Global-is-Asian #14

WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT: PRESENT SITUATIONS, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

IMPROVING WATER POLICY AND GOVERNANCE Editors Cecilia Tortajada, Asit K Biswas

Editors Asit K. Biswas, Cecilia Tortajada, Rafael Izquierdo The global attention in recent years has focused primarily on water quantity and allocation issues.

Water quality has received significantly less attention than water quantity. Commendable progress has been made by the developed world to control point sources of pollution, but commensurate progress in reducing non-point sources has not been made. In the third world countries both point and non-point sources of pollution are becoming increasingly a serious concern.

Publisher: Routledge ISBN: 978-0415688857

Old forms of governance in both public and private sectors are becoming increasingly irrelevant because of rapidly changing conditions. Because of these changes, both governance processes and the scope of the institutions through which power is exercised throughout society may have to undergo a radical break with the past and prevailing models of governance.

Publisher: Routledge ISBN: 978-0415606288 Buy online: http://amzn.to/L1dpTj

Buy online: http://amzn.to/LgVMMo

ATM BULLETIN #16: JAKARTA’S POOR AND STRATEGIES FOR DEFUSING VIOLENCE AND PROTECTING MIGRANTS

RISING TO THE TOP? A REPORT ON WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP IN ASIA Author Astrid S. Tuminez

Authors Taufik Indrakesuma, Nicola Pocock, Johannes Loh

To outsiders, Jakarta is a shining example of Indonesia’s development. But to its poor, Jakarta presents a very different picture. Jakarta’s poor live in the scattered pockets of urban slums and witness a very different side of the city. To the poor, Jakarta is a city where basic services are out of reach and decent job opportunities are scarce. Despite their best efforts, they struggle even for minimum subsistence. How can a city growing so fast leave so many behind?

“Rising to the Top” presents published data on gender equality and women’s leadership in Asia. Compiled

by Astrid Tuminez, Vice Dean of Research at the Lew Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, the report finds while women have made significant advancements in health, education and employment, they continue to lag their male counterparts in reaching leadership positions costing the region US$89 billion a year in lost productivity.

Read online: http://bit.ly/N6sODt

Read online: http://bit.ly/JYkwGO

PDF download: http://bit.ly/L1p83b

PDF download: http://bit.ly/LTYuVo

Dean’s provocations

35 The rise of Asia: will it be sustainable?

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37 Towards a sustainable business model

Seeking sustainable growth in Asia

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Managing Editor Claire Leow, claireleow@nus.edu.sg Editor and Writer Melanie Chua, melaniechua@nus.edu.sg Designer Chris Koh,

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Port archaeology to unlock secrets of history

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Of peace, remembering, and kindness

10 Infrastructure and technology failures: the human dimension 12 The cases of Bo Xilai and Chen Guangcheng highlight the necessity for political reform

chris.k@nus.edu.sg

Focus

39 Preparing for and responding to disasters in Asia: opportunities and challenges for the international humanitarian system Executive Education 42 Quis custodiet ipsos custodes: who guards the guardians?

43 Public sector service and management for the government of Botswana

14 Securing the world’s water future

44 Non-Profit Management Programme for the 21st Century

Editorial Advisor Astrid S. Tuminez

17 Will water woes lead to war? Freshwater scarcity in the Middle East

45 Distinguished Fellow Lee Kuan Yew awarded highest honour

Editorial Office Research Support Unit (RSU) Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy 469C Oei Tiong Ham Building, Singapore 259772

20 Clean-up of the Singapore River: before and after

Research sojourn

Illustrators Paul Lachine (inclusive of cover) and Laertis Limnidis

To offer feedback on, or contribute an article to Global-is-Asian, please email GIAlkyschool@nus.edu.sg Global-is-Asian is available free online at http://www.spp.nus.edu.sg/global-is-asian.aspx No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Managing Editor. © 2012, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS. Global-is-Asian is published quarterly.

The views and opinions expressed in this publication reflect the authors’ point of view only and not necessarily those of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS. ISSN 1793-8902

Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi • 8

23 Community participation in water and sanitation projects: a story from Greater Yangon 25 Murky waters: corruption in practices in Asia’s water industry 28 Making Bengaluru’s Water Supply and Sewerage Board financially sustainable 29 Impacts of large dams

46 Public policy and disaster management in Asia 48 Women’s leadership in a changing world Shrink wrap 49 On the move 50 Scholars without borders 53 The dirty business of sand

In-depth

53 Accolades

31 Locating the rise of Indonesia: is the great power status possible?

54 In memoriam: Richard Descoings, the late Director of Sciences Po Paris

Cleaning up the Singapore River • 20

Impacts of large dams • 29

Asia, onwards and upwards • 35

Remembering Richard Descoings • 54

SEEKING SUSTAINABLE growth in Asia

by Kishore Mahbubani

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peaking in Singapore in 1999, just as Asia was barely recovering from the Asian financial crisis, the Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen could still boldly say, “Asia, I would argue, is a great source of understanding and knowledge about the process of development in general. A fuller analysis of Asia’s achievements and problems is a good way of assessing the demands and challenges of development itself. Asia has had a variety of experiences, including extremely successful ones, in different fields.” If Amartya Sen could say this in 1999, his observation probably holds more truth in 2012 as we watch most Asian countries grow steadily while both America and Europe struggle to come out of the Western financial crisis of 2008/9.

Providing an opportunity to learn the lessons from Asia’s successes (and failures) is one reason why the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy was set up. As part of its core mission of educating the next generation of Asian leaders, the School aspires to become a major research centre on the key challenges that Asian countries face.

Hence, this “double” issue of Global-is-Asian and The Water Leader is particularly appropriate.

It illustrates well the variety of experiences that the Asian countries have faced in development.

It is also particularly appropriate that this

Dean’s provocations

Image: bestarnyr

“double” issue is being circulated at the “triple” summit being held in Singapore in June 2012: the Singapore International Water Week, the World Cities Summit, and the CleanEnviro Summit.

This “triple” summit symbolically demonstrates the important need for the Asian countries to address this fundamental question: is Asian growth sustainable? It is not a secret that many in the West believe that Asian growth is not sustainable. They believe, for example, that as Chinese and Indians aspire to have as many cars per capita as the Americans do, that the consequent increase in greenhouse gas emissions would have dramatic consequences for the planet. While this is true, the more relevant question is how to persuade Chinese, Indians and other Asians to have fewer cars while achieving the quality of life they see exemplified by the West at its peak?

This is where Singapore’s development experience may be relevant to other Asian countries and indeed to the rest of the world. Matt Miller, a well-known Washington Post columnist, said this on May 2, 2012: “Singapore thus stands as the leading modern example of how development as pragmatic problem-solver can dramatically improve people’s lives. This ethos has virtually disappeared from U.S. governance at the national level.” In the area of “sustainability”, one good

place to look at how Singapore can help the glo- studies of the Asian development experience, bal debate is to look at “The Singapore Green including the Singapore experience. We also Plan 2012” on how it conceives economic growth aspire to learn from others. to be aligned with environmental sustainability.

This is therefore the main message of this This commitment to environmental sustain- column: the Asian development story is still ability explains how Singapore, despite being the not well-understood, either in Asia or in the rest most densely populated country in the world after of the world. The last three decades, especially Monaco, is able to achieve an enviable level of since both China and India started their ecobiodiversity and also preserve about two-thirds nomic reform programmes, have seen spectacuof her land area for water catchment. An equally lar success stories as well as major stumbles. The remarkable development is the creation of the ASEAN countries also need to step up their infraDeep Tunnel Sewerage System. Eighty kilome- structure development. tres of tunnels deep underground use the force of It is the hope of the Lee Kuan Yew School that gravity to convey used water to water reclama- this “double” publication, together with the other tion plants, where the water undergoes treatment research output of the School, will also provide before being discharged out to sea, five kilometres many learning opportunities. As Amartya Sen from the shore. Once this system is ready, it will said in his 1999 lecture, “Indeed, even the study free up substantial tracts of land for further use. of the problems and difficulties that the region has Even though Singapore has enjoyed many encountered can be a rich source of understanding successes in sustainable development, it has of the demands of the process of development. also had its share of failures. The floods that hit Development strategies for Asia do, of course, Orchard Road, Singapore’s primary shopping have a specially local relevance, but ultimately district, provided a rude shock that the best-made they also have extensive global interest.” plans cannot guarantee constant success. New challenges will always emerge. Hence, both the Kishore Mabhubani is the Dean of the Lee successes and failures of Singapore need to be Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the studied as carefully. One of the key goals of the National University of Singapore. His email is Lee Kuan Yew School is to produce more case kishore_mahbubani@nus.edu.sg · Apr–Jun 2012 · 5

to unlock secrets of history

by John N. Miksic

Port archaeology is an underdeveloped field. A rare opportunity has emerged for Singapore with a project to dredge the Singapore River for a temporary diversion to build a subway line. John Miksic is not missing this opportunity to gain insights into the history of this vital stretch of Singapore’s lifeline. For most of Singapore’s history, the Singapore River provided the main reason for her existence.

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ort archaeology is an underdeveloped field.

Riverbeds have never been systematically explored in any part of the world, and unless something is done, this source of information about the past will be lost forever. It is likely that a major proportion of Southeast Asia’s archaeological heritage lies on riverbeds. In the past few years, the Melaka River in Malaysia has been dredged without detailed archaeological study, and in the Indonesian city of Palembang, Sumatra, the antiquities market has recently been flooded by a wide range of items, including Chinese porcelain from the ninth centuries, local pottery, and a wide range of metal items including statuary, coins, and jewellery recovered by fishermen from the bed of the Musi River. No systematic archaeological research has ever been conducted under the Musi.

Riverbeds and harbours as heritage sites A 14th-century celadon found at the Parliament House Complex: Chinese lid for a jar.

Port sites pose special challenges to archaeology. Stratigraphy is rarely well-preserved.

The oldest dated boat in Southeast Asia was Environmental problems include floods, tides, rouletted ware made in South India during 200 tsunamis, rapid sedimentation and erosion, river B.C.–200 A.D. In southern Thailand, the island discovered in a riverbed at Pontian, Pahang, course change, and human activity such as con- of Khao Sam Kaeo has yielded evidence of port wrote Evans, I.H.N. in 1927 in “Notes on the struction of piers and warehouses, which are activity from as early as the third century B.C. remains of an old boat from Pontian, Pahang,” in often built of temporary materials subject to Oc-èo in south Vietnam was Southeast Asia’s Journal of the Federated Malay States Museums. rapid weathering, constant repairs, and other largest port of the early historic period span- Radiocarbon analysis revealed that the trees used ning the third to early seventh century A.D. It to build the ship were felled between 260 and 430 alterations.

The most common artifacts found at ports are was investigated in the 1940s, and again in the CE (1657±60), Manguin wrote in “Palembang pottery fragments and organic materials. Large 1990s, as documented by Manguin, P.-Y. and Vo and Sriwijaya: an early Malay harbour-city redisquantities of such remains are needed to draw Si Khai in “Excavations at the Ba Thê/Oc Èo covered” in Journal of the Malaysian Branch of complex (Viêt Nam): a preliminary report on the the Royal Asiatic Society, in 1993. accurate statistical inferences about the past.

In 2010, the Malaysian government allocated The few ports studied in Southeast Asia include 1998 campaign” in Southeast Asian Archaeology Sembiran in north coastal Bali, Indonesia. These 1998. Some organic remains were fortunately a sizeable quantity of funds for research at an ancient port in southern Kedah. Displayed in the include important finds such as Romano-Indian preserved in the swampy flood-prone area.

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Late Ming porcelain shards, Empress Place.

Bujang Valley Museum are a number of well-pre- (http://bit.ly/LFO4hJ; accessed 30 August 2011). converted into an exit for the Central Expressway served wooden hulls from waterlogged sites there. This website and its archaeological research in 1988. Spanning the 14th to 19th centuries, the In northeast Sumatra at Kota Cina, near the reports give important recognition to the identi- artifacts included many organic materials such as mouth of the Deli River, abundant remains fication of wetlands as a focus of archaeological toothbrushes made of bone, which had been preof entrepot activity of the late 11th through research. served by burial in the mud where oxygen-loving mid-13th century were recovered, including organisms could not attack them.

Chinese coins and pottery, local ceramics, and The potential for Singapore Pulau Saigon also unearthed 19th century wooden house posts. In southeast Sumatra’s In Singapore, numerous sites of 14th-century porcelain; they give the best insight yet into swampy lowlands, a port of the period 1–500 activity along the Singapore River have been the lives of Chinatown’s early inhabitants. Also AD had been located at Karangagung, between studied. In 1998, the intertidal zone at Empress found were flint nodules from Britain, which the Musi and Batanghari rivers, as reported by Place was excavated. A wide range of ceramics were no doubt brought to Singapore as ballast.

Endang Sri Hardiati Soekatno in the 2002 paper, from the Yuan and Ming dynasties, metal objects, The bed of the Singapore River can still yield "Catatan tentang temuan manik-manik dari situs and organic materials including wooden poles, important remains from the colonial and preKarangagung, Sumatera Selatan" presented to which had perhaps been used for tying up boats, colonial periods. The plan for a temporary Pertemuan Ilmiah Arkeologi IX in Kediri, and shells, and bones of numerous species were diversion of the Singapore River for new tunnel

by Erwan Suryanegara bin Asnawi Jayanegara among the artifacts recovered. Some of these are construction provides a unique opportunity for et al., in 2008, in Kerajaan Sriwijaya, to Dinas exhibited in the Asian Civilisations Museum’s such research. Such a project could pose addiPendidikan Provinsi Sumatra Selatan, Palembang. River Gallery; others will be shown in the tional problems such as when one were to find Many artifacts such as beads and gold had Raffles Museum of Biodiversity when it reopens the remains of a ship of the nineteenth century been looted from the site. However, jewellery, in 2014. Unique objects found there included or earlier, raising the question of how to prebronze and glass bangles, pendants, and pre- an Indonesian style lead statue of a man on a serve the timber. Research in this area could set served house pillars found in excavations indi- horse, a bronze spear point, and Chinese porce- a precedent for the study of ancient port sites, cate that a large settlement existed here, dated lain made around the time of Admiral Zheng He and could add important information to our by radiocarbon to be 220–440 CE, according to voyages. Parliament House Complex (excavated knowledge about early Singapore, and maritime Manguin when he wrote “The Early Maritime between November 1995 and January 1996) and trade.

Polities” in the 2004 book, Southeast Asia from Old Parliament House Building (excavated in 2002) yielded evidence of copper working near John Miksic is Associate Professor, Prehistory to History.

The discovery of this site inspired Nurhadi the banks of the river.

Department of Southeast Asian Studies/ The Pulau Saigon site in the Singapore River Head, Archaeology Unit, Nalanda-Sriwijaya Rangkuti, the head of the archaeological office for South Sumatra, to establish a website devoted was not excavated, but artifacts were collected Centre, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. to the development of Wetland Archaeology from the construction site when the island was His email is seajnm@nus.edu.sg · Apr–Jun 2012 · 7

Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi poses for photographers at the Bodleian Libraries after receiving an honorary degree at Oxford University in Oxford, northwest of London, on June 20, 2012.

OF PEACE, REMEMBERING, and kindness Extracts of the lecture by Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, in Oslo on June 16, 2012. A prisoner of conscience, the Lady received the Nobel Peace Prize 21 years after it was awarded to her, when she was under house arrest in her homeland.

Image: BEN STANSALL/AFP/GettyImages

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ften during my days of house arrest it felt as though I were no longer a part of the real world. There was the house which was my world, there was the world of others who also were not free but who were together in prison as a community, and there was the world of the free; each was a different planet pursuing its own separate course in an indifferent universe. What the Nobel Peace Prize did was to draw me once again into the world of other human beings outside the isolated area in which I lived, to restore a sense of reality to me. This did not happen instantly, of course, but as the days and months went by and news of reactions to the award came over the airwaves, I began to understand the significance of the Nobel Prize. It had made me real

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once again; it had drawn me back into the wider perishing forever in senseless attempts to capture … If I am asked why I am fighting for demochuman community. And what was more impor- nameless, unremembered places. And for what? racy in Burma, it is because I believe that demotant, the Nobel Prize had drawn the attention Nearly a century on, we have yet to find a satis- cratic institutions and practices are necessary for of the world to the struggle for democracy and factory answer. the guarantee of human rights…

Are we not still guilty, if to a less violent human rights in Burma. We were not going to The peace of our world is indivisible. As long degree, of recklessness, of improvidence with as negative forces are getting the better of posibe forgotten.

To be forgotten. The French say that to part regard to our future and our humanity? War is tive forces anywhere, we are all at risk. It may be is to die a little. To be forgotten too is to die a not the only arena where peace is done to death. questioned whether all negative forces could ever little. It is to lose some of the links that anchor Wherever suffering is ignored, there will be the be removed. The simple answer is: “No!” It is us to the rest of humanity. When I met Burmese seeds of conflict, for suffering degrades and in human nature to contain both the positive and migrant workers and refugees during my recent embitters and enrages. the negative. However, it is also within human A positive aspect of living in isolation was capability to work to reinforce the positive and visit to Thailand, many cried out: “Don’t forget us!” They meant: “Don’t forget our plight, don’t that I had ample time in which to ruminate over to minimize or neutralize the negative. Absolute forget to do what you can to help us, don’t forget the meaning of words and precepts that I had peace in our world is an unattainable goal. But it we also belong to your world.” When the Nobel known and accepted all my life. As a Buddhist, is one towards which we must continue to jourCommittee awarded the Peace Prize to me they I had heard about dukha, generally translated as ney, our eyes fixed on it as a traveller in a desert were recognizing that the oppressed and the iso- suffering, since I was a small child. Almost on fixes his eyes on the one guiding star that will lated in Burma were also a part of the world, they a daily basis elderly, and sometimes not so eld- lead him to salvation. Even if we do not achieve were recognizing the oneness of humanity. So for erly, people around me would murmur “dukha, perfect peace on earth, because perfect peace is me receiving the Nobel Peace Prize means per- dukha” when they suffered from aches and pains not of this earth, common endeavours to gain sonally extending my concerns for democracy or when they met with some small, annoying peace will unite individuals and nations in trust and human rights beyond national borders. The mishaps. However, it was only during my years and friendship and help to make our human comNobel Peace Prize opened up a door in my heart. of house arrest that I got around to investigating munity safer and kinder.

