Assistant Professor Tan Soo Jie Sheng primarily uses micro econometrics techniques combined with economic modelling to conduct empirical research in the areas of environment, health, and development. Recently, he and his co-authors published an article titled, “Using Cost–Benefit Analyses to Identify Key Opportunities in Demand-Side Mitigation.”

Assistant Professor Tan Soo Jie Sheng primarily uses micro econometrics techniques combined with economic modelling to conduct empirical research in the areas of environment, health, and development. Recently, he and his co-authors published an article titled, “Using Cost–Benefit Analyses to Identify Key Opportunities in Demand-Side Mitigation.”

From Cars to Tofu: Uncovering what drives Eco-Friendly Choices

The world’s largest democracy, India, has recently concluded its six-week long election, counting 640 million votes. India’s incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi was re-elected but his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost their majority and are now in a coalition with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). What does this mean for India, Asia and the world?

The world’s largest democracy, India, has recently concluded its six-week long election, counting 640 million votes. India’s incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi was re-elected but his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost their majority and are now in a coalition with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). What does this mean for India, Asia and the world?

Foreseeable Podcast: The largest democracy votes: What's next for India?

A new book, Building Urban Resilience: Singapore's Policy Response to Covid-19 is one of the first few books to discuss the Covid-19 crisis as an urban phenomenon. Written by our guests—J.J. Woo who is a Senior Lecturer at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Debbie R. Loo, who is an architect by training with a background in professional practice, urban studies research, and teaching—the book takes a look at how pandemics have shaped urban planning for centuries, and how we can learn from the experience to improve our population centres in many different ways.

A new book, Building Urban Resilience: Singapore's Policy Response to Covid-19 is one of the first few books to discuss the Covid-19 crisis as an urban phenomenon. Written by our guests—J.J. Woo who is a Senior Lecturer at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Debbie R. Loo, who is an architect by training with a background in professional practice, urban studies research, and teaching—the book takes a look at how pandemics have shaped urban planning for centuries, and how we can learn from the experience to improve our population centres in many different ways.

Foreseeable Podcast: Building urban resilience to tackle unknown unknowns

Indonesian voters in Southeast Asia’s largest democracy elected the ticket of former military general Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka in February 2024, but not without controversy. Gibran is the son of outgoing President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who is accused of manipulating the courts to allow Gibran to run despite being below the constitutional minimum age.  

There are even charges of vote rigging that are being handled by Indonesia’s Election Supervisory Agency or Bawaslu and The General Elections Commission known as KPU.  

Associate Professor Suzaina Kadir is Vice Dean of Academic Affairs at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and an expert on politics in Southeast Asia.  

As an avid Indonesia watcher, we wanted to get her take on what the upcoming administration means for Indonesia domestically, regionally and globally.  

Indonesian voters in Southeast Asia’s largest democracy elected the ticket of former military general Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka in February 2024, but not without controversy. Gibran is the son of outgoing President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who is accused of manipulating the courts to allow Gibran to run despite being below the constitutional minimum age.  
There are even charges of vote rigging that are being handled by Indonesia’s Election Supervisory Agency or Bawaslu and The General Elections Commission known as KPU.  
Associate Professor Suzaina Kadir is Vice Dean of Academic Affairs at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and an expert on politics in Southeast Asia.  
As an avid Indonesia watcher, we wanted to get her take on what the upcoming administration means for Indonesia domestically, regionally and globally.

A new era in Indonesia: Outcome and significance of its 2024 presidential elections

From booming GDP growth and low interest rates to raging inflation and a shrinking economy, most of us have a sense of how the macroeconomic ups and downs can affect our lives. But have you ever considered what it takes to keep an economy healthy? 

Our guest certainly has. Ramkishen S. Rajan is Yong Pung How Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. He has been a Visiting Fellow at various regional research institutes, including the Asia Competitiveness Institute, the Institute of Policy Studies as well as the Asian Development Bank Institute.   

