Singapore Institute of International Affairs

The Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) is a Singaporean research institute and think tank which focuses on international relations, especially in ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific (APAC). The Institute conducts research, hosts events, and plans conferences that deal with pressing issues in international affairs. It is the oldest think tank in Singapore, being founded in 1961.[1]

Singapore Institute of International Affairs
AbbreviationSIIA
Formation1961
TypeResearch institute, think tank
Chairman
Simon Tay
Websitewww.siiaonline.org

Overview

SIIA is a non-government organization (NGO) and considers itself dedicated to the research, analysis and discussion of regional and international issues. The institute aims to make Singapore a more cosmopolitan and global society through research, policy work and public education on international affairs. It is a membership-based organization.

Members

The current Chairman of the SIIA is Professor Simon Tay, a professor of law at the National University of Singapore (NUS), and former Chairman of Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) Prior to Tay, the SIIA was chaired by Lau Teik Soon, former Member of Parliament who helped organize and implement the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies network (ASEAN–ISIS), of which the SIIA is a founding member. In 2005, former Singaporean president S R Nathan became the SIIA’s first Honorary Member.

Research

The SIIA's conducts research for the benefit of its members by working with experts across the spectrum of society, from public officials to academics to businessmen. The goal is to provide insight into a variety of perspectives that span different countries, industries, and interests.

The SIIA has produced numerous influential reports, conferences, and recommendations, such as the recommendation for the ASEAN Regional Forum, now known as the leading forum for multilateral dialogue in Asia regarding security concerns. Other initiatives include recommendations for an ASEAN Economic Community, dialogues for a growing regionalism in East Asia, and an assembly for non-governmental organizations and community groups in ASEAN.

The SIIA also convenes an annual Asia Pacific Roundtable, as well as conferences, symposium and dialogues pertaining to timely, challenging issues.[2]

Research Foci

Current subjects for research include ASEAN, and Regionalism, as well as extensive work looking at relations between Asian countries and the United States. The SIIA also does work concerning the environment, climate change, and energy issues, and is in the process of organizing a conference that deal with energy security and nuclear energy in August. The Institute has done some work on anti-corruption measures, as well as transparency in government, and continues to support efforts to increase regional and global dialogues on pressing issues.

ASEAN–ISIS

SIIA was instrumental in the founding of the ASEAN Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN–ISIS) in Bali in September 1988. The association is the preeminent vehicle for Track II diplomacy in South East Asia. Its purpose is to encourage cooperation, coordination, and engagement among stakeholders and policymakers, as well as scholars and analysts in ASEAN, to work toward the sustained security and stability of South East Asia.[3]

Events

The SIIA holds conferences, events, and conversations with leading members of both the public and private sector relevant to Singapore and the rest of Asia.

Recent speakers include:

  • Kurt Campbell, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.[5]
  • Abdulaziz Aladwani, Ambassador, The Embassy of the State of Kuwait.[6]

References
  1. "Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)". Archived from the original on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2011-06-10.
  2. "Singapore Institute of International Affairs: Research at the SIIA". Archived from the original on 2012-03-11. Retrieved 2019-02-19.
  3. Ball, Desmond and Kwa Chong Guan. "Assessing Track 2 Diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific Region, A CSCAP Reader" (PDF). Singapore: Strategic & Defence Studies Centre and S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-03-01. Retrieved 2013-11-16.
  4. "SIIA Private Meeting with Secretary William Cohen, Co-Chairman of the CSIS US ASEAN Strategy Commission". Archived from the original on 2012-03-11. Retrieved 2019-02-19.
  5. "SIIA Private Meeting over Coffee with Dr. Kurt Campbell, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs". Archived from the original on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2019-02-19.
  6. "Dinner Dialogue hosted by H.E. Abdulaziz Aladwani, Ambassador, The Embassy of the State of Kuwait". Archived from the original on 2012-03-11. Retrieved 2019-02-19.
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