Singapore Institute of International Affairs ranked best independent think-tank in Asia

Singapore

THE Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), Singapore's oldest think-tank, has been ranked the best independent think-tank in Asia for the second year running in the 2017 Global Go To Think Tank Index released earlier this month.

Globally, it came in at 24th, one spot higher than the previous year.

The index defines independent think-tanks as those which are autonomous in their operation and funding from government.

SIIA was also named as the top think-tank in Asean in the category of "Top Think-Tanks Worldwide (US and non-US)".

It was 69th worldwide, up from 83rd in the previous year.

This achievement comes at a time when Singapore assumes the chair for Asean.

Associate professor Simon Tay, who is the chairman of SIIA, said: "We are humbled to be recognised as the Asean voice on international issues, and we will continue to contribute ideas and analysis of Asean's progress in meeting challenges and responding to key mega trends felt in the region and globally."

Other Singapore think-tanks that were in the top 100 of the same category include the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) and Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS).

The Brookings Institution from the US topped the category.

The 11th edition of the Global Go To Think Tank Index drew the participation of some 7,500 think-tanks and more than 8,500 journalists, policy-makers and donors worldwide.

The index ranks think-tanks based on a plethora of criteria such as the commitment of their leadership, quality and reputation of their staff as well as their research.