From booming GDP growth and low interest rates to raging inflation and a shrinking economy, most of us have a sense of how the macroeconomic ups and downs can affect our lives. But have you ever considered what it takes to keep an economy healthy? 
Our guest certainly has. Ramkishen S. Rajan is Yong Pung How Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. He has been a Visiting Fellow at various regional research institutes, including the Asia Competitiveness Institute, the Institute of Policy Studies as well as the Asian Development Bank Institute.

Foreseeable Podcast: Macroeconomic and financial management in emerging Asian economies

The last time we spoke to Leong Ching, Vice Provost for Student Life, NUS, and Associate Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, we discussed the "yuck factor" which describes people's visceral aversion to drinking recycled water. Today, we'll be expanding on that topic to look at the rationale behind irrational environmental behaviour in general.

As an institutional economist, Professor Leong uses narratives, perceptions and stories to understand collective public behaviour as well as environmental identities. 

The last time we spoke to Leong Ching, Vice Provost for Student Life, NUS, and Associate Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, we discussed the "yuck factor" which describes people's visceral aversion to drinking recycled water. Today, we'll be expanding on that topic to look at the rationale behind irrational environmental behaviour in general.
As an institutional economist, Professor Leong uses narratives, perceptions and stories to understand collective public behaviour as well as environmental identities.

Foreseeable Podcast: The rationale behind irrational environmental behaviour

Urban environments, from infrastructure to green spaces, play a crucial role in shaping lifestyle choices, social dynamics, and overall quality of health. 

Tan Shin Bin is an Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP). She previously worked as an urban planner at Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority, the government body tasked with guiding the physical development of Singapore in a sustainable manner.

She joins us to discuss how urban environments impact health, as well as the opportunities and challenges faced when developing policies to promote healthier lifestyles within urban spaces.

Urban environments, from infrastructure to green spaces, play a crucial role in shaping lifestyle choices, social dynamics, and overall quality of health. 
Tan Shin Bin is an Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP). She previously worked as an urban planner at Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority, the government body tasked with guiding the physical development of Singapore in a sustainable manner.
She joins us to discuss how urban environments impact health, as well as the opportunities and challenges faced when developing policies to promote healthier lifestyles within urban spaces.

Foreseeable Podcast: Creating healthier societies through urban planning

Dr Marina Kaneti is an Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Her area of research centres on global governance and questions of migration, climate and geopolitical developments.

She has explored the influence of China around the world, including the Belt and Road initiative. Recently, she produced a two-part documentary series titled“The Seas That Bind Us and Define Us”, exploring maritime heritage and its significance in Asia.

She joins us to talk about maritime heritage, exploring the shaping and impact of narratives, and implications for the present and beyond.

Get our monthly updates to stay ahead on Asian policy issues here.

<a href="https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/our-people/faculty/marina-jose-kaneti">Dr Marina Kaneti </a>is an Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Her area of research centres on global governance and questions of migration, climate and geopolitical developments.
She has explored the influence of China around the world, including the Belt and Road initiative. Recently, she produced a two-part documentary series titled<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@marinakaneti1171"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcHACOro_U8&amp;t=142s">“The Seas That Bind Us and Define Us”</a>, exploring maritime heritage and its significance in Asia.
She joins us to talk about maritime heritage, exploring the shaping and impact of narratives, and implications for the present and beyond.
Get our monthly updates to stay ahead on Asian policy issues <a href="https://mailchi.mp/lkyspp/gia">here</a>.

Foreseeable Podcast: Maritime heritage and the power of narrative

In an increasingly interconnected world, the advent of mobile banking has ushered in a transformative era. Access to mobile banking can have a profound impact on people in developing economies. The impact of mobile banking extends beyond individual lives – it ripples through entire communities, affecting aspects such as migration and inequality.

Dr Saravana Ravindran, Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, studies challenges and potential policy solutions relating to migration, including mobile banking and digital financial services. He has conducted research into whether mobile technology can reduce inequality by modernising traditional ways to transfer money. He joins us to explore the socio-economic impact of mobile banking on communities. 

