Institute of Policy Studies - IPS

IPS becomes a University-level research institute within the @NUSingapore (NUS), effective from 1 April 2026. IPS will no longer sit within the @lkyspp (LKYSPP), where it has been a research centre since 2008. It will operate as an autonomous research institute within NUS, while maintaining its longstanding mission to analyse public policy, bridge thought leaders, and communicate research to a wide audience.

Attendees also engaged in meaningful dialogue regarding the viability of alternative healthcare models, the integration of artificial intelligence, as well as the complexities of interoperability between and within public and private healthcare services. To learn more about the IPS Corporate Associates Programme, please visit nus.edu/3PD1ygX

At the IPS Corporate Associates One-table Dinner held last Tuesday, Ms Lai Wei Lin, Permanent Secretary (Policy and Development) at the @MOHSingapore and Chairperson of MOH Holdings, shared insights on the nation’s strategies to navigate transitions and maintain a sustainable and resilient healthcare ecosystem.

Singapore’s healthcare system continues to stand on strong foundations, supported by a well-established framework of CPF savings, co-payments and a comprehensive insurance framework. Furthermore, investments in infrastructure and proactive policy refinements enable the system to remain financially sustainable while delivering high-quality care even as Singapore transitions into a super-aged society.

Upward mobility should not feel like an insurmountable cliff. Support for some of Singapore’s most vulnerable families is becoming more accessible, reflecting a shift towards more responsive and practical assistance. In this commentary for @straits_times, IPS’ Wong Chin Yi argues that the enhancements to ComLink+ do not weaken self-reliance. Instead, they reflect a more practical, step-by-step approach — creating a gentler climb through smaller, more achievable steps, with earlier and more frequent support tied to realistic milestones — to help vulnerable families make steady progress out of poverty. Read the commentary here: tinyurl.com/3hruv5wc

where residents can help decide neighbourhood improvements and how funds are allocated. This complements the on-going Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP). Join us and be part of shaping your neighbourhood by registering here: tinyurl.com/4nzuxyne

Have a say in how Spottiswoode is improved! In partnership with Adviser Foo Cexiang, the Institute of Policy Studies and Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru Town Council are launching a Participatory Budgeting Pilot

All existing IPS programmes, publications, and partnerships will continue. IPS staff and researchers will transition to the new structure with full continuity. Read the full press release here: tinyurl.com/3zutctyz

IPS is steadfast in its commitment to expand and enrich the policy ecosystem in Singapore through research, engagements, and policy innovations and experimentations. The Institute looks forward to a continued close relationship with LKYSPP and the wider NUS community.

IPS becomes a University-level research institute within the @NUSingapore (NUS), effective from 1 April 2026. IPS will no longer sit within the @lkyspp (LKYSPP), where it has been a research centre since 2008. It will operate as an autonomous research institute within NUS, while maintaining its longstanding mission to analyse public policy, bridge thought leaders, and communicate research to a wide audience.

Online purchase of Mr Yeo’s book is now available on World Scientific Publishing’s website. From now till August, all volumes of the IPS-Nathan Lecture Series, including Mr Yeo’s book, can be purchased online with a 20 per cent discount. Enter the promo code “WSIPS20” for 20 per cent off your purchase. For the entire catalogue of books from the IPS-Nathan Lecture Series, visit: bit.ly/IPS-Nathan

Following Mr Heng, Mr Yeo shared that the book is not meant to be economic history, but a reflection on how Singapore made decisions, took risks, and adapted across different stages of development. He traced Singapore’s journey from industrialisation to innovation, and called on younger Singaporeans to reflect on Singapore's journey while thinking boldly about what comes next.

Earlier today, IPS concluded the launch of “Neither Civil Nor Servant: Singapore’s Disruptive Economic Playbook” by Mr Philip Yeo, the 16th S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore. The book compiles three lectures delivered by Mr Yeo between March to June 2025, along with highlights of his Q&A sessions.

Every parent wants the best for their child, but in Singapore that often means navigating a system where the stakes can feel too high to step back. In this commentary for @ChannelNewsAsia, IPS’ Mathew Mathews and Melvin Tay argue that the education “arms race” is not just a policy issue, but it is rooted in our national identity where valuing education and being “kiasu” are central traits. They suggest reducing the perceived consequences of early decisions, narrowing differences between schools, and lessening reliance on private tuition to create a more balanced and equitable system. Read the commentary here: tinyurl.com/mr3ya55x

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all our Muslim friends! Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous festive season.

Read the transcript featuring Gillian's comments here: tinyurl.com/4xes4zs2

On the role of opposition: IPS survey data shows that while Singaporeans value having elected opposition as a check and balance, there is no prevailing sentiment in favour of an alternative government. As Gillian put it, the data reflects "what people really cared about when they went to the ballot box."

🎙️ IPS Senior Research Fellow, Dr Gillian Koh, was recently featured on ABC Australia's Rear Vision radio interview, sharing insights from IPS's post-election surveys on what Singaporeans really care about at the ballot box. Some highlights from what she shared: