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Singapore's successful delayed development has been the result of a strategic political resolve to "catch up", translated into action by a competent and incorruptible bureaucracy. Changes in the initial global and local conditions now present challenges to governance for further development. This paper argues that policy environment will require a bureaucratic elite that is capable of handling a proactive process of problem-definition and tackling the abstract issues of distributive justice in public policy. This paper weighs the merits for Singapore, of the models of the ideal-typical, rules-driven Weberian bureaucracy, the goals, a performace-driven technocratic bureaucracy and the model of a values-driven bureaucracy that views itself as a civic agency. The paper draws on survey material on the role orientation of bureaucratic elite in Singapore to suggest directions that this might take in the evolving developmental state. (AJPS/DÜI)

Examines development of the Public Service under the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) government, since the 1960s; focusing on the Administrative Service as the elite section of the bureaucracy. Highlights the Public Service for the 21st Century (PS21) initiative.

Civil society activists are now in open disagreement with citizens and sometimes, other civil society groups. Gillian Koh and Debbie Soon explore how that horizontal relationship might develop.

"How can social cohesion be achieved in a meritocratic and multicultural global city-state? Meritocracy poses a paradox: integrating groups on one hand through frameworks of equal treatment and opportunity regardless of race, language or religion, but also segregating them through academic sorting, unequal rewards for merit, elite identification and bonding then, after a generation, social stratification. Distinctive circles, differentiating social elites from non-elites emerge. The remedy the authors propose is network diversity: the deliberate and organic forming of ties across class and other social boundaries. This social mixing, forged in social infrastructure such as schools, workplaces, and voluntary associations pays off by producing the collective goods of national identity and trust. In particular, they analyse the importance of developing bridging forms of social capital built on social relationships. An insightful read for scholars and practitioners in public policy and social network analysis looking to understand the challenges faced by and the solutions that have emerged form Singapore's unique system"--

"Between 2000 and 2010, Singapore witnessed a huge influx of foreign migrants. The proportion of permanent residents in the total population increased from 7% to 11%, while the share of non-resident foreigners has risen from 19% to 25%. This was as much the result of the spontaneous movement of labour to economic opportunities, as it was of active policy direction by the Singapore government. The social impact, both beneficial and disruptive, of this movement was felt at all levels of society, and brought other attending public policy issues to the fore. Taking a multi-disciplinary approach, this book examines the social, economic, and political issues that have arisen with the influx of foreigners in Singapore since the turn of the 21st century. Drawing on empirical research, it documents the impact of increasing levels of immigration, and provides an analysis of the longer-term implications of these trends, with each chapter covering a different aspect of socio-cultural, political, or economic outcome arising from intercultural contact and adaptation. The contributors also provide policy suggestions to ensure Singapore continues to be a harmonious nation and a cosmopolitan and vibrant global city"--

"Set within the context of growing political pluralism and the increasing use of new communication technologies for social mobilisation, the Institute of Policy Studies organised a national conference on civil society in November 2013. This collection of the essays that were presented at or inspired by the conference provides nuanced analyses of the development of the sector in Singapore since the Institute's first such conference held in 1998. The first section of the book discusses the different philosophies and approaches that underpin how civic activists engage with the State; the second section examines some key forces of change that are re-shaping the sector; and, the third section sets out some emerging issues facing it. Combining insights from experts and civic activists themselves, this book proposes an agenda for the future development of the civil society in Singapore."--Publisher's website

The report is based on selected findings from a survey of a random sample of 1.054 Singapore citizens and permanent residents on issues of political participation in Singapore. It is set within the context of a discussion on whether the political culture, once viewed to be passive, is changing and whether people feel that they have any influence at all in the governance process. The Singapore government has also, over the past decade, attempted to open channels of feedback and consultation on public policy to invite greater participation. The report seeks to ascertain if people felt that these channels were indeed accessible and adequate, and whether they were willing to use or had ever used them to express their views on public policy. A third set of issues in the report revolves around whether people were willing to serve in government-related and non-government-related organisations as modes of political participation and community involvement. (As J Pol Sc/DÜI)

"This book aims to celebrate the many contributions of Professor Tommy Koh as a Singaporean diplomat, public intellectual and social changemaker. It is an account of the ideas and ideals of an extraordinary Singaporean public servant who was not only born with the talent and ability to traverse many areas of society, but one who, when given the opportunity, had the drive and ambition to make the most of it to create a better world for Singaporeans and the global community. Experts in the various fields of endeavour and people who have worked with him examine his significant contributions in essays that are organised in four main sections: Diplomacy and International Relations; Arts, Culture and Heritage; Progressive Society; International Law; and a fifth section that features tributes contributed by his colleagues and former classmates. Set in the context of Singapore — a nation known for its socio-economic progress, its ability to punch above its own weight in international relations, as well as its increasing appreciation for heritage, the arts, and sustainable development — this book illustrates the power of the individual and sense of agency that can create the systems and structures to achieve all those things. The story of Professor Tommy Koh as captured in this book should energise other change agents to go out and create the progressive, inclusive and sustainable world they want. An inspirational collection for general readers, this book reflects the spirit of Singapore's pioneer generation whose determination and tenacity turned the nation into the modern-day miracle that Singapore is today."--Publisher's website.