Study Tours

Study Tour Report: Exploring Singapore’s Global Role

This August, our group of students from Kiyota Zemi embarked on a study tour of Singapore. We were fortunate to visit three organizations at the heart of Singapore’s strategic role as a global hub: the Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO)., and the Embassy of Japan.  We gained a deeper understanding of their  work and Singapore’s relationships with regional neighbors and partners through insightful presentations and discussions. This report summarizes the key details and lessons learned during our educational and cultural immersion into Singapore.

1.   Uncovering Southeast Asia at ISEAS

Our visit to ISEAS, hosted by Dr. Negara and Dr. Lee, offered a glimpse into their independent research shedding light on the inner workings of Southeast Asia. We were able to browse through ISEAS’s expansive library containing over 300,000 volumes on SEA.

We learned ISEAS employs dedicated experts for nearly every SEA country, including emerging scholars from top universities in the region. Researchers emphasized the importance of research, such as speaking the local language fluently to enable nuanced on-the-ground analysis and trust-building with local contacts. By publishing detailed reports, peer-reviewed journals, and timely articles, ISEAS provides rare insights into SEA’s complex political, economic, and social developments.

This visitation highlighted ISEAS’s mission to develop the next generation of regional specialists through graduate scholarships as well. Recipients immerse themselves in one SEA country by studying its language, culture, politics, and history while conducting intensive field research. ISEAS also produces numerous books, in which we were able to look at their bookstore. Online publications are also available. We gained priceless advice from researchers on building impactful academic careers focused on SEA, such as thoroughly reviewing existing literature, verifying data reliability, and narrowing research to manageable areas.

2.   Illuminating Japan-Singapore Ties at JETRO

Our visit to Singapore’s JETRO office was led by lecturer Ms. Honda, who provided insights into the economic and cultural ties between Japan and Singapore. In a presentation, Ms. Honda walked us through data showing Singapore’s rise as a top Asian trade and investment partner for Japan. We learned their economies hold complementary strengths, with Japan providing technology and investment and Singapore offering a low-tax base and Southeast Asian access, as well as cultural aspects, such as Japanese businesses in Singapore and the reception from residents.

Students looked at the economic trends in both countries, including Japan’s aging workforce compared to Singapore’s aging workforce, as well as Singapore’s start-up ecosystem. By comparing indicators, she gave outlooks on risks and opportunities, like Japan’s slowing innovation and Singapore’s resource sustainability challenges, in which the students were able to brainstorm possible ways of improvement.

In a discussion, Singapore’s appeal was presented, such as advanced infrastructure, cosmopolitan culture, and abundant careers. They emphasized the educational and business collaborations underpinning bilateral cooperation. This highlighted the interdependent relationship critical to the ongoing development of Japan and Singapore.

3.   Safeguarding Asian Financial Stability at AMRO

Our visit to AMRO, with a warm welcome by Director Kouqing Li, offered an inside look into their vital role promoting economic and financial stability in Southeast Asia. Students participated in discussions during the presentations by Dr. Ishikawa Mr. Li, Mr. Han, and Mr. Inayoshi.

We learned AMRO was founded after the 1997 Crisis revealed the dangers of over-reliance on insufficient IMF support. The presenters explained how delayed and poorly tailored IMF aid had disadvantaged ASEAN members then. This demonstrated the need for strong regional options like AMRO. At AMRO’s state-of-the-art facility, their economist team leverages analytics to rigorously monitor member economies, detecting risks and opportunities. AMRO can swiftly provide customized emergency currency swaps when a crisis hits.

The presenters emphasized AMRO’s need to expand Japanese expertise on staff to better analyze regional nuances; competitive pay and advanced credentials are required. Our visit highlighted AMRO’s vital capacity building, crisis readiness promotion, and resilience strengthening across Asia.

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In conclusion, this enriching study tour allowed us to engage directly with leading experts across several pivotal Singaporean organizations. We are deeply grateful to ISEAS, JETRO, AMRO, and the Embassy of Japan for their time.

We also would like to express our gratitude for Professor Kiyota for making these visitations possible; the knowledge we gained about Singapore’s strategic importance and relationships will provide guidance for our future academic and professional pursuits.