ETHOS Issue 15
June 2016
Last updated 30 July 2026
ETHOS Issue 15, June 2016
This issue explores the increasingly complex and diverse online and offline communities the public sector has to navigate and operate in; the challenges and possible pitfalls the public sector should be aware of even as it takes firmer steps towards more purposeful engagement and collaboration. Contributors to this issue including leading thinkers Professor Paul C. Light and Dr Catherine Dieschi, and veteran social commentators Professor Paulin Straughan and Ms Bertha Henson.
Editorial
by Alvin Pang
Of the key constituents of society, the public sector is the most directly accountable, through the various institutions of state and the political process, to the people and the national good.
Intentional Public Engagement: The Next Phase of Government-Citizen Relations
by Yeoh Chee Yan
Public engagement in Singapore should become more purposeful, meaningful and integrated across traditional institutional and sectoral boundaries.
Engaging Citizens in the Digital Age
by Cindy Tan
As public engagement grows online, the Public Service will need a strong social media policy that integrates both online and offline strategies as well as mindset and role shifts in service delivery to truly reap the benefits of social media.
When the Government Goes Online
by Bertha Henson
A veteran journalist and editor believes the government should rethink its strategy for communication and engaging online.
Communicating to Our Pioneer Generation
by Lai Szu Hao
The launch of the Pioneer Generation Package demonstrated new ways to understand, inform, engage and serve Singaporeans on the ground.
Public Communication and Engagement in China: Lessons for Singapore
by Tan Li San and Lim Chee Kia
The Chinese government is exploring new media strategies to engage a public more willing and able to express themselves online.
The Challenge of Public Communications
Reviewed by Vernie Oliveiro
Speechless: A Year in My Father’s Business By James Button Melbourne University Press, 2012 (version reviewed; updated edition published August 2013); 256 pp.
Narratives and the Institutional Imagination
by Catherine Fieschi
Political scientist Catherine Fieschi argues that every country needs a good tale to help it adapt to change while maintaining a sense of collective identity
Race ... or Erase?
by Ngiam Siew Ying
Does race continue to be relevant in modern, diverse Singapore?
Making Public Policy Relevant for Bicultural Families in Singapore
Interview With Paulin Tay Straughan and Kharuna Zainal
A conversation with noted sociologist Paulin Tay Straughan offers insights on Singapore’s growing social diversity and its implications for bicultural families and social policy.
The Nature of Public Trust in Government
Interview with Paul Light
A veteran scholar explores the nature of public trust in government and its impact on public policy and service delivery.
Survey of Fairness Perceptions in Singapore Public Policy
by Khanh Do and Sharon Tham
A survey finds that the perceived fairness of public policies in Singapore varies according to the socioeconomic groups affected.
Uniquely Singapore, Uniquely CPF
by Heidi Chan, Eng Soon Khai and Laura Lim
Singapore’s pragmatic approach to social security has led to the development of a unique system that does not readily adhere to international benchmarks.
Risk-Ready Leadership
Ethos roundtable with Nikhil Seth, Stephanie Foster and Said Faisa
Three distinguished participants from Singapore’s 8th Leaders in Governance Programme share insights on how the public sector can embrace a more complex and uncertain world.
Discover more ETHOS issues
Explore our ETHOS collection for more insights on public service and governance.