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Public Engagement
IPS is often looked upon as the authoritative voice to analyse and dissect local political and social issues. Researchers are regularly tapped on to provide policy recommendations and comments based on evidence-based research. The Singapore Perspectives conferences and other roundtables and forums are widely reported on by the media, and generate insightful discussions about complex topics such as governance and diversity.
The Digital Space
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The digital space remains an invaluable platform in communicating the Institute’s output to the wider public.
This includes the IPS website, which serves as a depository of the Institutes’ research and event records and IPS Commons, a platform publishing commentary by both IPS researchers and external parties, in promoting rational discussion of public policy ideas in Singapore. First launched in 2012, it aims to expand the intellectual space and increase the quality of public engagement on national issues. The IPS Commons webpage was revamped in October 2022 with a new design and layout.
IPS is also active on various social media platforms, namely Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Policy opinions of IPS researchers featured in the news are often shared, along with bite-sized “IPS in the News” visual summaries highlighting key points of opinion editorials written by researchers. Full videos of most conferences and lectures are uploaded to YouTube as well, available for public access.
“A concerted effort has been put in to grow our online presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok. Using colourful infographics and snappy short videos, research findings are broken down into bite-sized nuggets of information so that they are more palatable for the general and younger audience. This also helps to increase the mindshare of IPS in the public space.”
- Ms Liang Kaixin, Associate Director (Communications and Public Affairs)
IPS has also published short video content on TikTok. Still in its infancy, the account has featured excerpts from research projects as well as public lectures.
On Diversity Podcast
A key issue raised during the 2020 General Election was the need for more diversity – in representation, in opinions and in solutions. It has become clear that Singaporeans are becoming more confident about their identities and their right to be heard and considered. Unlike in the past, they are unafraid to speak up against the status quo.
Authentic and impartial conversations are thus more crucial than ever. On Diversity, the first podcast series by IPS, aims to address this need, with each episode centred on an issue in the space of diversity, gleaning insights and views from two unique guests. Issues explored by the podcast in the latest season included sexism, ageism, ableism and racism at work, palliative care for the old and young, and the burnout faced by social workers.