The Burmese concept of peace can be the nature of the six great dukha. These are: to be I used the word ‘kinder’ after careful delibexplained as the happiness arising from the ces- conceived, to age, to sicken, to die, to be parted eration; I might say the careful deliberation of sation of factors that militate against the harmo- from those one loves, to be forced to live in pro- many years. Of the sweets of adversity, and let nious and the wholesome. The word nyein-chan pinquity with those one does not love. I exam- me say that these are not numerous, I have found translates literally as the beneficial coolness that ined each of the six great sufferings, not in a reli- the sweetest, the most precious of all, is the lescomes when a fire is extinguished. Fires of suffer- gious context but in the context of our ordinary, son I learnt on the value of kindness. Every kinding and strife are raging around the world. In my everyday lives. If suffering were an unavoidable ness I received, small or big, convinced me that own country, hostilities have not ceased in the far part of our existence, we should try to alleviate there could never be enough of it in our world. north; to the west, communal violence resulting it as far as possible in practical, earthly ways. I To be kind is to respond with sensitivity and in arson and murder were taking place just sev- mulled over the effectiveness of ante- and post- human warmth to the hopes and needs of others. eral days before I started out on the journey that natal programmes and mother and childcare; of Even the briefest touch of kindness can lighten has brought me here today. News of atrocities adequate facilities for the aging population; of a heavy heart. Kindness can change the lives of in other reaches of the earth abound. Reports of comprehensive health services; of compassionate people. Norway has shown exemplary kindness hunger, disease, displacement, joblessness, pov- nursing and hospices. I was particularly intrigued in providing a home for the displaced of the earth, erty, injustice, discrimination, prejudice, bigotry; by the last two kinds of suffering: to be parted offering sanctuary to those who have been cut these are our daily fare. Everywhere there are from those one loves and to be forced to live in loose from the moorings of security and freedom negative forces eating away at the foundations of propinquity with those one does not love. What in their native lands. peace. Everywhere can be found thoughtless dis- experiences might our Lord Buddha have under… sipation of material and human resources that are gone in his own life that he had included these Ultimately our aim should be to create a necessary for the conservation of harmony and two states among the great sufferings? I thought world free from the displaced, the homeless and of prisoners and refugees, of migrant workers the hopeless, a world of which each and every happiness in our world.

The First World War represented a terrifying and victims of human trafficking, of that great corner is a true sanctuary where the inhabitants waste of youth and potential, a cruel squandering mass of the uprooted of the earth who have been will have the freedom and the capacity to live in of the positive forces of our planet. The poetry of torn away from their homes, parted from families peace. Every thought, every word, and every that era has a special significance for me because and friends, forced to live out their lives among action that adds to the positive and the wholeI first read it at a time when I was the same age strangers who are not always welcoming. some is a contribution to peace. Each and every We are fortunate to be living in an age when one of us is capable of making such a contribuas many of those young men who had to face the prospect of withering before they had barely social welfare and humanitarian assistance are tion. Let us join hands to try to create a peaceful blossomed. A young American fighting with recognized not only as desirable but necessary. I world where we can sleep in security and wake in the French Foreign Legion wrote before he was am fortunate to be living in an age when the fate happiness. killed in action in 1916 that he would meet his of prisoners of conscience anywhere has become death: “at some disputed barricade;” “on some the concern of peoples everywhere, an age when Extracted from "Aung San Suu Kyi - Nobel scarred slope of battered hill;” “at midnight in democracy and human rights are widely, even if Lecture". Nobelprize.org. 21 Jun 2012. Full some flaming town.” Youth and love and life not universally, accepted as the birthright of all. speech: http://bit.ly/LKGSN8 · Apr–Jun 2012 · 9

the human dimension

by Bill Durodié

The recent breakdowns on Singapore’s modern mass transit system serve to identify some general lessons for all societies handling infrastructure failures—as well as highlighting the significant human dimension to what often appear to the authorities as mere technical issues.

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n 15 and 17 December 2011 the Singapore often presented, accessed and controlled through subway system—operated by SMRT highly detailed web portals that sometimes Corp.—suffered two significant breakdowns. appear to require a PhD in bureaucratic jargon to These were just the first in a recent series of fail- read and decipher.

This is not to say that detailed information ures, affecting about 200,000 passengers, some of whom were stranded on carriages without should not be made available, but rather that it lighting or air-conditioning for more than an is crucial to remind ourselves that ultimately, it is ordinary people—not processes—who hanhour.

The jury is still out regarding the ultimate dle such matters, just as it is, on the whole, ordicauses of these, as the inquest into them—involv- nary people who are the first to have to deal with ing various expert witnesses—is still underway. emergencies.

One of the woes of living in such a successNevertheless, even at this early stage, it is possible to discern an interesting dimension to what ful and highly educated, command-and-control, happened—at least from a human perspective— city-state such as Singapore, is that it is all too which may not be explored through the inquiry easy sometimes for the technocrats who control process if it sticks to understanding the issues everything to forget that ultimately all their good intentions and plans are mediated through people. solely from a technical perspective.

This is true in all circumstances and of all counMuch of the emphasis thus far in the discussion has revolved around assessing whether there tries. Singapore has only been chosen as an examwere the necessary processes and plans in place ple because it is both contemporary and apposite.

The culture of not questioning rules-based systems to prevent these incidents.

However, as some of the foreign experts have may also be somewhat more acute there. revealed in their contributions to the inquiry, far from there being a lack of planning, there was Communication versus conviction probably too much of it, resulting in SMRT’s During this emergency it was clear that many Rail Incident Management Plan (RIMP) being SMRT staff wanted to help. But it appears they were hampered by a lack of initiative—including too detailed and in their opinion, too confusing. caution over breaking or bending the rules—and constrained by poor communications.

People versus process None of these are technical failures to be Anyone who has lived in Singapore will probably recognise how many of the most basic activi- redressed merely through better training or a ties—such as paying taxes, buying a car, and a new public address system. It may be that there whole host of public information services—are is something more profoundly embedded in the 10 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

Singaporean education system, or culture, that militates against developing initiative.

This is certainly not something one can be trained for, but rather something that osmoses into people through observing the benefits gained by others—including their leaders—from seizing the initiative or taking risks.

Certainly, the only individual to have publicly taken some quite dramatic action on the day—the man who smashed a window to help get some ventilation going for people struggling to breathe in a confined cabin after calls for help went unheeded—remains the one most criticised by some of the responsible authorities to this day.

The same is true of communication. This does not just emerge from having taken a university course in public relations and media management, but rather reflects a passion and commitment to a cause—or corporation—notable by its relative absence here.

Others have already noted that, in trying to prepare itself for all eventualities, including understandable—if possibly inflated—concerns as to the possibility of a terrorist attack, SMRT lost sight of the more likely and obvious problems, including its basic operational responsibilities.

It is not just the shift in attention from the mundane and the mainstream to the exotic and extreme scenarios that is an issue here although we should note that drift is often neglected by organisations today through a growing obsession with possible threats as opposed to probable risks.

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Image: TOC News

A breakdown in the SMRT Circle Line in April 2012.

Postures versus purpose We have also learnt recently that the former chief executive of SMRT had been extremely successful in enhancing the profitability of the business by increasing the revenue from new advertising hoardings placed around the network, as well as by maximising income from retail space at subway stations.

The lesson here is that a business or institution should never lose sight of its primary purpose, in this case running an underground rail network as efficiently and as safely as reasonably possible.

One final lesson can be drawn from the deluge of public anger—primarily expressed on-line— that has been criticised by some as having been wholly out of proportion to the magnitude and consequences of what actually happened.

This simmering desire by the citizenry to use such an incident to vent their spleen and pent-up frustrations over all manner of issues—including what are widely perceived to be distant and aloof civil servants—speaks not of any technical problem that SMRT needs to be looking into, but rather of a public that feels isolated and

overlooked in the race to turn Singapore into a Enlightenment classic, ‘On Liberty’, more than world-leading, and indeed world-beating, 21st 150 years ago—the philosopher John Stuart Mill century city. advised those in authority that “the perfection This latter is not something that is in the gift of machinery to which it has sacrificed everyof SMRT to resolve—or even address—con- thing, will in the end avail it nothing, for want of cerning, as it does, how some Singaporeans the vital power which, in order that the machine see themselves in relation to their country as a might work more smoothly, it has preferred to whole. Nevertheless, it may be something that banish.” the inquiry should at least consider.

He concluded, “A state that dwarfs its men Fortunately for Singapore, one other factor will soon find that with small men, no great thing often found associated in dealing with such dif- can ever be achieved.” ficulties elsewhere, was relatively absent due to the forward-facing, technology-embracing, out- Bill Durodié is Professor in the School of look that still predominates there.

Peace and Conflict Management of Royal But it may only be a matter of time before Roads University, Canada’s University for the profoundly anti-human, anti-progress out- Working Professionals, based in Victoria, look—reflected through Hollywood blockbusters British Columbia. Previously he was Senior such as Armageddon, The Day After Tomorrow, Fellow in the S. Rajaratnam School of Contagion and countless others—and continu- International Studies at Nanyang ously expressed and reinforced through books, Technological University, Singapore. He spoke journal articles, media commentary, expert opin- on the Human Dimension of Technology ion and government policy, imposes a negative Failures on May 15, 2012 at the Harvard-NUS cultural narrative that only serves to make the conference on Disaster Management in Asia, handling of minor emergencies harder still. held at the Lee Kuan Yew School. His email is Little wonder then that in closing his bill.durodie@royalroads.ca · Apr–Jun 2012 · 11

Bo Xilai was a political heavyweight, and Chen Guangcheng was a human rights activist. They are two completely different men on seemingly opposite trajectories. Yet their fates have combined to generate a political crisis in China.

The ‘Dark Glasses’ campaign calls Chinese citizens and people around the world to express their concern and support for the human rights activist Chen Guangcheng.

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Image: ichenguangcheng.blogspot.sg

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for political reform

by Huang Jing

F

irst of all, the two cases have demonstrated illegal detention and persecution by local authorithat the rule of law in China is a façade, con- ties had drawn global attention, and the use of cealing a rampant abuse of power by the Chinese thugs to violently expel those who came to visit Communist Party (CCP) cadres. A rising politi- and support Chen had become a public scandal. cal star, Bo was widely expected to enter China’s Revealingly, not only was the party leadership supreme policymaking organ, the CCP Politburo unable to address the illegal acts of local offiStanding Committee, at the 18th Party Congress cials, but the detention of Chen and his family late this year. But it turns out that he had ruth- also exposed the vested interests among various lessly gotten rid of anyone or anything in his way, government agencies and interest groups. Indeed, leaving a record of gross violations of the law if the CCP could not even keep its cadres in line during the 20 years he had served in a multitude with the law as well as the party’s own disciof senior positions from Governor of Liaoning plines, how could it govern the nation?

Third, Bo’s scandal and Chen’s redemption Province to Minister of Commerce and Party Secretary of Chongqing, the mega-city of south- were first spread through informal channels via western China. Chen, a blind human-rights activ- the Internet only to be “confirmed” by a few lines ist, had been persecuted and imprisoned under from the official statement. It is absurd that the trumped-up charges. After his jail terms, he and CCP’s propaganda agencies are trying to block his family had been placed under illegal deten- the transmission of well-known facts even as tion by the local authorities until his escape on a various elite groups are leaking so-called “inside stories” or spreading misinformation to manipurainy night in April.

Since China embarked on the path of reform late public opinion and advance their own games. in late 1970s, it has become a national consen- While the “rumours” are increasingly flourishing, sus that the rule of law is essential for China’s the government’s propaganda remains tellingly development as well as the legitimacy of the boring, making substantial damages to the credCCP’s rule. Although Bo’s and Chen’s cases dif- ibility of the CCP leadership and political system.

Last but not least, the two cases have revealed fer distinctly, together they have shaken the very foundation of the party-state as people begin to a deep division among the topmost leaders, with question the party’s commitment to, and ability substantial policy implications for China’s future.

To be sure, power struggles and policy disputes to, implement the rule of law.

Second, the two cases have cast serious doubt spark leadership splits in virtually all countries. over the governance of the CCP and whether the But the CCP political system can hardly handle CCP leadership is capable of managing rank-and- leadership splits, especially when they become file cadres. Bo’s gangster-like behavior was not public. The nature of the CCP’s single-party unknown, yet it did not hinder his stratospheric rule—under which political power is monoporise in the political system, becoming one of only lised and the policymaking process is centralised 25 elite members of the CCP Politburo. Chen’s and exclusive—rests upon the unity of the party

leadership, or at least a facade of it. All the political crises in China since the CCP came to power in 1949––the Gao (Gang)-Rao (Shushi) incident in 1954, the toppling of Peng Dehuai in 1959, the launch of the Cultural Revolution in 1966, the Lin Biao affair in 1971, the arrest of the Gang of Four in 1976, the ouster of Hu Yaobang in 1986, and the Tiananmen crisis in 1989––were triggered by leadership divisions. Although the “collective leadership”––a system established in 1990s to ensure that decisions are based on a consensus of topmost leaders––has improved the regime’s capability of preventing leadership division, it has not changed the nature of the CCP political system, hence its vulnerability to major differences among the ruling elites.

As the CCP prepares for the 18th Party Congress at which a new generation of leaders will come to power, the ongoing political crisis caused by the Bo and Chen cases has again demonstrated the absolute necessity of meaningful political reform. Otherwise, as Premier Wen Jiabao has said on several occasions, the party-state will find itself at a “dead end”, with a catastrophic impact on China and the world at large.

Only through political reform can China’s development and stability be sustained. After all, modernisation will inevitably give rise to popular demand for political participation. This has been the experience of every other country which has successfully modernised and created an educated middle class. Moreover, an economy driven by market forces demands the rule of law to function, and that cannot be reasonably established without a transparent and inclusive policymaking process. Ironically, the more successful the CCP is in promoting the economic development that underpins its legitimacy, the stronger will be the popular demand for greater political participation, which threatens its existence Serious political reform––to restructure political institutions to increase political participation and move towards greater political pluralism–– cannot neither be achieved overnight nor without costs. The time has come for the Chinese leadership to map out a serious and long-term plan, and act accordingly. In this sense, the Bo and Chen cases provide a precious opportunity. But it would take real courage and vision to seize it.

Huang Jing is a Professor and Director of Centre on Asia and Globalisation (CAG) at the Lee Kuan Yew. He is an internationally recognised expert on Chinese politics, China’s foreign relations and security issues in Asia-Pacific. His email is spphj@nus.edu.sg · Apr–Jun 2012 · 13

Image: Paul Lachine

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SECURING THE WORLD’S WATER FUTURE

by Asit K. Biswas

The water sector will meet its greatest challenges from non-water related sectors and issues. Asit K. Biswas highlights key factors affecting the turning tide.

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he predominant view at present is that the and Organisation for Economic Co-operation world is facing a water crisis in the foresee- and Development (OECD).

The overall focus of the Forum was on soluable future that previous generations did not confront. Just typing “water crisis” in Google search tions of water and water-related problems of topics on the Internet will bring 15,800,000 the world. However, as is normal for water and entries. Discussing water crisis is now the “fla- other development sectors, the main focus at the Forum was on the water problems of the recent vour of the month”.

To what extent is this view correct? In order to years and to what extent have these problems answer the question, the Lee Kuan Yew School of been solved, how they were solved, what lesPublic Policy of Singapore, Third World Centre sons could be learnt from these solutions and for Water Management of Mexico, Middle East the potential to replicate the model. There was a Technical University of Ankara and International dearth of discussion over the future of the world’s Water Resources Association organised a spe- water beyond 2025. There is no question that the cial session of eminent water personalities dur- water profession is missing the future.

Lawrence Peter once said, “An economist ing the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille in March 2012, attracting 25,000 participants from is an expert who will know tomorrow why the 180 countries to make it one of the most well- things he predicted yesterday didn’t happen today.” In terms of predictions, most professions, attended water meetings ever held.

The session was organised at the invitation of including water, are not very different. While the World Water Council, and was co-chaired by forecasting the future in an extremely difficult the author and Dogan Altinbilek of the Middle task, one issue can be predicted with complete East Technical University. Among the eminent certainty—the world in two decades will be participants were the Chief Executives of Veolia vastly different to what is today.

The water sector is an integral component of Water, the leading European water and waste water management company, Singapore’s utility the global system and thus would not be immune PUB and Xylem Inc., a specialist in water tech- to these changes. However, unlike earlier times, nology, and very senior executives from con- many of these changes will originate from nonsumer companies Nestlé SA and Coca Cola Co. water sectors and non water-related issues on

which the water sector will have no, or at most, limited say or control. Thus, water management beyond 2025 will become an exceedingly complex task and this complexity can only increase with time.

For the water sector, there will be many drivers of change, some known but others unknown.

Since these drivers are not mutually exclusive, their interactions will often contribute to changes that mostly will be very difficult to predict. Even for the known drivers, it would not be easy to predict their overall societal impacts in terms of timings of their onsets, magnitudes and temporal and spatial variations.

