FICA: Assurances to academics are welcome, but concerns remain
The Government has promised that FICA will not obstruct normal academic activity. Its statements do not allay such fears completely.
The Government has promised that FICA will not obstruct normal academic activity. Its statements do not allay such fears completely.
ACADEMIASG EDITORIAL — The proposed law will complicate academic collaborations and deepen self-censorship while weakening universities’ resistance against malign interference.
CHUA BENG HUAT argues that the features that have made for its success have also generated tensions and contradictions which are not easily resolvable.
NG KOK HOE (National University of Singapore) draws on his experience of conducting homelessness research to illustrate the value of social policy research as a way to scrutinise the state’s actions, hold decision-makers to account, and advocate for change.
Historian LOH KAH SENG and physician HSU LI YANG, authors of a new book on Singapore’s past pandemics, argue that history, governance and science should work better with one another in the next one.
Appendix to Mai Sato’s analysis of government research on the death penalty.
MAI SATO reviews Singapore studies that purport to show that capital punishment enjoys public backing and is an effective deterrent. Sato finds these studies provide weaker evidence than claimed.
It is tempting to blame candidates and voters when Presidential Elections get too heated and threaten the dignity of the office. But the fault lies mainly with the system. Kevin Tan (National University of Singapore) and Cherian George (Hong Kong Baptist University) call for an overhaul.
CHRISTOPHER TREMEWAN (University of Auckland) reflects on the enduring ideas in the collection of 1980s essays, A Shift in the Wind. Tremewan suggests that current controversies may be signs that a system that protects ruling elites from robust checks and balances has run its course.
LINDA LIM and TEO YOU YENN argue that gains from attracting ultra-high-net-worth individuals are overstated. The benefits of private philanthropy are outweighed by forgone tax revenues and distract from the state’s responsibilty to look after its citizens.