Political Economy Briefing: Singapore Inc - Recent Debate on Transparency and Accountability Reflects Shifts in Political Economy

Briefing on concerns at Singapore's sovereign wealth fund and on its public finances. 

• Temasek portfolio SGD198 billion; reports an average annual return of 17% for 35 years vs Singapore stock returns averaging less than 8%. Over 20 years, returns of 16% in SGD.
• GIC portfolio estimated near SGD 390 billion; annualised rolling 20‐year real rate of return of 6.8% in USD.
• RECENT DEBATE ON TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY REFLECTS SHIFTS IN THE POLITICAL‐ECONOMY?
• Singapore’s reserves are managed by three agencies – GIC, Temasek & the Monetary Authority of Singapore

Download here: POLECBrief_Temasek_Aug12

Political Economy Briefing: MENA Uprisings - Key Issues

The Middle East North Africa uprisings have been spreading fast. What implications do they have for Southeast Asia? We focus on the issue of youth unemployment and underemployment. 

• An era of vulnerability, with soaring commodity prices
• Ageing regimes face political unrest, deadly protests
• Youth unemployment and social media play a key role, but protests spread to include all

Download here: POLECBrief_MENA Uprisings_Jan11