For instance, the potential effect of population and urbanisation could be very different to what are being considered today. Linear extrapolation of past trends will give misleading views of the future. Take population. At present we do not know what would likely to be the effect of ageing on water demand in the Asian countries.

By 2030, China will have more elderly people than the entire population of the United States at present. The implication of such rapid increases in elderly population in terms of water quantity and quality management is basically unknown, and this is sadly an ignored topic.

The second category of drivers would concern how economic growth and advances in science and technology might affect patterns of water use and consumption as well as wastewater generation and treatment. This category of factors has seldom been considered explicitly in policy formulation.

The third category of drivers that is being · Apr–Jun 2012 · 15

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Achieving food, energy and environmental security would require good water governance on a long-term basis.

completely ignored evolve around issues such as globalisation, free trade, migration between countries and within countries, communication and information revolution, diseases such as HIV/AIDS, changing planning and management paradigms, increases in people’s aspiration and rapidly evolving social attitudes and perceptions.

They will affect water use and availability patterns directly or indirectly.

and even harder to manage. What is certain is that they will continue to have major impacts on the countries where they occur.

Another uncertainty will come from accelerating energy demands due to the economic growth of the emerging Asian countries. These are happening on a scale previously unthinkable. Their implications for the water sector are at present only partially appreciated and understood.

A major uncertainty of the future will arise from changing food habits. As the standard of living of tens of millions of Asians improves, their food habits and dietary patterns will change.

Higher meat consumption will have severe implications on water capacity as raising livestock requires significantly more water to produce than a vegetarian diet.

management of these resources. Achieving food, energy and environmental security would require good water governance on a long-term basis. The common requirements for all practical responses must include greater and more efficient investments; use of more knowledge, technology and expertise; eschewing dogmatic and/or solutionin-search-of-a-problem approaches; functional institutions; and intensified cooperation and coordination between sectors as well as within countries and between countries.

During the next two decades, policy makers would have to juggle regularly with the competing, conflicting and changing needs of water for different purposes and by various stakeholders, as well as to coordinate effectively the increasing needs of concurrently assuring water, energy, food and environmental security in order to maximise human welfare. Water will be one of the important common threads that will bind all the four concerns.

The question of whether the world would face a water crisis is moot, given how water is being managed as a resource today. Poor water management will increasingly become a serious constraint for the development of many nations and also a serious constraint to a good quality of life.

Better management practices, coupled with rapid advances in technology, may lead one to be cautiously optimistic of the world’s water future.

Increasing uncertainties Various types of uncertainties will make reliable water policy formulation in the future a very difficult task. A major uncertainty will stem from speculation over how climate change might affect Asian countries. The risks of facing growing number of extreme weather conditions and catastrophes are high. Their social economic and environmental impacts are expected to increase 21st century challenges As the 21st century progresses, the water profeswith time.

Water-related natural disasters such as floods, sion is facing a problem the magnitude, extent droughts and tsunamis can disrupt the normal and complexity of which no previous generaprocess of economic development. Even earth- tion had to face. The profession at present faces quakes have major water implications. For two stark choices. It can either carry on as example, during the Kobe earthquake of Japan before with a business-as-usual and incremenin 1995, more people died due to fire rather than tal attitude and endow future generations with the earthquake because access to water was cut a legacy of poor water governance and a plethoff. Developing countries which are already fac- ora of partially resolved water-related problems, ing serious resource and capacity constraints will or accelerate efforts to identify, understand and be forced to divert their limited resources from then efficiently manage the likely problems of planned development activities to immediate the future.

All the major issues facing the world are Asit K. Biswas is a Distinguished Visiting relief and rescue operations because of such disasters. This may set back their development plans increasingly interrelated. The dynamics of the Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School and the human future would not be determined by any Founder of the Third World Centre for Water by years.

For example, the World Bank estimated that one single issue such as water. Increasing pop- Management, Mexico. He received the Stockholm Thailand floods of 2011 inflicted damages of US ulation, urbanisation, globalisation and lifting Water Prize in 2006, which is the equivalent of $45 billion, with long-term development impli- standards of living require more food, energy the Nobel Prize for work related to water. His cations. Such uncertainties are hard to predict and other raw materials, as ever-more efficient email is akbiswas@thirdworldcentre.org 16 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

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WILL WATER WOES LEAD TO WAR? FRESHWATER SCARCITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

by Matthew Isaac Weiss

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regional water-related antagonisms that inten- to its economic well-being, Israeli tanks swung sified and became flashpoints of international into action during March 1965 and shelled the conflict in the past. Between 1974 and 1975, Syrian engineering equipment at the diversion Syria and Iraq came close to trading blows over site, bringing the project to a screeching halt. water in the wake of the construction of sev- The hostile Israeli response raised Arab-Israeli eral dams by upstream Syria. These projects tensions to a fever pitch and was one of the consharply curtailed the flow of Euphrates River flict spirals that led to the outbreak of a fullwater across the Syrian-Iraqi border at a time of blown war in 1967. well-below-average rainfall, placing the livelihoods of three million Iraqi farmers in jeopardy. Catalyst for cooperation Iraq and Syria massed troops on their mutual Alternatively, one might argue that it is precisely border, and the two states were headed on a col- the vitality of water to human and economic wellision course until Saudi Arabia stepped in as a fare and its preciousness as a natural resource mediator and secured the release of additional that make water a likely catalyst for cooperation, Euphrates River water from Syria’s al-Tabqa even when relations are otherwise permeated by conflict. Tellingly, even as Israeli/Palestinian Dam. An even more intense dispute over water relations deteriorated with the onset of the second resources occurred in the mid-1960s, when Palestinian intifada (uprising) in 2000, the repreIsrael and the neighbouring Arab states clashed sentatives of the Israeli/Palestinian Joint Water over a plan authorised by the Arab League to Committee, against all expectations, continued to divert the headwaters of the Jordan River out of meet and coordinate their hydrological projects Israeli territory. The intent of the diversion was and activities with each other. This in fact was to frustrate Israel’s plans to make its integrated the only joint committee created by previous national water delivery system operational interim Israeli/Palestinian peace agreements and set back its economic development pros- which functioned continuously throughout the Bitter conflict, brittle cooperation International concerns over the conflict poten- pects and ability to absorb Jewish immigrants. conflict. Additional cases of water-related cooptial of freshwater resources are fueled in part by Viewing the Arab move as an existential threat eration in the region include the Israeli-Jordanian

hether international river basins become a source of cooperation or conflict is a question over which many millions, if not billions of lives and livelihoods hang in the balance. In no other region is this question more pressing than in the Middle East where a water crisis of dire proportions looms. Relentless population growth, the accompanying increase in demand for water for both domestic and agricultural uses, and the exploitation of water resources well beyond the rate at which they can be replenished by natural processes do not bode well for the future water security of the region. The World Bank estimates that annual per capita availability of freshwater in the region dropped by two-thirds between 1960 and 1995. Dramatically underscoring this picture of a region under exceptional water stress is the fact that all of the nine countries globally whose annual water demand exceeds their annual renewable water supply are located in the Middle East, as Peter H. Gleick wrote in his 1993 article, “Water and Conflict: Fresh Water Resources and International Security”.

· Apr–Jun 2012 · 17

Image: Paul Lachine

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peace treaty, signed in 1994, which included a prohibitively expensive or difficult for some network of specialised United Nations agencies water annex, and the Agreement for the Full Middle Eastern states to develop. At a mini- which oversee various aspects of worldwide Utilisation of the Nile Waters in 1959 between mum, states must possess the capital, technical water management should significantly increase expertise and abundant sources of cheap energy their transfer of innovative water-saving techEgypt and Sudan.

Growing water scarcity, however, poses required to power desalination plants. Jordan nologies to water-scarce Middle Eastern nations. a significant obstacle to the effectiveness and and Yemen are at an extreme disadvantage in Drought-resistant seed varieties, drip irrigation durability of existing water-sharing agree- this respect, because any desalinated water must systems that deliver water directly to the root ments. Jordanian-Israeli hydro-political rela- be pumped to high elevations where population zones of plants (and thus dramatically reduce tions were strained to the breaking point when centres such as Amman, Sana’a and Ta’izz are water loss and evaporation associated with surIsrael announced plans (which it ultimately located, a non-starter for such impoverished face irrigation techniques), and other technolabandoned) to curtail the supply of agreed- states. This raises the more general point that ogies designed to maximise agricultural outupon water quantities to Jordan in the midst of states well endowed with water resources (e.g., put per unit of water utilised (‘more crop per a severe drought in 1999. One of the challenges Turkey and Lebanon), and affluent oil-exporting drop’) should constitute central components of for future water-sharing endeavors is to devise states (e.g., the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait such efforts. A push to disseminate these techtransparent and equitable procedures for shar- and Saudi Arabia) can better negotiate barriers nologies should be complemented by concerted ing the burden of reduced water supplies during to water availability than capital-deficient states efforts by the international community to make droughts and other water-related crises, a fea- such as Jordan and Yemen. them more affordable to small-scale farmers. ture conspicuously absent from the JordanianProgress towards this goal can be achieved in Climate change and water stress Israeli peace treaty. part through the expansion of microcredit facilFurthermore, a growing body of scientific ities offering extended loan repayment periresearch shows that human-driven climate ods for purchases of water-thrifty agricultural Grounds for optimism?

To what extent can constraints on freshwater change is bound to take an especially heavy toll inputs. International donor assistance also has availability be managed or their consequences on developing regions least able to cope with a role to play in enhancing the capacity of the alleviated to prevent water-related concerns water stress, especially the arid Middle East. states of the region to cope with climate changeand antagonisms from becoming flashpoints Global warming is expected to generate a host driven shocks to water availability. However, of future conflict in the Middle East region? of severe consequences impacting on freshwa- initiatives should be appropriately tailored to ‘Environmental optimists’ argue that it is the ter availability, including decreased precipita- the unique hydrological, demographic, social lack of technological capacity or imagination, tion and runoff in the tributaries of major rivers, and economic conditions of individual Middle rather than any naturally occurring deficit, that reduced yields for major food crops, heightened Eastern nations. is chiefly responsible for critical shortages of irrigation requirements stemming from higher water resources in regions such as the Middle temperatures and increased rates of evapora- Acute imbalance East. While water resources may be limited, tion, and saltwater intrusion of coastal freshwa- Rapid population growth and growing housethe capacity of human ingenuity to solve press- ter aquifers due to rising sea levels. Aggravating hold and urban water needs, coupled with inhering challenges such as water scarcity is infinite. the impact of climate change on the Middle East ent limits on the carrying capacity of natural They emphasise that economic development can region is the absence of timely and robust insti- water supplies, suggest that the current imbaldampen resource competition at both the domes- tutional responses to past and present water cri- ance between the demand for and supply of tic and international level, as highly developed ses. In periods of drought, national water agen- available water resources in the Middle East countries are in a better position to innovate or cies and authorities in countries as diverse as will only become more acute in the future. absorb the technologies necessary to more effi- Israel, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Bahrain have Despite formidable constraints, there is room ciently exploit or expand the supply of available delayed taking resolute action until plummeting for improvement in managing scarce water water supplies in aquifers and reservoirs have resources more efficiently. Of equal urgency is resources. reached critical levels, as observed by Jeannie crafting a regional conflict management frameSowers, Avner Vengosh, and Erika Weinthal work capable of mitigating the tensions and disObstacles to improved water management While environmental optimists furnish a use- in their 2011 article, “Climate Change, Water cord that inevitably result from conflicting ful corrective to exaggerated predictions of Resources, and the Politics of Adaptation in claims to scarce water resources. Progress looming ‘water wars’, many Middle Eastern the Middle East and North Africa”, published towards these objectives requires effective colstates simply lack the technological and finan- in Climatic Change. Despite piecemeal efforts laboration between the international community cial capacity or geographical advantages to to enhance the capacity of water-specific insti- and the water-stressed states of the region. mount an effective, sustained, and comprehen- tutions in the Middle East in recent years, their However wealthy donor countries and specialsive effort to overcome water resource scarcity. ongoing weaknesses do not inspire much confi- ised water agencies, with their abundance of There is an upper limit to the degree to which dence that they will be able to adroitly address resources, technology and know-how, must take states can escape their water woes through the challenges water shortages pose to the region the lead in bringing innovative solutions to the table. either large-scale engineering solutions aimed at for the foreseeable future. expanding and diversifying available resources or via cutting-edge water-saving technologies Remedies for water scarcity Matthew Isaac Weiss is a Research Fellow at the designed to foster conservation. Desalination, As a spur to water conservation efforts, the Middle East Institute, National University of often touted as a magic bullet solution, can be wealthier countries of the Global North and the Singapore. His email is meimiw@nus.edu.sg · Apr–Jun 2012 · 19

A street restaurant along the river in Singapore in 1957.

Image: Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

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CLEAN-UP OF THE SINGAPORE RIVER: BEFORE AND AFTER

by Yugal Kishore Joshi, Cecilia Tortajada and Asit K. Biswas

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or more than a century after the British settled in Singapore in 1819, Singapore River and its banks were the focal point of all global and regional trade passing the island. Trade was actually the basic reason for the British colonisation of the island, and the river was the physical centre of the town as great bulk of goods traded in the settlement was handed in its banks, resulting into a flurry of economic but also social activities.

With time, flourishing trade brought not only wealth but also problems with respect to water pollution. As navigation increased, commercial activities concentrated along the banks of the river attracted more population, squatter colonies, hawkers and backyard industries. Pollution became a major problem very soon, as garbage, sewage and industrial waste were dumped into the river.

Starting in 1822 and for more than 100 years, multiple committees had been established by the different governments to study the state of the river and propose alternatives on improving its navigation and solving pollution. The last colonial commission to clean up the river was set up in 1950s and it estimated the cost to clean the river at about S$30 million. However, the implementation on the commission's report failed to achieve its targets due to financial difficulties and complexity of the problem. It was only in 1969 that then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew set the machinery that would result into the clean-up of the river as a part of an overall strategy of urban development of the city-state.

The action plan to clean-up the rivers focused on the removal or relocation of polluting sources

(domestic, trade-related or industrial); development of infrastructure necessary for those affected by relocation, including related services such as water supply, sanitation, wastewater treatment, electricity, etc.; strict law enforcement; cleaning and dredging of water ways; and awareness programmes so that the population became aware of the overall development programmes of the city. Since the Singapore River joins with the five rivers of the Kallang Basin (Bukit Timah/ Rochor, Sungei Whampoa, Sungei Kallang, Pelton and Geylang) before discharging into the sea in Marina Bay, the action plan included not only the Singapore River but also the Kallang Basin.

Institutional coordination to achieve progress Structural, institutional and legal reforms were essential for the development of Singapore and also to reduce sources of pollution going into the rivers. In March 1969, Prime Minister Lee called on the drainage engineers in the Public Works Department and water engineers in the Public Utility Board to work together on a plan to solve the environmental problems associated with the rivers of Singapore, as we wrote in “Cleaning of the Singapore River and Kallang Basin in Singapore” for International Journal of Water Resources Development.

Studies carried out identified that the main sources of pollution were domestic, servicerelated and industrial in nature. Most of the domestic waste was from the people living along the rivers or in the river catchments areas, with old settlements such as Chinatown being a major

contributor. The government subsequently ruled that hawkers, squatters, makeshift industries (with the exception of the lighters), storehouses and others who made their living alongside the river, would have to be relocated in other areas as early as possible.

In August 1969, the boat-builders were among the first to be informed that they would have to be relocated away from the river, along with the firewood and the charcoal dealers, other important sources of pollution. Notices were served to businesses and individual premises all along the river. Provisions were also made through the Housing Development Board (HDB) for affected individuals and businesses to receive housing and commercial premises on priority basis, as noted by Stephen Dobbs, The Singapore River: A Social History 1819–2002 (Singapore University Press, 2003).

By early 1977, much of the environmental work and control activities of the river polluting sources had already been planned or were under consideration by the appropriate authorities. The cleaning of the various rivers had progressed close to the mouth of the basin, but the mouth itself and the catchment areas still represented a major challenge in ensuring significant improvement in water quality. An estimated 44,000 squatters were still living in unsanitary conditions in the vicinity of the rivers, and liquid and solid wastes from the hawkers and vegetable vendors (numbering 4,926) and markets and unsewered premises, continued representing various sources of pollution. In addition, 610 pig farms and 500 duck farms were still draining untreated wastes · Apr–Jun 2012 · 21

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into the rivers, especially into the Kallang Basin, Yap, K.G. said in an accompanying paper. In Asian Studies, 2009), the clean-up cost the govDecember 1986, the charcoal trade was relocated ernment nearly S$300 million, excluding resetDobbs reported.

On 27 February 1977, during the opening from Geylang River to a location where appropri- tlement compensations. It is not clear whether ceremony of the Upper Peirce Reservoir, Prime ate facilities were constructed by HDB at a cost this figure includes costs incurred directly and Minister Lee gave a definite target to the Ministry of S$5.66 million. indirectly in manpower, time and education proThe HDB programme had a very visible grammes in schools and for the public, etc. This of the Environment to clean the Singapore River and Kallang Basin, Joan Hon’s Tidal Fortunes A impact on the provision of water supply. The last statistic is the most recent estimate. Therefore, Story of Change: The Singapore River and the number of HDB units increased exponentially one can conclude that the Singapore government Kallang Basin (Landmark Books, 1990) noted. from 19,879 in 1960 to 118,544 in 1970 since had to pay roughly ten times the original estiThis was the impetus to move the gears of the each flat was provided with direct piped water mated price because of the delay in cleaning supply which was metered. The number of its rivers. An important lesson for any governinstitutional machinery. metered connections increased from 102,819 in ments trying to control pollution from their water 1960 to 264,314 in 1970. The length of water dis- courses is that delays, or insufficient actions, Tangible achievements The massive operations faced numerous dif- tribution and supply mains also increased from increase the total costs exponentially.

