Note: Registration begins at 12.45 pm and lunch will start at 1.00 pm. You are requested to be seated by 1.50 pm

RSIS BOOK LAUNCH AND LUNCH SEMINAR

“Forward Engagement: RSIS as a Think-Tank of International Studies and Security in the Asia-Pacific”

Edited By
Associate Professor Alan Chong
Coordinator of MSc (International Relations) Programme, RSIS

Guest of Honour
Mr Chan Chun Sing
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore; and
Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress

Welcome Remarks
Ambassador Ong Keng Yong
Executive Deputy Chairman, RSIS

Commentators
Associate Professor Bilveer Singh
Adjunct Senior Fellow, Centre of Excellence for National Security, RSIS; and
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, National University of Singapore

Associate Professor Ang Cheng Guan
Head of Graduate Studies, RSIS

Moderator
Ambassador Barry Desker
Distinguished Fellow, RSIS

Book Abstract:

In many ways, the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) is a microcosm of the Singapore brand of government. The DNA of Singapore’s policymaking is its forward-looking nature. S. Rajaratnam’s trademark is taking the long view while Lee Kuan Yew articulated his wish for leadership foresight and the admiration for ‘helicopter quality’ candidates in policymaking. This was how RSIS’ mission began under the stewardship of the late President S. R. Nathan. RSIS began (as IDSS — i.e., the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies) in 1996 as a form of policymakers’ clairvoyant on security matters. To date, it is Singapore’s ‘frontline’ think tank on Asia-Pacific security, counter-terrorism, inter-religious dialogue and non-traditional security threats. The contributors in this edited volume, Forward Engagement: RSIS as a Think Tank of International Studies and Security in the Asia-Pacific, are the stalwarts of the RSIS mission for the past 20 years and the leading lights for the RSIS of the 21st century. These are their reflections for posterity as well as their forward projections for their quasi-diplomatic and intellectual roles in the service of Singapore’s national security.

An exclusive paperback version of the book will be available during the launch at a discounted price of $75.00 (nett).