Singapore Perspectives 2018

Together

Singaporeans enjoy one of the longest lifespans in the world today. Singapore is also one of the most rapidly ageing societies in the world. Given these population trends, business and workers, individuals and families will experience significant changes in the way they work, play and organise their lives together.

This book is a collection of speeches presented at Singapore Perspectives 2018 by leading thought leaders and eminent speakers on how our economic, political and social institutions can best adapt to and manage a rapidly ageing population. Contributors to this book tackle the urgent need to shape mind-sets, policies and decisions today for the best outcomes for current and future generations.

Contents:

• Preface (Janadas Devan)

• Acknowledgements

• Introduction:

  • Harnessing Singapore's Longevity Dividends: The Generational Economy, Society and Polity (Christopher Gee)

• PANEL I: The Singapore Economy: Ageing yet Dynamic?:

  • Economic Dynamism Amidst Demographic Change (Ravi Menon)
  • Redesigning Jobs for Our Silver Age to Drive Our Thriving Economy (Sean Tan)

• PANEL II: The Singapore Community: Solidarity not Contention:

  • The Future Politics of Ageing (Chan Heng Chee)
  • Creating a Golden Age for Ageing: Opportunities We are Missing (Laurence Lien)

• LUNCH DIALOGUE:

  • Ageing with Vigour (Teo Chee Hean)

• PANEL III: Singaporeans Living Longer: Asset or Liability?:

  • Longevity and Social Welfare in Singapore (David Canning)
  • Misconceptions that Frame Singaporeans Living Longer as a Liability (Kanwaljit Soin)

• PANEL IV:

  • Dialogue with Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat: Strategic Planning for Singapore's Future (Heng Swee Keat)

• About the contributors

• Annex:

  • Singapore Perspectives 2018 Background Paper

Readership: Students, academics, policy makers, corporate sector officials and civil society activists, and general public interested in Singapore.
Key Features:

• The contributors to the book include experts in related fields: Professor Chan Heng Chee, Mr Ravi Menon, Mr Laurence Lien, Dr Kanwaljit Soin, Professor David Canning and Mr Sean Tan
• The dialogue sessions by Deputy Prime Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean and Finance Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat carry the central theme of how our mindsets, policies and institutions can adapt to an ageing population
• The book will include a full report on a survey of 2,000 Singaporeans' perceptions of three key issues pertaining to the nation's demographic trends — the use of national reserves, the intergenerational compact, and immigration