When the costs of the rivers cleaning proficulties and challenges but also innumerable about 1,200 kilometres and 80 km in 1960, to outcomes as well as achievements. More than 1840 km and 104 km, respectively, in 1970. More gramme are compared with the benefits, it is clear 26,000 families were relocated from slums to than 65 per cent of the increase in the length of that it was an excellent investment. The river high-rise public housing and, in the process, the distribution mains was to serve villages and cleaning programme had numerous direct and water supply, electricity and gas services were HDB estates outside the city area. During the indirect benefits, since it unleashed many develimproved. All 4,926 hawkers were relocated same period, the number of standpipes decreased opment-related activities which transformed the face of Singapore and enhanced its image as a into food centres built by the HDB, the Urban from 2,224 in 1960 to 528 in 1970.

Institutional coordination between HDB and model city in terms of urban planning and develRedevelopment Authority and the Ministry of the Environment. By 1986, there were no unlicensed the Public Utilities Board, even before the 1971 opment. Most important, however, was that the Concept Plan and the 1972 Water Master Plan, population achieved better quality of life. hawkers in Singapore.

The prime lesson, however, is the exemplary In January 1984, the vegetable wholesalers allowed the Public Utilities Board to develop were relocated in a new wholesale market built the necessary infrastructure for water supply. political will of the leadership in Singapore who

by HDB at a cost of S$27.6 million, according This ensured that the new housing developments envisioned and encouraged a sustained process to Ministry of the Environment data. More than were not only available on time but also had bet- of social and economic development consistent 2,800 industrial cases of backyard trades and ter services compared to where the people lived with environmental considerations. The visionary Prime Minister Lee realised in the 1960s that the cottage industries were relocated, most of them before. development of holistic long-term policies that to the industrial estates built by the HDB and promote coordination among the different agenJurong Town Corporation. By March 1982, the Calibrating costs Primary Production Department had phased out In terms of investments, Chou, L.M. said in his cies and different sectors in the city-state were all pig and duck farms from the catchment areas. 1998 article, “The Cleaning of Singapore River worth pursuing in spite of their complexity. This

By September 1983, activities involving an and the Kallang Basin: Approaches, Methods, is the only way to achieve economic, social and estimated 800 lighters were relocated to a new Investments and Benefits”, in Ocean and Coastal environmental gains for the people of Singapore area where mooring and upgraded facilities were Management, that total costs incurred reached not only at present but also in the future. This is provided by the Port of Singapore Authority at S$200 million. He also cites some of the spe- one notable lesson in the modern history of a cost of S$25 million, a move that facilitated cific expenditures such as S$21 million to form Singapore. the task of physical cleaning up the rivers. From beaches in the Kallang Basin, S$13 million in 1982 to 1984, two thousand tonnes of refuse were removing mud and other structures, expendi- Yugal Kishore Joshi is the Senior Divisional removed from the Singapore, Kallang, Geylang tures incurred by PSA, HDB and other gov- Commissioner at Indian Railways, and formerly and Rochor rivers, as documented by Poon, I. ernment agencies as discussed earlier. Josef a Research Associate at Institute of Water H. in 1986, “PSA’s Role in the Cleaning Up Leitmann, in “Integrating the Environment in Policy at Lee Kuan Yew School. Cecilia Programme”, for the Ministry of Environment Urban Development: Singapore as a Model of Tortajada ( cecilia.tortajada@gmail.com) is and United Nations Environment Programme, Good Practice” (World Bank, 2000), also puts the President of the Third World Centre for referring to the Port of Singapore Authority. The the cleaning cost at S$200 million, excluding the Water Management and past President of the Drainage Department dredged approximately costs of public housing, food centres, industrial International Water Resources Association. Asit 40,000 cubic metres of sediments from the workshops, and sewerage.

K. Biswas ( sppasitk@nus.edu.sg) is According to Tan Yong Soon et al., however, in Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Lee stretch of the Singapore River and about 600,000 cubic metres from the Rochor and Kallang rivers, “Clean, Green and Blue”, (Institute of Southeast Kuan Yew School.

This paper is part of a broader research project on urban water management in Singapore sponsored by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS, Singapore, and the Third World Centre for Water Management, Mexico. The authors co-wrote “Cleaning of the Singapore River and Kallang Basin in Singapore” in International Journal of Water Resources Development, iFirst article. Their book, Singapore Water Story, will be published by Routledge.

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COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN WATER AND SANITATION PROJECTS: A STORY FROM GREATER YANGON

by Rita Padawangi and Hnin Wut Yee

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wenty years ago, John Friedmann, regarded participation is also political and economic, which as one of the most authoritative living the- often results in tensions among various interests.

With the recent progressive political transfororists on sustainable international development, wrote the book Empowerment (1992), in which mations in Myanmar, Yangon and its surrounding he argued for the case of alternative develop- townships becomes an interesting case to look at ment that focuses on human rights, citizen rights, how social participation can take place—in this and human flourishing. This view highlights the case, in water supply and sanitation.

Yangon—formerly known as Rangoon—was importance of the civil society in various projects, including water and basic infrastructure services, the national capital of Myanmar until 2006. Even along with the state and the corporate economy with the capital officially relocated to Naypyidaw, that had been the major players in development Yangon remains the largest commercial city of Myanmar with a size of about 520 square kilomepractices.

Fast forward to 2012, participatory approaches tres and a population of 4 million (2004, United in water management and governance have been Nations).

The World Health Survey in 2003 by the World promoted by various development institutions.

Kate Berry and Eric Mollard wrote in their edited Health Organisation (WHO) reported that access book Social Participation in Water Governance to improved drinking water sources in Myanmar and Management (2010) that there is no doubt was 75 per cent in urban areas and 74 per cent in “social participation in water management and rural areas respectively. Another measure shows governance is a reality today”. However, social 95 per cent of the urban population had improved

sanitation facilities while the number stands at 85 per cent in the rural area. Nevertheless, the reality is different in Yangon and the surrounding townships.

Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) is responsible for water and sanitation services, while the Ministry of Health monitors the water quality. In suburban and satellite towns of Yangon, many people still rely on private wells, tube wells, public tanks, ponds and rainwater harvesting, as well as small-scale pipe water distributions from deep wells managed and owned by small entrepreneurs. In some of those areas, a few international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) are working on water and sanitation projects.

Most of the existing water and sanitation system in Yangon is about a century old with inadequate maintenance. Water leakage, around 60–70 per cent in 2008, results in low water pressure that makes it difficult to pump water to the upper · Apr–Jun 2012 · 23

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floors of the high-rise buildings. There is only one water treatment plant, which does not function properly, at Gyobyu Reservoir, while there are no treatment plants in other reservoirs.

Salinity issues Although Yangon is located near some big rivers, river water is not potable due to its salinity.

Potable water is supplied from reservoirs through long-distance pipelines and that accentuates the level of expenditure involved in construction and maintenance of the main pipelines, boosters, treatment plants and water connection. A report by the Economic Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations in 2003 indicated that the revenues from water supply services largely fell short in meeting the expenditures for proper maintenance.

Moreover, substandard water quality drove most of the YCDC customers to rely on bottled water for drinking and cooking. Consumers have to deposit 3,000 kyats (around US$3) for 20-litre plastic water jugs and then 350 kyat (around US$0.35) for 20 litres of water.

Participatory water supply and sanitation programmes have been facilitated by international non-government organisations, especially in the peri-urban areas of Yangon that were beyond YCDC’s coverage. One example is in Dala Township on the bank of the Yangon River. With a population of 100,000 people, the township is a mixture of intergenerational residents and migrant people from the early nineties, including those displaced from Yangon city or due to the conflicts in Kayin, Kachin, and Rakhine states.

Socio-economic challenges in Dala Township had been compounded by inadequate basic infrastructure and water shortage, especially in the dry season when all the ponds were dry. Ground water was not potable due to high level of salt and iron. YCDC’s capacity was too limited to extend its pipeline system, so Aide Médicale Internationale (AMI)—an INGO—adopted small-scale community based water systems for its water and sanitation programme.

The programme featured the formation of water user groups, each consisting 10 to 15 families. Each group was responsible for management, maintenance—including collecting maintenance fees from members—and equal water sharing from one rain water collector, shallow

tube well, and iron removal tank. At the construction stage, each group participated in digging soil for the new water facilities and received training to solve minor maintenance problems.

Existing pond committees continued to manage and maintain rehabilitated ponds. Each committee consisted at least six members mainly from government sponsored social entities— Myanmar Maternal and Welfare Association and the National Red Cross Society—or the local authorities at the ward level. Pond committees were responsible for fencing the ponds, cleaning the compounds, rationing of water and raising funds for the maintenance cost.

Leaders of the water user groups and pond committees received training on basic management, communication, team-building, leadership, transparency, bookkeeping, and problem solving and conflict management.

These community-based water supply and sanitation programmes have resulted in 70 per cent of ponds having significantly lower fecal coli bacteria. In a December 2004 survey, diarrhea incidence since June 2002 had been reduced by 51 per cent in five wards where the facilities were fully operational. For the whole township, the reduction rate was 48 per cent.

community-based water provision facilitates the activities in these festivities. Individual households or the community usually assist in cooking the traditional delicacies and sharing with the community members. Water user group members take out the water they have saved in the previous days for the community feast.

Political will Despite the positive effects of the programme, the sustainability of community groups depends much on the support of the respective authorities by means of officially recognising those groups and helping with the technical and organisational arrangements. With the nature of an INGO that works within a limited project time frame, AMI needed to hand over the whole process to the local community. Meanwhile, the local authorities are lacking adequate capacity and willingness to encourage the growth of the community groups within the political and social challenges at the national level.

Referring again to Friedmann’s Empowerment, he wrote; “Although an alternative development must begin locally, it cannot end there. Like it or not, the state continues to be a major player. It may need to be made more accountable to poor people and more responsive to their claims. But Empowering women without the state’s collaboration, the lot of the Community groups were also encouraged to poor cannot be significantly improved. Local develop income-generating activities to improve empowering action requires a strong state.” their overall living standards and ensure the susWhile community-based water supply and tainability of the water facilities. Involvement in sanitation programmes may address immediate water user groups served as an empowerment water challenges in the poor townships in greater opportunity, and this was shown in the case of Yangon, the state needs to play a role to ensure the women’s roles. In Empowerment, Friedmann sustainability of the positive effects. This strucspecifically mentioned that women’s structure ture needs to be legalised and empowered so that of opportunities was limited, as their life-spaces communities can be equipped with the necessary were restricted to the domestic sphere. It was true skills and knowledge to effectively work with the that most of the water user groups were led by respective stakeholders, including the township men, but some of the women leaders were active peace and development council (TPDC), ward and were doing very well. For example, one peace and development council (WPDC), YCDC group led by a woman invested in a small shop and the township health department. selling firewood and rice, taking turns to keep the shop. There were also cases where groups estab- Rita Padawangi is a Research Fellow at the lished businesses such as groceries and sewing Institute of Water Policy, Lee Kuan Yew School of businesses.

Public Policy. Her email is spprp@nus.edu.sg.

One of the key features in the empower- Hnin Wut Yee holds a Master in Public Policy from ment and alternative development model is the Lee Kuan Yew School, National University of working from within the cultural context. In Singapore, and a Master in Human Rights and Myanmar, the New Year, and concurrent water Democratisation from the University of Sydney. festival is an important annual celebration. The Her email is hninwutyee06@gmail.com

The background research of this article is part of the Government-Corporate-Society Framework in Urban Water Management, led by Dr Rita Padawangi at the Institute of Water Policy, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

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MURKY WATERS: CORRUPTION IN PRACTICES IN ASIA’S WATER INDUSTRY

50 per cent in places such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Within countries—in India for example—such leakage can vary from about 13 per cent in Mumbai to 45 per cent in places such as Bangalore. Such large variations underscore the highly local nature of corruption in water sectors. As local governments, where corruption is least monitored and arrested, often provide water, these localities can cause large health, economic and political effects that extend across municipal and even state boundaries. The pollution of the Mekong River basin illustrates how bribes paid in Xishuangbanna in Yunnan, China for local government officials to turn a blind eye to industrial pollution can affect local water consumption downstream in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Non-government organisations such as Transparency International, the global agency dedicated to raising awareness about corruption, may measure corruption on the national level but in reality, the effects of corruption are truly transnational.

Even the local part of corruption affects more of your neighbours than one might realise. In an annual corruption barometer, where Transparency International asks households from countries around the world if they pay bribes for particular government services, the results show that 9 per cent of Japanese admit to paying bribes

by Bryane Michael for utilities, of which water and sanitation feature.

High proportions of households can be expected in countries widely considered as having corFinancial leakage often accompanies actual leakage rupt practices to pay bribes to obtain water and in the business of water procurement. Bryane sanitation service, for example in Indonesia and Michael argues for ways to improve transparency.

China. In some of the most corrupt countries, significant proportions of the population rely on bribes to get basic public utilities—36 per cent In the case of large dam projects in Japan and in Bangladesh and 55 per cent in Cambodia. ater, water, everywhere… and not a drop to drink.” For populations across Thailand, corruption caused taxes to rise and pol- However, when the survey shows even users in countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong, regAsia, the Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel iticians’ careers to fall.

Consumers in countries such as Singapore ularly perceived as less corrupt, admitting to payT. Coleridge could portent the near future— where more than 25 per cent of the population and Hong Kong may believe that they do not ing bribes, we begin to understand the magnitude worldwide will not have enough water to drink or need to worry about corruption. Think again. of the problem. use in everyday life. Corruption figuratively and Corruption increases the prices these consumers literally causes water to leak into the ground—as pay for the food they import, particularly from Taking a broader view corrupt contractors and government officials col- China and Malaysia respectively. Corruption What can Asian policymakers do to prevent corlude to siphon off money from consumers who causes the pollution in their larger neighbours— ruption-induced water shortages? Most Asian which threatens both city-states. The infographic countries by now have established Integrated can often afford water the least.

Corruption in water sector procurements on page 26 shows how corruption in water sec- Water Management Programmes with Thailand’s affects both rich and poor countries. In the 1990s, tors worldwide affect people from the advanced National Water Vision, China’s adoption of Agenda 21 and so forth. Yet, rather unglamorexecutives from two French companies, Vivendi and developing countries alike. ously, Prime Ministerial advisors should propose Water and Suez-Lyonnaise, faced charges of paymodifying executive regulations that increase the ing bribes to public officials at home and abroad Corruption without borders in order to win water concessions worth millions In the Asia region, financial leakage often capabilities of government internal auditors. In of dollars. Corruption means that companies can accompanies actual leakage. According to the most governments, internal auditors work in the provide sub-standard service and pass on the cost OECD and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), confined silos of their own agency. Corruption unaccounted for water can reach up to roughly affecting the water sector touches literally scores of the bribes to consumers.

“W

· Apr–Jun 2012 · 25

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of agencies which deal with procurement, water Follow the money mysteriously with her purchases Buenos Aires delivery, sanitation, and environmental stand- Anti-corruption agencies in most countries do not mansion and two New York apartments. ards, at the local and national levels. The risks even need advanced statistics to spot the market Water Report Cards have also received a wide addressed in a water audit range from environ- failures that could lead to corruption. The US amount of press coverage. These report cards ment degradation to rising costs of living. Audit Centre for Public Integrity has described in great show citizens, often in colourful and easy-to-unteams will need the authority to move across detail the market concentration and lack of com- derstand graphics, how much money the governthe silos and levels of government departments petition in one of the most vigorous and com- ment allocates for water-related programmes. if they hope to spot the corruption that creates petitive free market economies in the world. The They show how the government allocates money popular press, from Baltimore to Jakarta, have and the results received for these funds. large-scale water insecurity.

Anti-corruption agencies in the region do not, labelled the beneficiaries of market-distorting Sometimes called results-based budgeting and and can not, deal with the complex and highly corruption as water barons. When the inves- reporting, these activities allow voters to assess technical issues involved in water-sector cor- tigations follow the barons, they will find the the results of their tax payments. They also proruption. Nepal’s Commission for Investigation corruption. duce data that voters can compare across regions These anti-corruption agencies can also and across countries. Yet, such information does of Abuse of Authority has proved a rare exception. In 2009, they proceeded with an investiga- include the lowest levels of government and not always lead to immediate results. The tion of the Nepal Water Supply Corporation for government contractors involved in providing Bangalore experiment with Citizens’ Report procurement irregularities related to the purchase water when investigating possible illicit enrich- Cards yielded few results in the beginning, as the of pipes. Yet, these complex cases serve as the ment. Under these illicit enrichment rules, indi- Water and Sewage Board resisted change. Over exception proving the rule. Officials in these anti- viduals holding power powers must explain the time, however, transparency yielded the expectcorruption agencies currently sit around and wait source of their wealth—or lose it. Once the con- ed results. Now countries all over the world refor people to call them with complaints about tractors who take bribes know they might need port the results of water quality tests. As US bribe-seeking. Some agencies pour over thou- to explain how they can afford to send their chil- Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis noted, the sands of pages of regulations, looking to spot dren to Princeton (or face jail time), they might sunlight (of information and transparency) serves gaps exploited by civil servants to take bribes. think twice before asking for bribes. Maria Julia as the best disinfectant (against corruption).