In an increasingly interconnected world, the advent of mobile banking has ushered in a transformative era. Access to mobile banking can have a profound impact on people in developing economies. The impact of mobile banking extends beyond individual lives – it ripples through entire communities, affecting aspects such as migration and inequality.
Dr Saravana Ravindran, Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, studies challenges and potential policy solutions relating to migration, including mobile banking and digital financial services. He has conducted research into whether mobile technology can reduce inequality by modernising traditional ways to transfer money. He joins us to explore the socio-economic impact of mobile banking on communities.

Foreseeable Podcast: The socio-economic impact of mobile banking on developing economies

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) aims to create a highly integrated regional economy by 2025. Known as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the initiative faces many obstacles that may hinder the achieving of its goal.

To understand the obstacles and opportunities, we speak to Dr Denis Hew. Currently Senior Research Fellow at the Centre on Asia and Globalisation, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Dr Hew has served as Director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Policy Support Unit. He also spent time managing technical assistance programmes on regional cooperation and integration at the Asian Development Bank. Dr Hew has published extensively on policy issues related to economic integration in ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) aims to create a highly integrated regional economy by 2025. Known as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the initiative faces many obstacles that may hinder the achieving of its goal.
To understand the obstacles and opportunities, we speak to Dr Denis Hew. Currently Senior Research Fellow at the Centre on Asia and Globalisation, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Dr Hew has served as Director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Policy Support Unit. He also spent time managing technical assistance programmes on regional cooperation and integration at the Asian Development Bank. Dr Hew has published extensively on policy issues related to economic integration in ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region.

Foreseeable Podcast: Challenges on the path to achieving the ASEAN Economic Community by 2025

Foreseeable is a podcast of Global-is-Asian, the flagship digital platform of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. In each episode, we invite an expert for a conversation relating to their area of expertise and to find out what they foresee happening in the future.

Listen to us on:
Spotify
Apple podcasts
Google podcasts

Foreseeable is a podcast of <a href="https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/gia">Global-is-Asian</a>, the flagship digital platform of the <a href="https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/">Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy</a>. In each episode, we invite an expert for a conversation relating to their area of expertise and to find out what they foresee happening in the future.
Listen to us on:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3mbDpHMPlnHguLjRLqblhd">Spotify</a></li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foreseeable-a-podcast-series-by-global-is-asian/id1489689191">Apple podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/?q=foreseeable%20podcast">Google podcasts</a></li>
</ul>

Foreseeable is podcast series from Global-is-Asian, the flagship digital platform of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Hear from thought leaders on future challenges and opportunities they foresee in areas ranging from international relations, climate change, social and cultural issues and more.

Foreseeable: A Podcast Series by Global-is-Asian

The concept of social inclusion stresses the causes, experiences and consequences of persistent, overlapping disadvantages. Social inclusion envisions the opposite of a socially exclusive society. In this vision, people are able to take part in social activities that are considered customary in that time and place; they have capacity for economic production and consumption; they also get to shape the decisions that directly affect them.

In recent months, the Singapore government announced plans to develop new public housing in prime locations, introduce workplace anti-discrimination laws and expand the Progressive Wage Model to more sectors and occupations. These initiatives fall in several critical domains of social policy – housing, income and work. Can they pave the way to a more inclusive society? Ng Kok Hoe (LKYSPP) and Shailey Hingorani (AWARE) discuss these questions in a conversation on social inclusion, research and advocacy.

