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Public Opinion & Political Choices in Singapore: A Survey by Quad Research

May 19, 2020May 19, 2020

Quad Research conducted a survey from 1-4 April 2020 on Singaporeans’ perceptions on a range of societal issues and how their views impact their political choices. This executive summary details some of their research findings.

Education Government Administration History International Relations National Service Research Paper Security

The Management of Threats in Singapore: Civil-Military Integration

January 3, 2020

In this paper, Isaac Neo explores why Singapore’s historical experience with high levels of internal and external threat have not resulted in degraded civilian control over the military, despite existing Civil-Military Relations models predicting such an outcome. He argues this is due to the effective demarcation of responsibility between civilian institutions and the Singapore Armed Forces, along the lines of internal and external threat management. This is reinforced by the subordination of the military to a broader notion of security through the Total Defence framework. Lastly, there is a sustained effort to civilianise the military sphere, through National Service and other administrative structures.

Economy History International Relations Research Paper Who are we?

A Historical Perspective on Singapore-China Relations: 1965-1975

October 25, 2019October 25, 2019

In this research paper, Katherine Enright argues that Singapore-China relations from 1965-1975 can best be understood not merely as a bilateral relationship, but as one situated in a complex web of international political dynamics, both in relation to Cold War powers (the US and the USSR) and Southeast Asia. Singapore’s pragmatic foreign policy outlook – one that prioritised economic security and the balancing of international and regional powers – in turn influenced Singapore’s engagement with China and its reaction to broader Cold War dynamics. Ultimately, the confluence of these factors contributed to a dramatic warming in Singapore-China relations during this period.

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From The Editor’s Desk

September 13, 2019September 13, 2019

BY NATALIE NAH & POH YONG HAN Dear Readers, We’re excited to get the Singapore Policy Journal (SPJ) up and

ASEAN Editorial Immigration Long Form Migrants in Singapore Spotlight Multiculturalism Population Research Paper Social Capital Urban Development

Golden Mile Complex: Not Just Another Space

February 15, 2019February 20, 2019

Golden Mile Complex is a Brutalist building facing potential demolition after its owners agreed to a collective sale attempt – much to the dismay of many in Singapore. Most news coverage, however, focuses on its architectural importance to Singapore’s heritage. But it plays an important social role, too, for Thai migrants. In this long-form research paper, Al Lim explores Golden Mile, and investigates the effect of its potential destruction on the Thai migrant community in Singapore.

Economy Research Paper Statistics

Singapore: A Prosperous, Equal and Happy Society?

October 8, 2018October 25, 2018 Economy, Inequality, Wellbeing

Singapore has enjoyed rapid growth since independence, due in part to the hard choices made by the government regarding economics and politics. Agnes Chew’s research explores some of the costs of growth, and raises questions about the sustainability of the current growth paradigm as it relates to societal wellbeing.

Immigration Multiculturalism Research Paper

Making Space for Democracy

February 20, 2018October 24, 2018

Public spaces are under appreciated in their impact on society, Nur Atiqa Asri writes. Based on her evaluations of public spaces in Singapore regularly used by migrant workers, she argues that democratizing our public spaces can help address the emerging fault lines between migrant workers and locals in Singapore’s social fabric.

Research Paper Transport

The Economic Security of Rideshare Drivers

December 2, 2017October 24, 2018 featured

Jia Hui Lin writes that rideshare drivers need better social protection. She presents her findings from 68 interviews with Singaporean Uber and Grab drivers, and argues that drivers need more flexible savings options.