Users should be able to actively monitor the price Alsogaray, the former Argentine Minister of the Transparency, particularly in water, is never a bad and availability of water with software no more Environment, proves a rare exception. After thing. sophisticated than Microsoft Excel. Data about approving numerous rate increases by private market distortions such as increases in prices and water company Aguas Argentinas, suspicions Bryane Michael is a visiting fellow with the decreases in the quality and quantity of water of bribe-payments and other irregularities led to University of Hong Kong's Centre for provided often provides a bright red arrow point- her prosecution for illicit enrichment. The pri- Comparative and Public Law. His email is vatisations of the utilities coincided somewhat ing to corruption. bryane.michael@eueconomics.org 26 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

Image: Paul Lachine

· Apr–Jun 2012 · 27

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MAKING BENGALURU’S WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE BOARD FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE

by Sidhartha Vermani

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segment in Bengaluru city or it can outsource the operation and maintenance (O&M) of water supply network with an emphasis on reducing UFW. These proposals can help the Board in improving its profitability and are explained further, in detail.

Evaluating options One way to evaluate tariff increase is the typical cost-plus method. Another way is to look at the market’s ability to pay. In this regard, BWSSB can arrive at an optimal tariff for Bengaluru city based on ‘affordability-analysis’. To amplify this further, Bengaluru is home to a large number of extremely wealthy denizens, including 10,000 millionaires, lifting its per capita income to twice that of the Indian average. Bengaluru city’s real incomes grew by 73 per cent between 1998 and 2005. However, if one were to calculate the expenditure on water supply as percentage of the wealthy households’ income, it would work out to an average of 1.5 per cent of their household income (or even lesser). Given that it is a generally accepted as norm by international development banks that expenditure on water supply could go up to, but not exceed 3–4 per cent of the household income, a case can be made for a targeted tariff increase for households in the higher income segments.

The second alternative for the BWSSB is to involve private sector in a performance management agreement for the O&M of the entire water supply services. This has the potential to increase the water availability from existing facilities and substantial revenue and profit potential. Assuming a 5 per cent reduction in UFW each year over 5 years, BWSSB could reduce the UFW to approximately 20 per cent This is achievable considering it was operating at a 17 per cent UFW level in 2004.

Taking into account political realities, while a targeted tariff increase for the high-income segment can help achieve the profitability objective much faster, in the short-run, BWSSB could pursue the alternative of outsourcing O&M of supply network with an emphasis on reducing UFW. The latter is likely to be a less controversial choice. In conclusion, the BWSSB can achieve this only with the backing extended by the political representatives. This is, however, not impossible as a case of such an initiative already exists in smaller towns of Karnataka.

engaluru, the capital of the Indian state of commercial logic into Bengaluru’s water supply Karnataka, has grown tremendously over and sanitation sector. However in reality, politithe last decade, with its population now esti- cians set user charges with short-term objectives, mated at 8.42 million (from 5.1 million in 2001). resulting in low user tariffs, lack of attention to Among other issues, the increasing growth of the total cost recovery and mounting losses. Second, city has resulted in greater pressure on the exist- out of the 900 MLD that the BWSSB supplies ing urban water supply system. Additional stress to the city, approximately 45 per cent of the comes from the fact that the state is endowed water amounts to un-accounted for water (UFW), with limited surface and ground-water resources. which is the difference between water produced The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage minus water consumed and water in store. This Board (BWSSB), a statutory board created in is notable since the market value of BWSSB’s 1964 by the Government of Karnataka State, is UFW is more than its total yearly debt servicthe foremost governmental agency accountable ing liability. Third, in view of a dramatic increase for water supply to the city of Bengaluru. It has in Bengaluru’s population over the last decade, been increasingly recognised that the financial BWSSB has undertaken initiatives to bridge the sustainability and increased levels of efficiency demand and supply gap by increasing water supin BWSSB’s operations are important to achieve ply capacity. Its supply-driven strategies gave systematic management of the State’s scarce less importance to ‘demand’ management, causwater resources and ensuring universal coverage ing significant capital investments. In order to fund its expansion and service area coverage, it of water supply in the city.

BWSSB now supplies approximately 900 raised debt from external bodies. However, with million litres of water to Bengaluru city a day low revenue recovery, BWSSB is unable to serv(MLD). Even though the water boards in India ice the mounting debt.

Looking at the past decisions and alternaare statutorily independent and directed by the policy framework to be financially self-sufficient, tives that the BWSSB has chosen, the supply BWSSB has rarely returned a profit at an over- enhancement of water has been given high priorall level. Close scrutiny would reveal how politi- ity and the Board has failed to incorporate either cal interference in setting tariffs, rising levels ‘demand management’ or ‘water conservation’ of un-accounted for water; and increasing capi- programmes in its policies. If it chooses to maintal expenditure on expansion of water networks tain status quo, it would lead to macro-economic Sidhartha Vermani is a Master of Public pressures via the budget and inefficient resource Administration student at the Lee Kuan Yew have hurt its finances..

First, a statutory board such as BWSSB allocation. However, BWSSB has alternatives: it School of Public Policy. His email is was created with an objective of introducing can increase the water tariff for the high-income sidhartha.vermani@gmail.com 28 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

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IMPACTS OF LARGE DAMS

by Cecilia Tortajada and Asit K. Biswas

The main question facing the developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America is not whether large dams have an important role to play in their economic and social development, but rather how best they can be planned, designed and constructed

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arge dams, built to ensure water availability for domestic and agricultural purposes, have become very controversial, especially during the post-1985 period.

Proponents of large dams claim that they deliver numerous benefits which include increased and assured water availability for domestic and industrial purposes, increased agricultural production due to irrigation, protection from floods and droughts, generation of hydroelectric power, navigation and overall regional development which improve the standards of living of the population, including women and the underprivileged.

Opponents argue that dams contribute to major losses to the society, with social and environmental costs far exceeding economic benefits. They assert that dams accentuate unequal income distribution since benefits accrue mostly to the rich while the poor slide further down in the economic ladder. They claim that the main beneficiaries are construction companies, consulting engineers, corrupt politicians and government officials who promote such structures for personal gains.

The views of proponents and opponents have become more and more polarised in recent years, and neither have not had any meaningful discussion to resolve the differences of opinion.

An important question that has to be asked is issues involved are complex and there are many why in the 21st century, with major advances in intangible benefits and costs, and positions thus knowledge, has it not been possible to answer depend on the views and biases of the individual the relatively simple question: what are the real analysts. In addition, there is no single answer costs and benefits of large dams to the society as that could apply to all large dams all over the world, constructed or proposed, irrespective of a whole?

There are many reasons for this anomaly. their locations, sizes and local conditions.

It should also be recognised that the counHowever, the main cause is the way in which impacts (both positive and negative) are normally tries are at different stages of economic develestimated. Governments and private sector com- opment and thus their needs for dams vary from panies have constructed hundreds of large dams one another. For example, an advanced country all over the world in recent decades, often with such as the United States has already developed the support of international organisations such as its best and most economically viable dam sites, the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank. while most potential dams in sub-Saharan Africa Before construction of any such dam can pro- (with the exception of South Africa) have yet to ceed, it is mandatory to analyse their social and be constructed. Nepal has a similar amount of environmental impacts. While thousands of such hydropower potential as the United States but it reports are available at present, it should be noted has developed only about 4 per cent of its potenthat such pre-construction reports are at best rea- tial. Thus, what may appear to be a good policy sonable forecasts. Unfortunately, the number for dams in the United States at present may not of large dams anywhere in the world where the be the best policy for dams in Nepal or countries social, economic and environmental benefits and of sub-Saharan Africa. costs that have been comprehensively and objectively assessed, even 10–15 years after their con- Rainfall distribution struction, is too few for the data to be meaningful. An important issue consistently neglected in the The generalisations of the proponents and debate is the distribution of annual rainfall in opponents are primarily made to justify their own tropical and subtropical countries compared to firmly held dogmas and interests. In the cacoph- those located in temperate zones. It is a curious ony of arguments, it is often forgotten that the anomaly of fate that developing countries are in · Apr–Jun 2012 · 29

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Image: GOH CHAI HIN/AFP/Getty Images

In Zhangjiajie, Hunan, Chinese authorities took steps in 2005 to protect this species of salamander affected by damming.

the tropical and subtropical regions and devel- China or Pakistan, where the needs for storage are the highest, the amount of storage per peroped countries are in temperate zones.

For example, if the average annual rainfall of son is very low (about 500 cubic metres/person Delhi and London are compared, one finds that in China, 200 m3/person in India and even less they are very similar: 71 centimetres and 67 cm, in Pakistan). In contrast, United States has over respectively. In London, located in a temperate 5,000 m3 storage/person, which is 25 times that zone, the monthly average rainfall varies from a of India and 10 times that of China, even though low of 35 millimetres in April to a high of 61 mm because of rainfall patterns, countries such as in October, which means that rainfall retained in India and China need significantly more storage the soil is reasonably uniform. In contrast, Delhi than the United States. This essential fact has has only about 30 rainy days a year when daily been completely missing in the current debates rainfall is 2.5 mm or more, and the city receives on large dams. nearly 90 per cent of its annual rainfall in about In order to contribute to a rational and objec80 hours (not consecutive). This skewed rainfall tive debate on large dams, the Third World Centre pattern can be observed in all the Asian mon- for Water Management, the Lee Kuan Yew School soon countries. Due to this very high seasonal- of Public Policy, the Middle East Technical ity of rainfall, the most important requirement in University and the International Water Resources such countries is how best to store such immense Association have published a book to objectively quantities of rainfall over very short periods, so and comprehensively assess the impacts of large that they can be used over the entire year, and dams from different parts of the world (Impacts also intra-annually with the objective of mitigat- of Large Dams: A Global Assessment, Cecilia ing the impacts of prolonged droughts and floods. Tortajada, Dogan Altinbilek and Asit K. Biswas, Sadly, in developing countries such as India, Springer, 2012, Berlin).

30 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

The main question facing the developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America is not whether large dams have an important role to play in their economic and social development, but rather how best they can be planned, designed and constructed wherever they are needed so that their performance in economic, social and environmental terms can be maximised and their adverse impacts, minimised. It is equally essential to ensure that those who may have to pay the costs for the construction of these structures (e.g. people who have to be resettled or whose livelihoods may be threatened) are made direct beneficiaries of these projects. There is simply no other policy alternative if the aspirations of the people in such countries have to be met.

Cecilia Tortajada is President, Third World Centre for Water Management, Mexico. Her email is ctortajada@thirdworldcentre.org. Asit K. Biswas is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. His email is sppasitk@nus.edu.sg

In-depth

LOCATING THE RISE OF INDONESIA: IS THE GREAT POWER STATUS POSSIBLE?

by Syed Mohammed Ad’ha Aljunied

As a middle power in the international system of states, Indonesia’s recent domestic stability and democratisation under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (2004 till present) motivates its quest to become a member of the league of great powers in the international system.

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ndonesia’s regional hegemonic position and active (bebas dan aktif) regional as well as in Southeast Asia has its roots during the international outlooks yet playing a central role era of Republic of Indonesia’s first president, in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Sukarno, who espoused the concept and vision (ASEAN) since Indonesia is the largest counof Indonesia Raya (Greater Indonesia), thus stat- try in Southeast Asia and a founding member of ing its early intention to be a dominant force ASEAN. Suharto continued Sukarno’s vision of in the Malay Archipelago which encompasses Indonesia as a leader of the ASEAN grouping, mainly the maritime domain of Southeast Asia. differentiating his rule from that of Sukarno’s by Through the politics of confrontation and non- establishing friendly relations with western powalignment, Sukarno believed that Indonesia had ers, distancing from China and emphasising its the attributes to lead the Malay world and other soft power credentials to other states within the states that did not align with western capitalist ASEAN grouping.

The political demise of Suharto in the afterand imperialist interests, especially in Southeast Asia. After the political demise of Sukarno, math of his mishandling of the 1997 financial criGeneral Suharto took power and continued sis—where he surrendered Indonesia’s economic Indonesia’s imperative foreign policy of free sovereignty to the International Monetary Fund

(IMF)—wrought nearly a decade of domestic chaos. In that time, Indonesia endured a period of democratic consolidations with B.J. Habibie, Megawati Soekarnoputri and Abdurrahman Wahid as transitional leaders until democratic elections in 2004 placed General Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the highest political office to project Indonesia beyond its domestic challenges and rise again as a respected middle power as it was during the reigns of Sukarno and Suharto. President Yudhoyono, however, took on a quest for great power status in order to uplift Indonesia’s international profile which it had once enjoyed. In this sense, the change and continuity in Indonesia’s foreign policy is found in its desire to pursue a “free and active” foreign policy of deeds and words along with an additional requirement of strategic balancing between two superpowers (mendayung antara dua karang) in the world today—the US and China. It is therefore intellectually puzzling as to whether Indonesia has the necessary attributes to be a great power among the greats and what conditions Indonesia might need to fulfil in order to be accepted into this league of great powers.

To be first among equals In his magnum opus, The Anarchical Society: The Study of Order in World Politics, the late Professor Hedley Bull postulates that for a country to be a great power, it has to fulfil the following criteria. First, the rising middle power aspiring to be a great power must be a leader in its immediate region and accorded the duties as well as rights to exert its great power role in the international relations system of states. Next, the aspiring middle power must be recognised by other great powers as a member of the league of great powers. Finally, the aspiring middle power has military strength which can include nuclear power (though not a key factor) above other countries in which it is a leader of, though this whole criteria is not a key consideration by Bull for a middle power who aspire to be a great power to reach its goal. Bull’s criteria of a middle power aspiring to be a great power implicitly implies that the middle power must be a regional leader in terms of norms and structures along with acceptance of becoming a member in the league of great powers by other great powers, sealed by its dominant military strength in the region in which it is leading.

Thus, President Yudhoyono’s declaration in 2011 for Indonesia to be a great power between the years 2015 and 2025 must be evaluated for realistic attainment and implications since Indonesia is key to ASEAN’s strategic role in · Apr–Jun 2012 · 31

Image: Paul Lachine

32 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

In-depth

regional and world politics. Additionally, the between Indonesia and Malaysia has led to Furthermore, with Indonesia situated along rise of China and India along with the exist- attacks by Indonesian polities to subjugate the geographic ring of (volcanic) fire, the develence of other middle powers such as South Peninsula Malaysia’s kingdoms, as was the case opment of nuclear might as a strategic intent of Korea, Japan and Australia could turn to the peril when the Majapahit Kingdom made incursions the Indonesian leadership has not only stalled of small states such as Singapore and Brunei into Malacca Sultanate until the late 15th cen- but is open to criticism. As a strongly land-based if Indonesia’s genesis to a great power status tury and when Kerajaan Aceh reigned over the military, the Tentera Nasional Indonesia (TNI)’s begins to take shape in the projected time above. Johor-Riau Sultanate in the 17th century. Closer first and utmost role is to secure its borders and If Indonesia rises to a great power status through to contemporary times, the politics of identity sovereignty while keeping the TNI away from its ASEAN, it would make moot the idea of the Asia exemplifies contestation between the two states once dual function (dwi-fungsi) role of controlPacific Community (APC) proposed by Australia over rights of cultural symbols such as claims ling politics and military of the country. Today, in 2008 since the APC would have restructured over who invented the batik art of textile designs. the TNI is made to focus on its military role as the strategic landscape of Asia to the disadvan- Indonesia’s nationalism mostly exerted a higher its true niche. Also, with the rise of China as a level of intense nationalism which shadows regional hegemon in East Asia, Indonesia’s tage of small states.

Also, an Indonesia that rises to a great over Malaysia’s nationalism due to the inter- improving military ties with US and recognition power status through ASEAN would benefit the national appeal and image of the cultural motif of Indonesia’s potential great power status in the regional association by positioning ASEAN as to Indonesia’s foremost position in the Malay international system of states would serve to balthe key institution that underpins Indonesia’s Archipelago. In history, during the height of ance China and limit China’s soft power expanconfrontational politics between Malaysia and sion. It might conceivably position Indonesia to internationalist profile.

