analyses Indonesia's nickel downstream policy, which banned unprocessed ore exports to develop domestic industry and electric vehicle production. While stimulating economic growth and smelter development, the policy raised ESG concerns, equity issues, triggered a WTO dispute with the EU, and potentially increased dependency on Chinese investment. Using dependency theory rather than resource nationalism, the study critically examines Indonesia's reliance on foreign capital and technology, exploring the tensions between economic development and sustainability.

Distinction Prize - LKYSPP Case Writing Competition 2024/25

Link to PDF: https://doi.org/10.25818/n4qz-zapc

This case study examines how Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining uninterrupted port operations. As one of the world’s busiest container transhipment hubs, the Port of Singapore was critical to global supply chains. Faced with dilemmas around infection control, essential services, and seafarer welfare, MPA implemented swift, adaptive measures—from personal protective protocols and digital tracking systems to international collaborations and vaccination drives. The study details Singapore’s strategic decisions, such as sustaining crew changes through the innovative STAR Fund and CrewSafe programme, and demonstrates how resilience, agility, and tripartite cooperation safeguarded maritime continuity during a global crisis.

Link to PDF: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/entities/publication/420ff975-d5ab-4890-a5a4-72a0c75f5c68

This case study probes the ubiquity of political dynasties in democracies. It focuses on developing countries where political and economic institutions can be extractive – concentrating power and resources in the hands of a few – and hence, provide a natural hotbed for entrenched and widespread political dynasties. It presents the examples of the Philippines and Thailand: two of the most dynastic countries in the world, with different systems of government. The Philippines demonstrates dynastic governance under a unitary presidential system, while Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The case study illustrates how political dynasties are built and maintained, and discusses their impact on governance and development. It considers the critical question – to ban or not to ban – before brief concluding remarks.

Link to PDF: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/309075

Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities (THKMC) is a large community care and social service agency that provides multiple services to diverse beneficiaries, including seniors, children with developmental needs, families in need and persons with disabilities. THKMC faces several challenges such as leading a large, diverse and geographically dispersed organisation; challenges in recruiting and retaining talent; and working with many stakeholders. This case study examines the challenges that THKMC faced and how it responded to them.

Link to PDF: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/309077

Lions Befrienders Service Association (Singapore) (hereon “LB”) is a social service agency that has embarked on a transformative journey in utilising technology to provide personalised and integrated eldercare services. This case study delves into the journey of LB as a trailblazer in closing the digital gap in Singapore’s community care sector, specifically in encouraging seniors to embrace the use of technology in their daily lives. It explores the motivation behind LB’s efforts to leverage technology in providing a comprehensive and personalised care ecosystem for seniors, the challenges and issues LB faced along the way, and how the organisation responded.

Link to PDF: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/309076

This case study explores the key components of Indonesia’s digital economy, beginning with the current state of its technological landscape. It then delves into the pivotal role of government policies, the challenges that must be overcome and the numerous opportunities available in this rapidly evolving sector. Through the success story of e-commerce giant, Tokopedia, the case study highlights Indonesia’s achievements and the promising trajectory of its digital future.

Link to PDF: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/309078