The concept of social inclusion stresses the causes, experiences and consequences of persistent, overlapping disadvantages. Social inclusion envisions the opposite of a socially exclusive society. In this vision, people are able to take part in social activities that are considered customary in that time and place; they have capacity for economic production and consumption; they also get to shape the decisions that directly affect them.
In recent months, the Singapore government announced plans to develop new public housing in prime locations, introduce workplace anti-discrimination laws and expand the Progressive Wage Model to more sectors and occupations. These initiatives fall in several critical domains of social policy &ndash; housing, income and work. Can they pave the way to a more inclusive society? Ng Kok Hoe (LKYSPP) and Shailey Hingorani (AWARE) discuss these questions in a conversation on social inclusion, research and advocacy.

Social inclusion in Singapore: Are we there yet?

Many observers have hailed China’s steady commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change. Today, China plays a leading role in developing alternative energy sources and has made bold announcements targeting carbon emissions, new construction of coal power-plants, and protection of biodiversity. At the same time, the green Belt Road is poised to become a leading mechanism in Beijing’s overarching vision for environmental protection and sustainable development

Is Beijing in the process of devising a new system of global environmental governance? How does it align with the pressing need for urgent action on climate and biodiversity? What are some of the challenges and opportunities along the way?

To explore such questions, Dr Kaneti draws on empirical evidence from specific Belt Road projects and anchors her discussion in the conceptual framework of environmental protection as a super wicked problem.

Many observers have hailed China&rsquo;s steady commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change. Today, China plays a leading role in developing alternative energy sources and has made bold announcements targeting carbon emissions, new construction of coal power-plants, and protection of biodiversity. At the same time, the green Belt Road is poised to become a leading mechanism in Beijing&rsquo;s overarching vision for environmental protection and sustainable development
Is Beijing in the process of devising a new system of global environmental governance? How does it align with the pressing need for urgent action on climate and biodiversity? What are some of the challenges and opportunities along the way?
To explore such questions, Dr Kaneti draws on empirical evidence from specific Belt Road projects and anchors her discussion in the conceptual framework of environmental protection as a super wicked problem.

China’s vision for global environmental governance: notes from the ground

How will societies cope with the rising numbers of older persons and ensure their welfare in the future? How are the pandemic, technological changes, and globalisation affecting the societal compact in ageing societies? How might smaller cohorts of younger persons generate the output required to help support the post-retirement needs of the elderly?  How do we ensure that the retirees’ post-retirement needs are financially supported, in the face of a shrinking tax base of younger working age persons?

In this podcast, Christopher Gee, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Governance & Economy at the Institute of Policy Studies at NUS and Dr Zeewan Lee, Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy discuss the implications of rapid societal ageing on economic productivity and the welfare of the different generations and genders, and the policy options available to address these challenges.

How will societies cope with the rising numbers of older persons and ensure their welfare in the future? How are the pandemic, technological changes, and globalisation affecting the societal compact in ageing societies? How might smaller cohorts of younger persons generate the output required to help support the post-retirement needs of the elderly?&nbsp; How do we ensure that the retirees&rsquo; post-retirement needs are financially supported, in the face of a shrinking tax base of younger working age persons?
In this podcast, Christopher Gee, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Governance &amp; Economy at the Institute of Policy Studies at NUS and Dr Zeewan Lee, Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy discuss the implications of rapid societal ageing on economic productivity and the welfare of the different generations and genders, and the policy options available to address these challenges.

The Future of Work, Welfare and the Social Compact in Ageing Societies

With the rise of woke culture and more widespread awareness of the disadvantages and difficulties faced by minorities, inclusion is turning into a watchword. Many organisations are facing pressure to enact diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) policies. However, such policies have often been interpreted too broadly and applied uncritically.

Universal inclusion, such as through colour-blind hiring strategies, affirmative action through quotas for minorities and a range of accommodations, could have unintended consequences. Such initiatives can result in impractical outcomes for organisations and undermine social cohesion in broader society.

Associate Professor Suzaina Kadir, Vice Dean (Academic Affairs) and Associate Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy welcomes Dr Mathew Mathews, Principal Research Fellow and Head, Social Lab, Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy for a critical discussion about the realities of this complex topic.

