Singapore’s oldest research center of Southeast Asia is planning to start a new research project on how the modern technologies transform the society and the economy in the region, Fortune Times has learned.
Choi Shing Kwok, Director of ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, told a Fortune Times reporter after a commemorative book launch ceremony for the institute’s 50th Anniversary.
The book, called “Light on a Hill: The Story of ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute 1968-2018”, chronicled the 50 years’ development of the Institute.
In a message to the book, Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education, calls the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute the country’s first research center dedicated to the study of the region by scholars from the region, situated within the region.
The Minister’s message also states that before the Institute was established, insights on Southeast Asia were predominantly driven by the western perspectives.
In an interview with Fortune Times, Choi Shing Kwok said that the institute is planning further studies on each of the Southeast Asia nations from the geopolitical, economic and technological perspectives.
“We need to understand as far as technology is concerned,” he said, noting that the new technologies include those emerging in the entire digital revolution.
He said the institute would recruit researchers from the region, especially the regional universities, to form a team that understands technology, sociology, and other areas.
“The purpose of our findings is to help improve the society,” the director said.
He said the institute is still mapping out the detailed objectives of the project.