Indonesia where Sukarno declared the vision of lead the middle powers in East Asia for any pos“Greater Indonesia”, Malaysia undertook dip- sible military confrontations with China in the ASEAN as enabler and benefactor ASEAN thus provides a central platform for lomatic cover by using United Nations (UN) South China Sea. As Professor Donald E Weatherbee has opined, Indonesia’s leadership position in Southeast Asia and its relation with great powers, then such and henceforth its projection of a great power as Great Britain, to widen its territorial reach Indonesia is a phoenix on the rise. With its secular status in the wider international system. Without into Sabah and Sarawak to the angst of Sukarno. foundation, political and cultural leadership roles ASEAN, Indonesia’s ability to project its soft Also, since Indonesia actualises a secular con- in ASEAN as well as soft power credentials to power credentials as embodied in the ASEAN’s stitution and governing practices, with super- manage intra-ASEAN countries’ relations and main principles of cooperation (muafakat) and powers and great powers in the international internal democratisation dynamics, US recogniconsensus (musyawarah) will not be institution- system premised on secular governing founda- tion of Indonesia’s rise to a great power status and alised for it was through rectifying the politics tion, Indonesia’s secularism is favoured over future inception into the league of great power staof confrontation during the reign of Sukarno that Malaysia’s ethnic-based political principles and tus is clearly in sight. Indonesia however must Suharto endeavoured to strengthen the ASEAN practices. It is therefore in this context of the remember that it has its roots in Southeast Asia institution by erasing those bad memories asso- identity cultural leadership and secular foun- and it is ASEAN that gives Indonesia a platform ciated with Maphilindo (Malaysia-Philippines- dations of Indonesia that the current American to project its soft power credentials through the Indonesia) and Indonesia Raya visions. While President, Barack Obama, recognises Indonesia ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asian countries in Southeast Asia stabilised their as rising great power, besides Indonesia’s wide Summit (EAS) and Southeast Asian issues at domestic setting through Indonesia’s peaceful territory and its strategic centrality within the large. Without ASEAN’s complicity, Indonesia will remain as another large territory in a diverse projection of its regional leadership, Indonesia’s ASEAN regional institution. region, stifled of its ability to reach its true potenother soft power abilities was also demonstrated tial as a leader in Southeast Asia. Also, without in cases such as mediating post-separation con- A question of might flicts between Singapore and Malaysia, and the The Achilles heel of Indonesia’s rise lies in how Indonesia’s leadership, ASEAN could be burmore recent example of Indonesia’s success- it exercises its military might. Indonesia is a land- dened by its territorial and political conflicts, ful effort to persuade Myanmar to recognise the based military force with the army controlling the divided without an effective regional mediator need to democratise its domestic political land- naval, air and police forces. Also, it has a limited and vulnerable to superpowers and great powers scape. Hence, Indonesia’s soft power projection military budget of less than 3 per cent espoused strategic games. Both ASEAN and Indonesia through its leadership role in ASEAN illustrates in Indonesia’s military concept of achieving a need one another in order to first propel Indonesia its regional leadership role in the regional insti- “minimum essential force”. Indeed, Indonesia is into the league of great powers as well as positiontution. Yet, it is also the ASEAN regional institu- a far-flung archipelagic state, and her leaders and ing ASEAN as a leading regional grouping worthy tion that enables Indonesia to be recognised as people express nationhood as tanahair, which of emulation in the world today. In that way, a part of the G-20 countries for, other than its huge combines two words—land and water—to form win-win situation is achieved and principles of economic weight, ASEAN countries’ stable rela- a single expression, thus fusing the vast terri- consensus (musyawarah) and cooperation (muationship with Indonesia allows its socio-politi- tory through the water system instead of viewing fakat) in Southeast Asia are further solidified. cal and economic arenas to flourish with inter- the rivers and seas as obstacles to socio-political integration. The Indonesian armed forces is inca- Syed Mohammed Ad’ha Aljunied is a ASEAN trade and investments grew rapidly.

Furthermore, as a regional power, Indonesia pable of expanding beyond Indonesia. It does not Research Associate at the Lee Kuan Yew is arguably posited as the “big brother” to have the technology, equipment and strategy to School of Public Policy. His area of focus is Malaysia. Since time immemorial, the contes- go beyond its shores as the norm of conventional International Relations. His email is tation for leadership in the Malay Archipelago warfare would require. sppsmaa@nus.edu.sg · Apr–Jun 2012 · 33

Image: © www.laertisart.com

34 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

In-depth

THE RISE OF ASIA: WILL IT BE SUSTAINABLE?

by Cha Young-Cheol

I

n the last two decades since the end of the Cold economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China), developments as a whole to see if the narrative of War, the world has witnessed many changes in amongst others: global free trade and invest- comparing them as Western versus Asian models human history unimaginable for both their swift- ment systems, rational thinking, and pragmatism. has been instructive or prohibitive. ness and extent: the emergence of emerging, Where the Western model is seen as solid are in front-running developing countries; information the areas of promoting democracy, human rights, Choices technology accelerating with globalisation; envi- rule of the law, good governance, civil society, The perpetual debate is whether to pursue democronmental degradation; enhanced global mobility and welfarism. Here, Asia lags, though not for racy and to uphold the promotion and protection of human rights and rule of law first, or seek ecoand the resultant non-traditional security issues long in the broader scheme of things.

Although Asian nations admit that most nomic development first to escape from extreme including human security. The story arc, as the narrative goes, is that of the decline of West and “Western values” can be regarded as universal poverty, taking into account the cultural divervalues and that they can enhance human dig- sity of the developing countries. Both points of the rise of Asia, particularly China.

In this narrative, the decline of the West is nity, the fact that many emerging countries with view have their merit. In any case, both East and rooted in myriad problems: the snowballing authoritarian governments were showing speedy West seem to agree at least that gross violation public debt in developed countries needed to economic success have led some Asians to of human rights justified by the excuse of ecomaintain extensive social security coverage, low argue that there is no direct relation between the nomic development and national security cannot competitiveness in manufacturing, falling birth embodiment of the Western values and economic be tolerated.

Regarding the rise of Asia, few if any would rate and declining population, with its impact growth. They further argue that the resources of on labour force productivity. The West is cast in developing countries should first be prioritised dispute the observation that an economic shift commentaries and analyses as complacent and for economic development for the sake of mak- from West to East is underway. One would resting on the laurels of the success of Western ing the economic pie bigger, leaving other major also be wise to note that swings like these have systems established in early twentieth century. Western values such as democracy to be adopted occurred in history and are not immutable.

The current economic growth and developIn contrast, Asian nations are portrayed as com- later. Doubtless, the focus on development first ing into their own by capitalising on their huge has brought huge economic success in many ment of East Asian countries can be described reserve of natural and human resources, includ- emerging countries, and this very economic suc- as analogous to a densely intertwined network ing its pool of hardworking, low-wage, skilled cess has enabled leaders to consider institution- of a big factory that comprises all neighbourworkforce. They are described as having sieved alising certain Western touchstones later. Even in ing countries on the basis of regional division through Western models and successfully bench- countries where top-down adoption of Western of labour. Just like the chains of a big producmarked Western economic practices, gleaning values is absent, improvements in economic con- tion base, all the economies in the region share lessons by studying key decision makers in suc- ditions have led to the spontaneous emergence production elements such as financial resources, cessful developing countries in the West and of increasing internal demand for democracy and technical expertise, parts and semi-parts, skilled modifying the knowhow and methodologies of equality. Even in China, many elements of demo- workforce with low wage. In this context, the rise cratic procedures are gradually becoming preva- of China is deeply interconnected to the rise of the West.

Indeed, certain Western methods and values lent, for example in the nomination and perform- Asia. All Asian countries import consumption can account, directly and indirectly, for the swift ance evaluation of cadres in the communist party, goods from China; all Northeast Asian couneconomic development of the developing coun- where the system of appointment by the incum- tries heavily depend on imported energy; foreign tries such as the Asian tigers and now the BRICs bent in the past is starting to be replaced. Still, it direct investment contributes half of Chinese (the term coined to cover the large emerging would take decades if not longer to evaluate these gross domestic product. As such, China and its · Apr–Jun 2012 · 35

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neighbours have a symbiotic relationship. While Even established Western values as they stand harmony amongst its members. But despite such it is true that the economic rise of China itself is today are themselves the result of a long period criticisms of ASEAN’s powerlessness as a colpertinent, it is also playing a key role in the eco- of refinement and consolidation through trial lective problem solver, the ASEAN way has its nomic rise of East Asia in particular, and Asia and error and gradual systemic social change. If merit and will appeal more in a new, globalised current values prevalent in a society or a region world looking to cultivate the habits of dialogue as a whole.

On the social and political front, amid the do not provide a model to be shared with oth- and cooperation among members. start-and-stop process of reform and opening up, ers, societies can nevertheless look towards its So, for Asia to be able to provide its own valChina has embraced the merits of the global mar- own past in reviving good traditional values. ues to the West, ASEAN, its dialogue partners ket mechanism and has shown cooperativeness Traditional Asian values focused mainly on rela- and other concerned parties, could develop a in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN+3 tions of humans in a society and emphasised formalised, concrete mechanism shaped around and Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation, ethical behavioral modes such as respect to the values which are the basis for its thinking on ASEAN Regional Forum, China-Japan-Korea parents, elders and teachers, care for juniors and conflict-resolution and decision-making procTrilateral Summit, and East Asia Summit, while subordinates, tolerance for other races, religions, esses. If Asia wants to keep and sustain its currendering much assistance to the developing languages, and cultures, understanding and rent economic development, East Asia should countries in the region. The peaceful rise of politeness, diligence, strong desire for education establish a concrete and credible institution. The China needs to be incorporated in more institu- and culture. In many countries in Asia, these val- expanded East Asia Summit, in this respect, may tionalised regional mechanisms in the East Asia. ues have been weakened or have disappeared due be the appropriate vehicle for carrying out this There are many issues for Asian countries to to industrialisation and modernisation in last cen- goal. One possibility would be to build on the tackle together: frequent natural disasters on a tury or because of the psychological and material momentum of ASEAN community building after massive scale, financial crises, energy coopera- impact from their colonisation experience during 2015 to upgrade the East Asia Summit into a pretion, environmental degradation, climate change, the previous centuries. paratory mechanism towards building possibly a Furthermore, because most traditional Asian loose and open “East Asia Community”. Existing cross-border epidemics, human-trafficking, migrant workers, cyber-crimes, conflict preven- values are reliant on personal relations and ethi- regional security mechanisms should also be tion to sustain regional economic growth, and cal behavior, they are more difficult to codify and encompassed within the East Asia Community. institutionalise for application to a society and a This East Asia Community would not be based nuclear proliferation.

Many newly emerging countries will also state than the Western ones. However, globali- on the EU supranational model but could be begin to go through the growth pains from the sation and the communications revolution have on the ASEAN model. It should boost regional speedy economic development that Japan and allowed individuals to gain unprecedented free- economic integration through more liberalisaSouth Korea are now fighting to address at great dom from state control and traditional Asian val- tion of trade and investment, consolidate various social cost, namely the increasing demand for ues may find relevance once again to the new regional trade agreements and free trade agreevarious social rights by a ballooning middle generation of the world as the ethical code of ments, increase people-people exchange and conclass, income disparity, weakened traditional conduct in a globalised and individualised world. nectivity, and protect regional security. The sucvalue systems and increasing nuclear families, Ultimately, in the future, in a universally democ- cessful building and managing of the East Asian the problem of an ageing society in the absence ratised and economically and socially integrated community itself, in whichever form it takes, of mature social safety nets, etc. These social dif- world, should most cross-border issues have been would show the world the relevance of Asian ficulties stem from a swift and unilateral focus resolved in a cooperative manner, superpowers values. Currently, the East Asia Summit is workbe on economic growth without investing suffi- would no longer have the status they have today. ing only as a dialogue forum among 18 leaders, cient resources to social development from the Instead, the world would conceivably demand and once debated issue of establishing 'East Asia early stage of economic development. Emerging to be equal and balanced players in the complex Community" is now forgotten. countries in East Asia will do well to share their layers of world, region, state, and individual.

Ultimately, however, the relevance of any sysWhat is today called “the ASEAN way” can be tem is not determined by just the values underpinexperiences in public policy making to address interpreted as a hybrid set of values that draws as ning it but its ability to address the needs and these social problems.

Western economic methodology and values much from Asian tradition as they reflect pragma- wants of the epoch. Taking a longer view of hisadopted by Asia have allowed Asians to play sig- tism born of an earlier realpolitik era: non-coer- tory and evolution of societies, the popular debate nificant roles in the international community and cion as a manifestation of tolerance; non-inter- casting competing systems as “Western” or to sustain its economic growth over the long term. ference, politeness; consensus, understanding; “Asian” has limited cache. The over-arching narraBut Asia should also redefine its own values and proceeding at a pace comfortable to all reflects tive is that of a world of 7 billion inhabitants to create a good mechanism for effective regional respect; and the initiative for ASEAN integration increasingly connected after a century of industrian aspect of showing care. During the 45 years of alisation and technological advancements that cooperation and forge its own model. its existence, ASEAN has seen relatively peace- underpin modern societies. Asian countries would ful co-existence with respect to its six founding do well to focus on the implications and not be too What model?

What kinds of values or global public goods can members, and gradual economic advancement. caught up in the polemics of East versus West.

Asia provide to the world (the West)? Except It is now heading towards building an ASEAN in the case of certain totalitarian regimes wish- Community by 2015. Critics, even sometimes Cha Young-Cheol is a Senior Fellow from ing to spread its propaganda, no one country or within ASEAN, say that the ASEAN way lacks the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National region sets out to invent and propagate a given an effective and comprehensive conflict resolu- Security (Korea) at the Lee Kuan Yew School. set of values for the sake of influencing others. tion mechanism because of the prioritisation of His email is sppv361@nus.edu.sg 36 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

In-depth

Banners from the Occupy Frankfurt site are seen hanging by the euro sign sculpture in front of the European Central Bank's headquarters in Frankfurt.

Image: Hannelore Foerster/Bloomberg via Getty Images

TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL

by Hugo Bänziger

N

o doubt banking plays an important role in society. It transforms savings into credit and accelerates economic growth. But after staggering losses of US$2.3 trillion in the financial crisis, confidence and trust have evaporated.

Reconciling the demands of society with our banking system is one of the biggest policy challenges today, and this would not be possible without fundamental structural reforms. A much safer financial system is required.

How did we get there?

The financial crisis of 2007–2011 was the deepest since the Great Depression. It was thought to be a "local" problem originating in the US housing market. But the contagion spread with the demise of Lehman Brothers in 2008. Its root causes were a loose monetary policy, incomplete regulation, overleveraged banks, the search for yield by investors, reckless selling of products and the globalisation of finance.

To prevent the collapse of the banking system after Lehman, governments had to inject vast amounts of capital. Later, large stimulus programmes were necessary to prop the faltering · Apr–Jun 2012 · 37

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economy and combat unemployment. While government money stabilised banks and the economy, it made investors worried about the sustainability of large government debt. This eventually triggered the sovereign debt crisis in 2010.

bank is not much different from the resolution of a corporate—banks are incorporated! However, time is of the essence. A judge has to be able—if necessary—to impose haircuts on different liabilities in the capital structure within a weekend.

Reform from the outside Whilst bank business and capital are being rebuilt, regaining the trust of both the public and investors is a long way off.

In the demanding business of evolving to a safer business model, regulators have been in the lead.

The first priority is regulatory reforms.

Closing gaps in scope of supervision, staffing up of regulatory agencies and a set of new rules are all part of this process. The latest iteration of these efforts are Basel III and MiFID 2 along with the US Dodd-Frank act: banks are asked to hold much more capital and liquidity, their leverage will be restricted, derivatives will have to be cleared electronically through Central Clearing Counterparties (CCP), “best execution” is required for all capital market transactions and proprietary trading will be banned.

But we are not done yet. Far less progress has been made in upgrading the financial markets infrastructure. Whilst CCPs and large exposure rules take care of the systemic risk of derivatives and interbank lending, systemic risk also spreads through payment and settlement systems and reaches the real economy via deposits, current accounts and money markets.

Unfortunately, there are no initiatives to overhaul the “grid” of the financial system. A failing bank could still take down the payment system of an entire nation. By ring-fencing payment systems they can make bankruptcy remote.

For deposits, the story looks more encouraging.

Increasing the insured amount and closing the funding gap were important milestones, but we are still some way off from real-time protection which gives customers access their money even when their bank goes into resolution.

Another unreformed part of our infrastructure is the current disclosure regime. If capital markets are ever to play a disciplining role again, improving the disclosure of financial institutions is crucial. As anyone in financial research would know, analysing banks is rather difficult. Despite 400-page annual reports, the sudden collapse of banks in 2008 surprised even the industry’s best analysts. The reforms undertaken so far have been piecemeal and gradual.

Not least, if banks are ever to be successfully resolved, a special chapter in our bankruptcy code is required. In principle, the resolution of a

Reform from the inside As regulatory reforms gather pace and start re-shaping the financial industry, banks have remained remarkably silent on how they plan to adjust their business model. In a nutshell, they have to demonstrate that their future business models are beneficial to society, that they can run their business safely and that they are able to restore profitability to a level which makes them attractive investments again. Given that most banks are still trading at market capitalisations well below their book value, the third goal is as demanding as the first two.

As banks hold six to eight times more capital for their trading activities and new liquidity rules constrain maturity transformation, they face higher capital and refinancing costs. In addition, trading margins will be compressed because electronic clearing standardises products and makes pricing transparent. We have seen this already once in the US stock market a decade ago. With trade clearing via CCPs, the advantage of the banks’ proprietary trading platforms will thus diminish and new competitors (derivatives exchanges, independent brokers and hedge funds) will join the fray. Not surprisingly, investment banking will become far less profitable than in the past. It thus makes inherent sense to curtail the banks’ trading activities, refocus investment banking on its three core competencies of underwriting capital markets issues, market making and helping clients to manage risk and to reallocate capital to henceforth more profitable traditional banking.

This renewed focus will address one of the thorniest issues that plague the industry. As we know from International Monetary Fund and Institute of International Finance reports, European banks deleverage. Over the next few years, the credit volume might shrink by up to 2 trillion Euros. How this works could be seen last year in London’s commercial real estate market. When the German and French banks pulled out, margins increased sharply, adding significant cost to the UK economy. Implementing counter measures to offset this negative development is vital for economic growth in both.

By actively re-allocating capital from investment banking, banks should also be able to take the sting out of the political debate about the usefulness of the financial industry.

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As discussed earlier, improved disclosures is vital for the health of the banking industry. Banks do not have to wait until the accounting boards devises new disclosure rules. As I know from my own professional experience, it is easily possible to demonstrate a bank’s performance and risk profile in a few pages. A healthy bank does not have to hide the way it manages liquidity and funding, which businesses make good returns on its capital and which risks could actually topple it. It is no accident that AA-rated banks trade at credit spreads of weak BBB names. Given where European banks are, we may need to phase-in enhanced disclosure. However, transparency maintains management discipline.

As mentioned, investment banking’s profitability will drop. Without management, its return on equity will fall to levels where super safe utilities trade. It is no surprise that many institutional investors stay away from bank equity.

Restoring profitability will require drastic actions.

