Media Release
For Immediate Release
For 60 years, SIIA has played an important part as the bridge between the government and society, on international affairs: DPM Wong
Singapore, Tuesday, 22 November 2022: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs’ (SIIA) celebrated its 60th Anniversary Dinner on 22 November 2022 at Fullerton Hotel. The theme for the dinner was “Navigating the World”. The world is going through a period of upheaval and change. Dealing with this “highly volatile and uncertain world’ requires Singapore to take bold steps as we navigate uncharted waters.
The event was graced by Mr. Lawrence Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Singapore’s Minister for Finance. In an address with SIIA’s Chairman, Prof. Simon Tay, issues pertaining to poly-crisis, ASEAN integration and importance of a united, cohesive society were discussed.
Over dinner, DPM Wong highlighted SIIA’s history and role in society – moving Singapore forward as the world and region seek to return to growth after the impact of the pandemic and as changes in global order are emerging.
“For 60 years, SIIA has played an important part as the bridge between the government and society, on international affairs. SIIA’s role is more important as we enter a new era, dominated by politics and geopolitics, and SIIA can play a role to help Singaporeans to understand what our national interests are, and why it matters for Singapore, as such a small country, to stand up for our core fundamental principles.”
SIIA’s object is to bridge across borders and across sectors – engaging not only the government but also businesses, and citizens. With more than 250 participants from a wide range of backgrounds and sectors, the dinner aims to celebrate its 60th anniversary while providing an opportunity to share perspectives for continuous growth and to navigate an ever-changing global order.
In the last decade, the SIIA has been ranked as a leading think tank in ASEAN and the No.1 independent think tank across all of Asia. SIIA’s work focuses on key issues in the politics, economic policy, and sustainability of the region, especially ASEAN.
Since the 90s, the SIIA has been working on the issue of transboundary haze. Their Haze Outlook has now become a reference publication and call to action for governments and other third-party actors. Two decades later, The SIIA initiated the first-ever survey on Green Finance in Singapore with the UN, working with the encouragement of the MAS to position Singapore as a green finance hub.
During times of crises, the SIIA stepped up. The SIIA brought in key stakeholders together, across borders and across sectors, especially the private sector. Following the Asian Financial Crisis, the SIIA advocated the effort to Reinvent ASEAN in 2001 and welcomed the Declaration in 2003 to establish an ASEAN Community. During the pandemic, the SIIA was the knowledge partner for the Emerging Stronger Taskforce, convening New Horizons dialogues among business leaders to consider the future of Singapore’s economy, post-COVID-19. This approach distinguishes their flagship events – the ASEAN and Asia Forum (AAF), and the Sustainable Dialogue for Sustainable World Resources (SDSWR).
On looking ahead, Prof. Simon Tay mentioned, “As Singapore and our region respond to the poly-crisis, the SIIA stands ready to contribute. As it evolves, we will continue to assist our people in understanding the key issues and responding to the risks and opportunities that arise. As our country ushers in a new generation of political leaders, we will do our part to support this transition. Going forward, we will seek to broaden our engagement, especially among the emerging generation of private sector leaders and professionals—those in their 30s and 40s. We hope to contribute to greater social cohesion and deeper and broader public understanding.”
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Established in 1962, the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) is a non-profit and independent think tank committed to producing policy analysis, fostering in-depth dialogues and bridging gaps between policymakers, private sector decision-makers and experts to shape public policy and social responses. Centred around ASEAN focused themes, the institute aims to deliver policy analysis in international affairs and on issues driving environmental sustainability. The SIIA has been consistently ranked as one of the leading think tanks in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, in the Global Go To Think Tank Index by the University of Pennsylvania. Since 2017, the SIIA was ranked the No. 1 independent think tank in Asia. It was also recognised as one of the top 50 think tanks globally, excluding the United States of America. For two consecutive years since 2019, it was recognised as the No. 1 think tank in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific (excluding India). In 2020, it was also recognised as one of the think tanks with the best policy and institutional response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
