The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) will become an autonomous research centre at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) in the National University of Singapore (NUS) by early 2008.

At the conclusion of a review that was undertaken over the past few months by the IPS Board of Governors, Chairman Professor Tommy Koh said, "After consultations with various stakeholders of IPS, the Board has come to the decision that the future of IPS would be strengthened by merging with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy." He added, "The main reason for this merger is to embed IPS in a larger institution which can provide the additional resources for its next phase of growth. Through the merger, IPS will be able to expand its research capacity and broaden the areas for critical policy analysis."

Welcoming the merger, the Dean of LKYSPP, Professor Kishore Mahbubani said, "We are confident that IPS’ strength and experience as a think tank would significantly augment our School’s research capabilities, particularly in Singapore-based research. It is a very good strategic fit for both institutions."

Professor Koh said that for the time being, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has agreed to continue as the Patron of IPS, as he has been since its inception. As an autonomous institute within the LKYSPP, IPS will also continue to have its own management board, and maintain its current identity and logo.

IPS was established as an independent think-tank in December 1987 and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2008.

The merger is scheduled to be completed in early 2008.

For additional enquiries, please contact:

Institute of Policy Studies
Ms Chang Li Lin
Public Affairs Manager
Tel: (65) 6215 1021
Email:

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP)
Ms Elizabeth Quah
Director, Strategic Planning
Tel: (65) 6516 8004
Email: