Singapore to establish Social Science Research Council by mid-2015

The government will establish a new national Social Science Research Council (SSRC) by the middle of 2015, to provide direction and support for social science research in Singapore.

The high-level council will comprise prominent local and international academics, who will recommend strategies and measures to promote a portfolio of social science research - with a focus on areas that meet Singapore's future needs and those of other societies in Asia.

The move was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Wednesday evening, at the Ngee Ann Kongsi 170th Anniversary & SG50 Celebration Dinner.

Said Mr Tharman: "New challenges will require fresh perspectives and new approaches in public policy. Social science research can contribute to public policy, especially as policy choices become more complex, or the trade-offs in each policy become sharper. A healthy and robust dialogue between policy-makers and academics can bring new and useful ideas."

The SSRC will spearhead efforts to strengthen needs-driven research that benefits Singapore's social and economic development.