Different approaches to common problems

THE twin issues of immigration and labour are often inextricable and this is more evident in the case of small nations such as Switzerland and Singapore. In this regard, there are many lessons that the two nations can learn from each other and these opportunities are being explored through mutual exchanges and discussion.

For example, after an inaugural seminar in 2013 held in Singapore, a second session was held in Zurich last year. Organised by two think tanks - Singapore's Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) and Switzerland's leading think tank for economic and social issues Avenir Suisse, the discussions centred on three policy areas: migration and integration, governance processes and urban planning.

These have come into sharp focus in the respective countries for different reasons and the seminar was attended by senior representatives from Avenir Suisse and policymakers and researchers from Singapore and IPS.