MAS-ESS Essay Competition: "The Future of Singapore: What new industries could sustain and grow Singapore's economy and create good jobs?"

On 15 February 2023, the Economic Society of Singapore (ESS) held a Post-Budget Panel Discussion at Voco Orchard Singapore, following DPM and Minister of Finance Mr Lawrence Wong’s delivery of Singapore’s FY2023 Budget Statement on 14 February 2023. A distinguished panel of experts was invited to discuss and share their views on this year’s Budget named ‘Moving Forward In A New Era’.

Hear from Prof Lee Soo Ann as he shares insights on the role of higher education in driving Singapore’s economic growth. Prof Lee has taught in the University of Malaya in Singapore and its successor, the University of Singapore as well as the National University of Singapore. He was the Economic Adviser to the United Overseas Bank and was on the board of two of its subsidiary companies, He sat on the board of other companies (Jurong Town Corporation, the Port of Singapore Authority, the National Productivity Board, and the board of trustees of the University of Singapore. Through years of research, teaching, and administrative services, Prof Lee has a bird’s eye view of the Singapore’s economic growth over the last seven decades!

Advancing social good has increasingly been a key objective of societies globally. This complex goal is a multifaceted one, including creating a just and fair meritocracy, lifting vulnerable socioeconomic groups, ensuring retirement adequacy, increasing labour market mobility, tackling environmental problems, empowering people through education and training, promoting financial freedom, enhancing access to healthcare, and more.

This year, the award was presented to the recipients by Mr Lawrence Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Singapore during the Singapore Economic Policy Forum held at Regent Singapore on 18 October 2022.