With the rise of woke culture and more widespread awareness of the disadvantages and difficulties faced by minorities, inclusion is turning into a watchword. Many organisations are facing pressure to enact diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) policies. However, such policies have often been interpreted too broadly and applied uncritically.
Universal inclusion, such as through colour-blind hiring strategies, affirmative action through quotas for minorities and a range of accommodations, could have unintended consequences. Such initiatives can result in impractical outcomes for organisations and undermine social cohesion in broader society.
Associate Professor Suzaina Kadir, Vice Dean (Academic Affairs) and Associate Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy welcomes Dr Mathew Mathews, Principal Research Fellow and Head, Social Lab, Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy for a critical discussion about the realities of this complex topic.

Enacting sensible inclusion amidst widespread attention to diversity

Global unrest is at record highs today, up to four times greater than any time since the 1950s.  Nationalism, xenophobia, identity politics, and populism all figure prominently now in conversations around the entire world. These confound the world's search for geopolitical security.  By their disrupting economic performance, societies everywhere are potentially falling into a vicious circle of ever-escalating internal tension.  What are the critical points in that chain that policymakers need to understand to break this cycle of disruption?  Where does economic failure fit in society's ill-temper?  How much is economic inequality the problem, how does inequality connect with the loss of social cohesion?

How can we improve social cohesion through applying scientific evidence to better inform policy?  In earlier times inequality was arguably even higher.  What was the basic social bargain then that nonetheless gave everyone a stake in social betterment?  Have modern societies irrevocably broken that implicit covenant? How do we repair this worldwide fall in social trust?

Prof Danny Quah, Dean and Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy joins Assoc Prof Leong Ching, Vice Provost (Student Life) and Associate Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy for an in-depth conversation.

Global unrest is at record highs today, up to four times greater than any time since the 1950s.&nbsp; Nationalism, xenophobia, identity politics, and populism all figure prominently now in conversations around the entire world. These confound the world's search for geopolitical security.&nbsp; By their disrupting economic performance, societies everywhere are potentially falling into a vicious circle of ever-escalating internal tension.&nbsp; What are the critical points in that chain that policymakers need to understand to break this cycle of disruption?&nbsp; Where does economic failure fit in society's ill-temper?&nbsp; How much is economic inequality the problem, how does inequality connect with the loss of social cohesion? How can we improve social cohesion through applying scientific evidence to better inform policy?&nbsp; In earlier times inequality was arguably even higher.&nbsp; What was the basic social bargain then that nonetheless gave everyone a stake in social betterment?&nbsp; Have modern societies irrevocably broken that implicit covenant? How do we repair this worldwide fall in social trust?
Prof Danny Quah, Dean and Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy joins Assoc Prof Leong Ching, Vice Provost (Student Life) and Associate Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy for an in-depth conversation.

How we lost social cohesion through careless economics, and how we can get it back

The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy is marking its 17th Anniversary with a special  podcast series. The series will take up a range of topics under the general theme of "Tackling the grand challenge in individual and social well-being". Topics will include society challenges; the global population; social inclusion; diversity and inclusion; aging demography; cultures, societies and environment; and social cohesion.

<a href="https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/">The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy</a> is marking its 17th Anniversary with a special&nbsp; podcast series. The series will take up a range of topics under the general theme of "Tackling the grand challenge in individual and social well-being". Topics will include society challenges; the global population; social inclusion; diversity and inclusion; aging demography; cultures, societies and environment; and social cohesion.

LKYSPP 17th Anniversary podcast series

Foreseeable is a production of Global-is-Asian, the flagship digital platform of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Each episode we invite one of the school’s public policy experts for a conversation relating to their area of expertise and to find out what they foresee happening in the future.

Foreseeable is a production of <a href="https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/gia">Global-is-Asian</a>, the flagship digital platform of Singapore&rsquo;s <a href="https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/">Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy</a>. Each episode we invite one of the school&rsquo;s public policy experts for a conversation relating to their area of expertise and to find out what they foresee happening in the future.

Foreseeable

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