NUS partners World Bank on public policy
NUS and the World Bank Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 9 September to engage in collaborative research for the enhancement of public policy effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability. Signatories for the MOU were Mr Jordan Schwartz, Director of the World Bank’s Singapore Hub for Infrastructure and Urban Development, and Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost. The signing at the Asia Competitiveness Institute (ACI) – World Bank ASEAN Economic Forum was witnessed by Guest-of-Honour Mr Ong Ye Kung, Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Senior Minister of State for Defence.
The MOU builds on an earlier partnership agreement between ACI and the World Bank Group in August 2015. ACI is an institute of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY School) at NUS.
Prof Mahbubani delivering his opening remarks at the forum
The latest MOU will see the University, through ACI, work with the World Bank Group to develop public policy ideas and research strategies as well as joint programmes, case studies and publications that address global development challenges. Areas of focus include urbanisation, technology, health, education and trade.
“Our collaboration with NUS is a reflection of both Singapore’s academic excellence and extraordinary practical experience, and our efforts to provide development solutions for the World Bank Group’s client countries,” commented Mr Schwartz. He shared that LKY School was a natural partner, given that tools of financing must go hand-in-hand with public policies that build capacity, efficiency and sustainability. “That LKY School is the only institution in Singapore named after Lee Kuan Yew is even more apt. As Lee Kuan Yew said, we are seeking to establish ‘…a framework within which we can learn, work hard and be productive…’” Mr Schwartz believes that a long-term commitment to collaboration with NUS across curricula could contribute to achieving such a framework.
Prof Tan added that NUS has deep expertise in addressing critical issues that are relevant to Asia, and he hoped the enhanced collaboration would bring about “positive, long-lasting and wide-ranging impact for developing countries and fast-growing cities worldwide and more specifically, in Asia”.
Initial plans for the World Bank Group encompass partnering the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, and Biomedical Institute for Global Health Research and Technology in the areas of healthy ageing and epidemic and pandemic response design. To support the development of smart cities in the region, it will work closely with NUS Design and Environment’s Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities. It will also look into strengthening water management and water security, together with the Institute of Water Policy at LKY School. Other proposed partnerships include joint research projects in data analytics, as well as promoting learning opportunities in support of NUS global education initiatives.
A Steering Committee — comprising representatives from both institutions as well as local experts and stakeholders — will be established to provide overall guidance and supervision.
The MOU signing was followed by an engaging discussion on economic development issues in ASEAN by Chairs of national think tanks in Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. About 200 participants attended the forum jointly organised by ACI and the World Bank Group.
See press release and media coverage.
Delegates from NUS and World Bank enjoying a light-hearted moment during a private discussion