Standardisation of products and process automation will have to replace the tailor-made approach of many trading desks. Information technology investments in the range of billions will be necessary. The number of people on the trading floors will have to drop to levels currently seen at exchanges. Compensation levels will have to normalise to levels as seen in other services industries. Capital-intensive inventory for securitisation will have to return to its originators.

Market making will have to be re-thought and move back to exchanges and back-offices will have to adopt lean production methods as seen in modern manufacturing.

These changes will differ from bank to bank but eventually lead to a process revolution as we experienced in retail banking in the early 1990s.

New regulations, changing behaviour of investors and a demanding public are changing the world of finance. Not enough has been heard from the financial industry on what it will do to make banking safe, useful and profitable. Any society needs a banking system that is able to extend credit. By actively designing and implementing a new business model that delivers sustainable risk rewards in a transparent fashion, the financial industry will be able to regain acceptance.

Dr. Hugo Bänziger is Deutsche Bank AG's Chief Risk Officer and has been a member of its Management Board and Group Executive Committee since 2006. He also serves as the chairman or director on the board of various subsidiaries of Deutsche Bank. His email is hugo.banziger@db.com

In-depth

PREPARING FOR AND RESPONDING TO DISASTERS IN ASIA: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN SYSTEM

by Oliver Lacey-Hall

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Natural disasters, or natural hazards. These n 2011, 27 Asia-Pacific countries suffered sig- flood of aid such as after the Indian Ocean tsunificant natural disasters, of which 10 trig- nami in 2005 and in Haiti in 2010. There is a affect marginalised poor people, who live in gered international tools and services. Regional need to get more organised, to provide help that increasingly exposed conditions, most. Whether efforts to improve and strengthen response is timely, well coordinated and useful. Countries it is the 2011 flooding in the Philippines and the to natural disasters include the conclusion of and regional organisations tell us that the inter- Mekong area, or droughts, the repercussions on the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian national humanitarian system can share valuable livelihoods and economic growth, or demands Nations) Agreement on Disaster Management lessons, systems and processes to bolster and on governments, these hazards accentuate risk for poor and marginalised people. Yet the world and the creation of the ASEAN Humanitarian improve national and regional capacity.

Some challenges need to be recognised and is experiencing rapid and poorly planned urbaniAssistance Coordinating Centre; the establishsation. The Asian Development Board reports ment of the South Asian Association for Regional overcome. that 40 per cent of Asia’s populace lives in urban Coordination (SAARC) Disaster Management areas, a figure projected above 55 per cent in less Centre, the work of the Pacific Islands Forum and Challenges efforts by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Resources. Population pressure, environmen- than 20 years. Moreover, Asia would be host to to improve the way in which international sup- tal degradation and increasing competition for 13 of the world’s megacities by 2020. More than port can be provided to regional and national limited resources are having an alarming effect. half the world’s slum dwellers live in Asia, it response work. Climate change, population pres- Huge fluctuations in food and fuel prices may be adds.

If we want sustainable development, then sure, food price hikes, the global economic situ- an indicator of worse things to come. Climate ation and, particularly, disasters in urban areas— change has wrought flooding in low-lying cities, all preparedness measures whether for mitigaloss of agricultural areas and droughts, and devel- tion, reduction or more effective response have these are increasing vulnerability.

We may have the end of “general requests” opment gains are in grave danger of turning into to begin with the everyday challenges, and in such a way as to ensure that everyone, especially for international assistance, with often unhelpful humanitarian crises. · Apr–Jun 2012 · 39

Image: DESHAKALYAN CHOWDHURY/AFP/Getty Images

Indian villagers carry bamboo to reconstruct a broken river embankment at the cyclone-hit village of Kumirmari in the Sunderbans.

vulnerable people and their communities, are by increasing the capacity of non-governmen- civil society organisations to develop some ultimately more able to deal with catastrophes. tal and civil society organisations based here? guidance to help stakeholders in countries put We need to increase the resilience of communi- Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP), together effective legislation to manage internaties, their organisations and governments to pre- Active Learning Network for Accountability tional aid. Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Partnership (ALNAP), and the key NGO and other countries have made good use of the pare for shocks.

Conflict. The future may see increased mar- fora are all driven from London, Geneva and services provided under this project to develop ginalisation of vulnerable people, increased scar- Washington DC, paid for by the related funding sound legal frameworks for requesting, receiving city of resources such as water, arable land and agencies. Where is the Asian voice in humani- and managing international assistance. In May, tarian advocacy at the international level? Where in Bangkok, the World Customs Organisation, increasing income disparity.

Global power. Asia’s growth and increasing is the sustained and consistent policy work on International Federation of Red Cross and Red prosperity is remarkable given the troubled glo- how the humanitarian endeavour should emerge Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs bal economy. What does it portend in the balance in this region?

(OCHA) jointly hosted a workshop on customs of global responsibility to ensure that humanifacilitation, to bring together customs officials tarian work retains its values—independence, Opportunities from across the region to work out how, when impartiality, neutrality, and humanity? These Challenges create opportunities.

First, we need more predictability in plan- help is needed from outside, it can be provided are internationally accepted principles and we, as Member States of the United Nations and as ning for and responding to disasters by agreeing swiftly.

Second, “partnership” needs to be defined. members of the Red Cross Movement have a to a common set of procedures that help disaster duty to uphold them. Also, what does it mean in managers know more about respective systems States affected by earthquakes know what the international system can provide them terms of ensuring funds are provided for human- and resources.

As an example, the Red Cross, through its through the International Search and Rescue itarian assistance? How can the new wealth of Asian countries be used to support humanitar- project on International Disaster Response Law Advisory Group (INSARAG) and the UN ian work both through government channels and (IDRL), has worked with countries, NGOs and Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team 40 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

In-depth

(UNDAC)—onsite support to nationally led coordination for search and rescue teams. Many states across the region have made use of and provided resources to the Central Emergency Response Fund. The private sector is playing an increasingly important role—not only through funds but also through creative approaches and new thinking on problem-solving. Some governments have closely examined the international humanitarian response system and subsequently written it into their national legislation with their own adaptations. We need to build on these successful examples of ownership.

Third, we need to start looking more seriously at mitigating risk. Risk stemming from “natural” disasters, risk of conflict, risk of increasing people’s vulnerability to disasters through poor planning processes and the race to join the globalised world. Does mitigating these risks fall within the definition of “humanitarian work”? Maybe the reality is that our own artificial divisions between humanitarian action, recovery and development do no favours to those we are trying to help. We should recognise that some of the problems can be overcome by simplifying the way we describe these challenges.

Fourth, how can we work together to improve capacity to respond outside times of disaster beyond the writing of regulations? On the international side, tools, mechanisms and services are available, together with a coordination structure designed to help governments best make use of the support we can provide. But we find that our Government counterparts sometimes don’t understand the system or feel that it may not be really useful. On the basis of an Asia-Pacific led agenda, we need to intensify our collective efforts.

Fifth, we need to know what is available and what to ask for in a crisis. ASEAN’s development of the Standard Operating Procedure for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response (SASOP), and standby facilities, like the humanitarian response depot in Subang, Malaysia are a major step in the right direction, but we need to work harder to pre-agree what might, or might not, be needed from the international humanitarian system in terms of possible financing support, needs assessment, humanitarian coordination services, search and rescue assistance, food, medical supplies and personnel, and a host of other humanitarian supplies and materials. The evolution of the humanitarian system and the creation of various agencies, programmes, funds and an increasing NGO sector, means that it’s complicated and needs to be unpicked. One of

the outcomes of the Regional Humanitarian accounting for its own action, we need accountPartnerships Meeting in Shanghai last year was ability frameworks that measure the outcomes of that our government counterparts often are not our collective work. sure HOW to ask for help and from WHOM. To respond to this we’re developing a guide for dis- Missed opportunities aster managers in the region that explains what What is likely the greatest challenge and opporthe international system is (and is not) and how tunity that the humanitarian system faces today to access the tools, services and supplies that it is the failure to make use of new technologies can make available upon request. Simply put, to discern what affected people want and need. we need to provide a menu of options to govern- Our model of delivery is relatively unsophistiments so they do not have to deal with a deluge cated and functions poorly in urban environof assistance. ments while disasters are increasingly affecting Finally, we need to consider the increas- people who live in cities, whose choices, behavingly influential role countries are according to iour and needs are dictated by a very different regional organisations. There is a need for the set of conditions from those found in the classiinternational humanitarian system to evolve cal refugee or internally displaced persons (IDP) into a third tier of response, after national and camp setting. regional responders. The ratification of the Communications technology is reshaping ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management humanitarian space. It’s also redefining the role and Emergency Response is a strong signal of that aid agencies, UN, NGOs, Red Cross, etc., ASEAN’s desire for mutual cooperation and sup- can play. It seems communication is narrowly port in the field of disaster management. The defined as us communicating our message to Agreement recognises international humani- the people that we are aiming to assist. This is a tarian law and seeks to build it into regional rather unsophisticated worldview. There is also response mechanisms. International humanitar- confusion between “messaging” and two-way ian organisations are deeply involved in support- communication. Messaging is simply getting ing the development of the ASEAN Coordinating your agency’s message out. Two-way communiCentre for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster cations in a humanitarian environment can, be a Management through the sharing of international pre-cursor to effective recovery. best practice, participation in simulation exerHere in Asia the opportunity exists to redefine cises and secondment of staff. In the Pacific the how the humanitarian system works. One area establishment of the Pacific Humanitarian Team we need to start to think about more seriously and its relationship with the Secretariat of the is the role of diaspora especially in Asia where Pacific Community has done much to increase remittances from this group of people are a major support at the regional level. Work is ongoing driver of economies. What other role and experwith the SAARC Disaster Management Centre. tise can they bring?

We need clearer guidelines for disaster manLearning from failures agers across the region, and for governments, Beyond these, there are some very real chal- civil society organisations and the private sector lenges for the international humanitarian system. in this region to seriously think about the develSome are being tackled through the Inter-Agency opment of some sort of humanitarian research Standing Committee’s so-called “transformative institute—focusing both on regional and global agenda”. Addressing failures in leadership when humanitarian dynamics. Further, the current it’s clear that international humanitarian assist- model with ever-increasing numbers of humaniance is going to be needed in large scale disas- tarian actors is not sustainable—revising legislaters such as we saw in Pakistan and Haiti are at tion for 21st century threats can pay huge divithe forefront of this revised thinking. Getting the dends on how the international humanitarian right people on the ground, in the right numbers system can provide support. and at the right time is a challenge the committee is now addressing through developing system- Oliver Lacey-Hall, regional head (Asia wide response capability, and a roster of trained Pacific) for UN Office for the Coordination and “ready-to-go” staff, who will be able to pro- of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), spoke on vide coordination and management to interna- at the Asia Public Policy Forum on Disaster tional humanitarian response, while working Management in Asia, jointly organised with Governments. by the Lee Kuan Yew School and Harvard We need to enhance accountability at the sys- Kennedy School, on May 14, 2012. This artitem level. Beyond each humanitarian agency cle is an extract. · Apr–Jun 2012 · 41

Executive Education

who guards the guardians?

by Jenyce Lim

The wide spectrum of the areas of specialisation and the background of both speakers and participants provided diverse framework and insights.

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orruption is everywhere—that is a matter of fact. Over the last decade, many government leaders have hailed the fight against corruption to be of top priority. Yet, results have often been disappointing.

The five-day executive programme “Delivering Results in the Fight Against Corruption: Singapore’s Experience, Global Trends and the Leadership Challenge” was designed with the aims providing participants an understanding of how corruption arises, and how specific tools and strategies may be adapted to fit their organisational, sectoral and country contexts. Specifically, these objectives were explored through five varied case studies holding interlaced themes and challenges: • Why it matters: what are the major types of corruption, the international and 42 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

global trends surrounding each? What isthe significance of corruption?

• Diagnosing corruption risks and policy framework: how to diagnose corruption risks and develop an integrated policy framework to combat corruption?

• Mobilising support: how to develop support from a range of political, bureaucratic and societal actors for the difficult transformation implied by the transition from high to episodic rates of corruption?

Where necessary, how to overcome the resistance of these actors?

• Building capacity for execution: how to build strong capacities across a governance system for the prevention of corruption, as well as to mobilise an effective operational and enforcement response to corruption?

• Careful lesson drawing for innovators: in a complex world, what has worked in one sector or one country may not work in another, yet innovation is usually dependant on some kind of policy learning across organisational and country boundaries.

How can we draw lessons, including from Singapore, to maximise success where it really counts—taking into account challenges faced by participants’ organisations and countries?

The programme brought together both local and foreign Directors, Senior Executives, Civil Servants from various government agencies as well as professionals from the private sector in an attempt to improve the performance and integrity of the public and private sector organisations and systems in which they work.

In the words of Grace Chan, Acting Chief Investigator from Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong, “What I found most useful was the sharing by the professional speakers who are experts in the topic that they are delivering.” The participants were exposed to the critical and historical points of view on the Singapore’s experience in combating corruption.

The programme has also served as a platform for interaction with many experts—both academics and practitioners. Comparative case studies from other countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, US, Australia, Turkey and China allowed participants to systematically draw out parallels to, and divergences from, the Singaporecase.

In addition to the classroom-learning-experience, our lead partner, the Singapore Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), served as a gateway to site visits to CPIB, Singapore Police Force HQ and Ministry of Finance.

In the dialogue session with Eric Tan, CPIB Director, he shared the corruption situation in the early days and today, Singapore’s anti-corruption framework as well as prevention and outreach.

“The session was very informative and facilitated thinking on how to imitate CPIB in my home environment,” said Sreenivas Bidari, Additional Director of Income Tax, Mumbai. He added that he found the Singapore’s experience in enforcement, investigation and prosecution especially useful.

Sanjay Puri, Director of Income Tax (Vigilance), Indian Revenue Service, found the Singapore approach of ‘Swift and Sure Action’ in every case of petty or grand corruption worthy of emulation and very inspiring.

Jenyce Lim is an Executive at Executive Education. Her email is sppljnj@nus.edu.sg

Executive Education

for the government of Botswana

by Tricia Huang and Gan Heyi

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ith its population at just over two million, Botswana is one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries. It was also one of the poorest in Africa in 1966 with a gross domestic product (GDP) (purchasing power parity) per capita of about US$70 when it gained independence from the United Kingdom. Today, Botswana has transformed itself becoming one of the fastest-growing economies with a GDP per capita of about US$14,000—a whopping 200 per cent increase.

Despite vast differences in aspects, from demographics, to cultural and economic developments, the governments of both countries share the same goal of developing and strengthening an effective and efficient public service as well as of being self-sustainable in terms of water supply.

On 26th February 2012, ten senior officials from the government of Botswana were selected to attend a 3-day executive programme held at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. The main goal was to expose the participants, who came from the main water management institutes in Botswana, to Singapore’s experience in public policy governance and water management. The key topics included urban development, public housing, leadership and strategic thinking in the public sector. The participants also visited the Public Utilities Board and Marina Barrage agencies.

Professors Jeffrey D. Straussman and Kenneth Paul Tan with the programme participants.

Although their stay in Singapore was brief, Obolokile Thothi Obakeng, Director of the the participants were extremely impressed Department of Water Affairs said that the interacby Singapore’s economic and social prosper- tion with fellow participants and speakers proved ity with an civil service. One of the partici- very stimulating and enriching. It broadened his pants, Letlhokwa Motladiile, Organisational perspective on people and strategic management Development Manager from the Water Utilities and leadership in the public sector.

Corporation shared his insights about the programme, “The programme has been an enriching Tricia Huang is an Assistant Manager at and eye-opening experience. I was delighted to Executive Education and her email is learn that water can be recycled when there is a spphdlt@nus.edu.sg. Gan Heyi is an shortage which could be done in my country too.” Executive at Executive Education. · Apr–Jun 2012 · 43

Executive Education

The programme focused on developing an understanding and the competencies required to effectively engage with the external environment of the external environment of non-profit organisations. Core competencies of the participants were further enhanced with great emphasis on managing human resources, financial management, impact assessment, as well as applications of social media.

To ensure diversity in the class, participants were selected from a wide range of nonprofit organisations, ranging from social service, healthcare, sports, education, to arts and culture. Selection was based on years of experience in the non-profit sector, job scopes and

by Gan Heyi their outreach to clients or beneficiaries of their organisation. Thirty-nine participants attended the NPM21 Programme, including three international participants from Malaysia, India and South Africa.

We were honoured to have a number of distinguished speakers to share their strengths and personal experiences. Founder of the World Toilet Organisation (WTO), a non-profit committed to improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide, Jack Sim, shared his stories behind the success of the WTO brand. He also highlighted branding strategies that the participants could consider for their organisations. Associate Professor Albert Teo, whose key interests lie in voluntarism, organisational ecology and social network, was invited to cover the module on Social Entrepreneurship. Renowned practitioners such as Usha Menon and Normala Manap also agreed to be part of the programme to share with the class their valuable insights from years of experience in the non-profit sector.

NPM21 Programme ended with a closing Poster Session by the NPM21 participants held at the Lee Kuan Yew School lobby. lunch and certificate presentation ceremony at the LKY School campus. The certificates were pres the non-profit sector becomes larger and building a stronger community, through provid- sented to the participants by the Chief Executive more complex globally, Singapore in par- ing support for projects which deliver upstream of Tote Board, Tan Soo Nan and Lead Faculty ticular, is not immune to these global changes. solutions for the benefit of a significant portion of the NPM21 Programme, Professor Jeffrey While functions and methods differ, non-profit of the community. To live up to its slogan of D. Straussman, Visiting Professor and Faculty organisations share the common mission of ‘Giving Hope, Improving Life’, the Non-Profit Director of Executive Education.

