Will merger hinder think tank's role?
It could restrict the Institute of Policy Studies in its goal to increase political awareness
Wednesday • October 24, 2007
I REFER to various news reports on the announcement of a merger between the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP).
The IPS has remained relevant to Singapore's social and political scene since its inception. The propagation of indigenous scholarship to reflect, critique and improve on the Republic's public policy remains the flagship legacy of the IPS.
Its various publications on Singapore ranged from an incisive analysis on "contentious journalism" to a yearly round up of economic, political and social events to the transnational economic cooperation to the demographical implications of an ageing population.
And these have been nothing short of remarkable in a nation where such research was dearth previously.
IPS researchers' frequent commentaries in the mass media on public policies have also been very insightful on nuances of policy-making and consequences.
In the last General Election, they were at the forefront of critical political analysis -- giving their objective and critical views on the comings and goings of the election, during interviews with the various mass media.
In doing so, they fill the gap of indigenous and independent political and social analysis in Singapore.
They also undertook a post-election scientific survey on election preferences among Singaporeans -- a first for the Republic.
In addition, their pre and post-election forums, which attracted many Singaporeans, played an important role in facilitating greater interests in politics here.
Their numerous opinion editorials on public policy reflect their consistent commitment in pushing academic research beyond the ivory towers to benefit the wider Singaporean population.
The IPS researchers' objective and conscientious efforts in communicating research findings and political commentaries to the people seem to contrast to other Singapore social scientists' reluctance to comment on such issues publicly and consistently.
I would like to congratulate the IPS on the ability to grow its resources to better its analysis and research through the merger with the LKYSPP.
But with this move, will the institute's active role in bridging the state and society, as well as its public commentaries, be curtailed?
Will the IPS be able to continue providing insightful political and social commentaries and organise events for related purposes under the rubric of the LKYSPP?
I hope the LKYSPP can further clarify its vision for the IPS in terms of future funding and manpower issues.
