Singapore's Policy Style

What is it about?

This article discusses Singapore's unique style of policy-making, focusing in particular on its statutory boards. Operating as semi-autonomous public agencies, statutory boards allow the Singapore government to implement a wide range of policies through various direct and indirect channels. Importantly, statutory boards tend to implement policies that may not fall neatly within their jurisdictions, allowing the government to take what is known as a 'whole-of-government' approach to policymaking.

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Why is it important?

Given Singapore's reputation for policy efficiency and effectiveness, this article provides a closer look at what exactly makes Singapore's model of policymaking tick. Furthermore, statutory or quasi-government organisations are a key feature of policymaking in many Asian states. This article alludes to a unique Asian policy style that differs from existing understandings of governance and policy that are based on the context of Western developed nations.