The first run of the NPM21 Programme was a making the world a better place such as provid- Management Programme for the 21st Century ing social services to the less fortunate, offering (NPM21 Programme) was developed in collabo- huge success as observed from the many positive arts and sports programmes, and promoting pub- ration with the Tote Board and the Lee Kuan Yew responses garnered. As the non-profit sector conSchool of Public Policy. The NPM21 Programme tinue to serve the community and causes with lic health and education.

To succeed, the non-profit sector must also is designed for senior management leaders of passion, the need for more competent leadership ensure that their leaders are well-trained; this non-profit organisations within and outside of will grow. To meet this demand of capable leadallows them to overcome adversities, through Singapore, to expose participants to practical ers, the Tote Board and the Lee Kuan Yew School acquiring the necessary professional skills while insights about management and leadership in the of Public Policy aim to conduct the second run of the NPM21 Programme in April 2013. at the same time maintaining a critical relation- non-profit organisational setting.

The 15-day programme highlighted some ship with all stakeholders.

The Singapore Totalisator Board (Tote major challenges and key issues facing the non- Gan Heyi is an Executive at Executive Board) believes prudent asset management and profit sector both within Singapore and globally. Education. His email is sppgh@nus.edu.sg

for the 21st Century

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44 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

Executive Education

Nations Secretary-general Ban Ki Moon and Thai princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The award and the medal were presented by Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerlan Baudarbek Kozhatayev, on behalf of the Kazakh Government, as recognition of the valuable contribution Singapore has made by sharing its strategic development lessons with Kazakhstan.

One of Singapore’s most effective policies is the tremendous investment in education that has transformed both people’s lives and the country. A similar policy has been implemented by the Kazakh Government, under the President’s initiative, which includes awarding “Bolashak”

by Aigerim (Aika) Bolat scholarships to students pursuing a degree at prestigious universities all around the world.

On January 26, while addressing the public, the President instructed the government to select best candidates for the State cadre reserves and prepare them as elite managers to lead Kazakhstan in the 21st century.

Under President Nazarbayev’s initiation, the Government of Kazakhstan is establishing its first world-class international Nazarbayev University, in the capital Astana. Some of the world’s best universities in the world will be taking part in this historic event, including the Lee Kuan Yew School of NUS, University College London, Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, Wisconsin-Madison, iCarnegie, an affiliate of Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Pennsylvania. President Nazarbayev’s long-term vision is to produce a strong and elite generation of Kazakh leaders and policy makers, scientists and medical doctors to make the country one of the leading tigers in Central Asia by 2030. It is not only education but also many other policies that Kazakhstan is adopting from Singapore, tailored to country’s Distinguished Fellow Lee Kuan Yew awarded highest honour by President Nursultan A. Nazarbayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan. needs. These include building a strong civil service, reforms in medical, pension and judiciary and law enforcement systems, diversification of any leaders admire Singapore’s former Yew and former French president Charles de industrial and innovative projects and infrastrucMinister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, for his Gaulle as the two “eminent founding statesmen” ture development.

The number of our Executive Education shrewd and visionary leadership that has led to whom he respects as good examples. Besides the strong economic growth, political stability, the admiration, there is a deep friendship between the Alumni from Kazakhstan exceeds 200 and rule of law, and individual and media freedoms two leaders. Lee Kuan Yew visited Kazakhstan in includes current Prime Minister Karim Massimov all within a harmonious multi-ethnic society with 1991 and made subsequent trips in 1996 and 2003 and members from his cabinet members, vice to boost bilateral relations, while Nazarbayev also ministers and executive secretaries. The Lee numerous languages and religions.

Kuan Yew School is proud to be an active and One such admirer is President Nursultan visited Singapore in 1996 and 2003.

On February 21, President Nazarbayev strategic partner of Nazarbayev University and to Abishevich Nazarbayev, one of the longest-serving leaders in Asia. Now 72, he has been the awarded Lee Kuan Yew one of the highest help produce the next generation of leaders and President of Kazakhstan since its independence state honours “Order of Friendship” and the policy makers. in 1991. He frequently mentions Lee Kuan Yew’s medal commemorating the 20th anniversary of legacy and philosophy in his speeches to the pub- Kazakhstan’s independence in recognition of the Aigerim (Aika) Bolat is an Assistant Manager lic and government. In his book “The Kazakhstan contributions Singapore has made to Kazakhstan. at Executive Education. Her email is Way”, President Nazarbayev referred to Lee Kuan Other recipients of the award were United sppaika@nus.edu.sg

awarded highest honour

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· Apr–Jun 2012 · 45

disaster management in Asia

by Caroline Brassard

Major tensions occur when one tries to maintain national sovereignty and facilitate humanitarian aid, especially where there is no formal appeal for international assistance.

46 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

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he Second Asia Public Policy Forum, which and national and local infrastructure investments.

The evolving role of civil society in disaster took place at the school on May 13–15, focused on “Disaster Management in Asia”, a preparedness and response in Southeast Asia critical concern for the Asia-Pacific region, which was discussed by Lilian Mercado Carreon, proin 2011 featured over 85 per cent of those killed gramme manager of the AADMER (ASEAN or affected globally in disasters, and incurred 75 Agreement on Emergency Response) Partnership Group, which serves as a bridge between per cent of disaster-related economic damages.

This event was jointly organised by the the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia, at the (ASEAN) and civil society organisations (CSOs).

Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Centre for Her main contention was that one of the new Democratic Governance. It drew about 100 par- dimensions of capacity building was to redefine ticipants from a dozen countries, from senior the role of CSOs in building capacity of governpractitioners to academics and researchers, to ments in disaster management, and for internadebate disaster preparedness and management, tional non-governmental organisations to step including pre-event planning and mitigation, cri- back to leave space for CSOs to act.

Major tensions occur when one tries to mainsis response and disaster recovery.

The forum aimed to foster discussion on risk tain national sovereignty and facilitate humanireduction strategies in Asia, given that several tarian aid, especially where there is no formal factors can exacerbate exposure to risk, such as appeal for international assistance. Rebecca badly planned and managed urbanisation, pov- Barber, the Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy erty, environmental degradation and weak insti- advisor from Save the Children international tutions for managing risk at the local and national (Australia), drew an interesting comparison levels. Among the natural disasters discussed at between the Thailand and Cambodia floods of the conference were the Tohoku Earthquake in 2011. In Thailand, the total damage/loss was Japan (2011), Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan estimated at $45 billion but there was no forand Queensland (Australia) floods (2011), mal appeal for international assistance, leading Canterbury earthquake in New Zealand (2011), to informal activation of the humanitarian counGurajat Earthquake in (2001), Victoria bushfires try team. In the case of the Cambodia floods in in Australia (2009), Wenchuan earthquake in the same year, total damage/loss was about $625 China (2008), and the Asian Tsunami in (2004). million and triggered formal activation of the A selected number of panelists’ presentation is humanitarian system. Hence, in many instances, money is not as great a concern as coordination summarised in this article.

Lilian Fan, research fellow at the Overseas and leadership, especially in the context where Development Institute in the UK, had focused on there exist informal clusters of intervention.

In terms of Emergency Response in enhancing the capacity of the humanitarian sector in disaster preparedness in the Asia-Pacific. Landscape-Scale Disasters, a key challenge One of her key points were that disaster prepar- identified was to manage the coordination and edness needs to be linked more closely to eco- integration of emergency response between nomic and fiscal policy, and be incorporated into national responders and international and nondevelopment mechanisms such as national public governmental organisations. For example, this investment planning systems, social protection led Said Faisal, the executive director, ASEAN

Research sojourn

Professor Kenji Watanabe of Nagoya Institute of Technology taking questions from the floor.

Coordinating centre for humanitarian assistance on disaster management, to state that “receiving assistance is more difficult than giving it”.

Addressing recent innovations in disaster recovery, Dr. Zhong Kaibin, associate professor of public management at the Chinese Academy of Governance, discussed the paired assistance programme in China, following the Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008. This consisted of an innovative approach to target counterparts such that one region/department or institution offers assistance to a corresponding region. Another innovation was the Government-Community partnership for recovery after the 700 bushfires ignited across Victoria state, Australia on February 7, 2009, as discussed by Kerry O’Neil, former director of Strategic Planning at the Victoria Bushfire reconstruction and recovery authority. Key to the success of the response operations was the sharing of information across government agencies and the dissemination of information to the public, and the subsequent rebuilding with community engagement and local decision-making.

Another panel focused on the theme of disaster resilience and mental health in post disaster contexts, using three case studies from the

Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. Dr. Dicky information in assessing disaster risk. He then Pelupessy, Director of the Crisis Centre at the presented the latest action plan for the Mekong Faculty of Psychology of the University of River Commission (including Cambodia, Lao Indonesia and Vice Chair of Indonesian National PDR, Thailand and Vietnam) emphasising on Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, shared policy coherence between regional basin-wide lessons from the field following the Asian tsu- analysis and national adaptation strategies. The nami of 2004. His study delved into the mental panel also included fascinating presentations health problems of the three hardest hit districts from scientists, among which Dr. Adam Switzer, in Sumatra, Indonesia, including Banda Aceh. Singapore National Research Foundation fellow Interviews using a general health questionnaire at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang were done four to five years after the disaster and Technological University, on coastal living in compared individuals who had received a psy- Asia, on whether the risks would be greater in a chosocial intervention or support, with those who future warmer climate. We keep making the same had not. The conclusions were startling. Two out mistakes in poor coastal planning and one of the of five participants who had not received any reasons is due to our poor understanding of natuintervention still presented specific symptoms of ral hazards, from a historical perspective, he psychological distress. argued improvements would involve making Finally, the panel on “Disaster Management sense of local accounts and indigenous knowland Climate Change” included a presentation edge and using the scientific tools available to from Sokha Chrin, the deputy director general of understand more about the impacts of natural the general directorate of technical affairs at the hazards on coastal regions (for more, see article Cambodian Ministry of Environment, who on page 39 by Oliver Lacey-Hall). shared about the management implications of Cambodia floods and climate change. He called Caroline Brassard is Assistant Dean for for the need for more updated and less frag- Academic Affairs at the Lee Kuan Yew mented information and better use of this School. Her email is sppbc@nus.edu.sg · Apr–Jun 2012 · 47

Research sojourn

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP in a changing world

by Haseena Abdul Majid

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hile the rise of Asia has allowed for greater female political participation, it has not necessarily translated into advancements in other areas such as equitable salaries or access to leadership roles. This was one of the key challenges addressed at the conference, Women Leaders of New Asia Summit, organised by The Asia Society, which was held in China in a nod to the role women would have to play in the world’s fastest-growing economy.

On the agenda was a detailed look at women at the bottom of the corporate pyramid and a debate on actions that could be prescribed to help them advance. As a delegate from a younger, professional background, I belong to a generation of women who, in the next 15 years, will be part of the second-tier ‘middle weight’ cities expected to account for the largest share of global gross domestic product growth to set the pace for global commerce. This generation of women is a product of developed societies, of mature economies, with access both to education and a range of possibilities that have shaped the ways we choose to lead our lives.

Among us are women pushing for an expanded notion of dignity for reproductive rights, the freedom to choose our sexual orientation and for control over our own bodies. Our challenges range from eradicating sex crimes in contemporary societies where women are still punished for being unapologetic about their bodies and chosen dress codes, recognising and refusing to accept harassment as a tool of political oppression, fighting for equal opportunity and equal pay, fighting discrimination against class 48 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

Astrid S. Tuminez speaking about women leadership.

inequalities, religious fundamentalism and the The frequently-asked questions include: Who is structures of society that keep us from charting included and who is excluded? And why so? The our own realities, a reality determined by an abil- violation of women’s rights seen in excessive ity to make decisions. military violence and sexual abuse against female In discussion with Carley Pulford, the protestors in Tahrir Square, Cairo received more Executive Director of the Canadian Chamber attention that the role of male protestors. While of Commerce in Shanghai, and ShiQi Wu who it also served to challenge the western media’s works on Commerce Solutions for Google Asia obsession with the stereotypical representation Pacific, the conference attendees realised that of a veiled Muslim woman, it failed to note that women born after the 1970s face the realities of Egyptian women have been at the forefront of a world where respect for cultural traditions have the region since the 20th century in advocating also allowed the justification of the violation of women’s rights. women’s rights. The outcomes for women from Is it then the question of stereotyping women the Greek financial crisis and the role of women leaders in media? in after the uprisings in the Middle East were key It is undeniable that just as media has perpetuissues debated. ated gender stereotypes, its reach also ensures The Greek financial crisis has provided an that it has created global support and solidarity, environment where the dominant economic encouraging women activists to work directly to model is constantly questioned, even by main- bring changes in their own areas with a global stream actors. Economic policies neither fully climate that is starting to become more receptive address women’s needs nor recognise the con- to the demands for gender equality and social justributions they make through unpaid labour. tice. Every stage of empowerment that women go Economic rights cannot be complete without through has wrought changes, yet violence and inclusion of political rights. Young women are repression have become two of the greatest chalthe heart of the system’s failures, with unem- lenges, with those struggling for change often the ployment rates for women double those of men. targets of these attacks. Women, like men, have Government unemployment support measures the right to struggle in a secure space guaranteed were aimed primarily at sectors that men domi- by civil rights laws. nate, while public sectors in which women dominate (such as health and education) underwent a Haseena Abdul Majid is a research assistant hiring freeze. Since the popular uprisings seen in at the Lee Kuan Yew School, and helped with the Middle East in 2011, led by Egypt and Tunisia, research for the report, Rising to the Top: A the post-Arab Spring phase has had major impli- Report on Women’s Leadership in Asia, by the cations for women globally, especially in the con- School’s Vice-Dean (Research) Astrid S. Tuminez. text of media representation of women as leaders. The report was lauched at the conference.

On the move

The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy continues to attract leading scholars from around the world.

Jak Jabes (Visiting Professor, 1 Jan 2009–11 Jan 2013) is an experienced specialist on governance and public administration reform in “economies in transition,” Jak Jabes’ current interests cover corruption, professional networks and the teaching of public management and administrative reforms. Prior to joining the School, he held senior positions at the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In these organisations his work focused on assisting governments in building partnerships, promoting regional capacity development initiatives, establishing knowledge networks and providing policy advisory and capacity building support.

Tikki Pang (Visiting Professor, 30 Apr 2012) joined the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy after 13 years at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland as Director of its Research Policy and Cooperation department. Prior to his WHO career, he was Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research, and Associate Professor/Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His main research and academic interests are in infectious diseases, the impact of genomics on public health, global health governance, national health research systems, knowledge translation, research transparency and accountability, and the use of evidence in health policy development. In

these areas he has published more than 200 scientific articles and 12 books, edited volumes and reports. This includes several major WHO reports, including Genomics and World Health (2002), the World Report on Knowledge for Better Health (2004) and a History of Research in WHO (2010). His involvement with the LKY School of Public Policy began in 2009 through the ST Lee Project on Global Health Governance. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (UK), American Academy of Microbiology (USA), Institute of Biology (UK) and the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia. He was the Founding Editor of Health Research Policy and Systems and the Asia-Pacific Journal of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

Kelvin Lee joins the School as Head of Graduate Programmes and Associate Director, Academic Affairs. He holds a doctorate in e-branding management from the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.

His research interests include Internet advertising, customer psychology and brand management. He has published his research results in various international journals and has taught a variety of marketing and e-commerce courses.

He has worked previously in Higher Education institutions in the UK and Australia (University of Technology, Sydney and Manchester Metropolitan University), and has held appointments as Training Centre Director and Director for the School of Tourism and Hospitality in private education training institutions. Kelvin has been actively involved in curriculum design for diploma and degree courses, quality assurance, standards and delivery, and has set up training

centres and vocational skill based programmes for the tourism and logistics industries working closely with the Singapore Logistics Association.

Kelvin has also collaborated with UniSIM to design and launch a Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management as academic progression for vocational diploma holders. The programme was launched in July 2009.

Chen Huaiyuan (Research Associate) joins the Centre on Asia and Globalisation at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. He was a Research Assistant with the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania from 2007 to 2010 and received his BS and MA degrees from Duke University. He is currently a PhD candidate (ABD) at the University of Pennsylvania.

His major research interest lies in the revival of Confucianism and traditional cultural forms in relation to the growth of the civil sphere and modernisation in contemporary China. He is also interested in how cultural differences and exchanges can impact policymaking in international relations.

Xu Zhenqing, Kelly (Research Assistant) joins the Centre on Asia and Globalisation at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. She was a master student in public policy, specialising in economic policy analysis at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy from 2009–2011. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from China Foreign Affairs University.

Her research interests lie in China’s sustainable development and economic growth. · Apr–Jun 2012 · 49

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· Apr–Jun 2012 · 51

Research sojourn

THE DIRTY BUSINESS of sand

by Fazlin Abdullah

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The other option was to involve the Cambodian and Singaporean civil societies.

There was a need to raise awareness of the actions of the two governments and businesses in each country. However, Cambodian protestors were threatened; Singapore’s civil society was not sufficiently vibrant to effect significant change.

The Singapore government had always taken a sustainable and green approach as much as possible to building its city. However, the public call by Global Witness to for accountable action resulted in the Singapore government rejecting the report. Its Ministry of National Development rebutted, saying that import of reclamation sand was done on a commercial basis by Jurong Town Council, a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. All sand suppliers had to abide by the source country’s procedures and ensure extraction of sand does not cause “adverse impact to the environment”2. In a press release, the Singapore government further asserted that the private companies were complying with local Cambodian laws, and that it was not in their right to police or enforce Cambodian laws.

The last strategy was to have international aid agencies exert pressure by limiting or placing conditions on funds provided to Cambodia.

Global Witness urged international aid agencies to use their leverage to ensure that the people of Cambodia benefitted from the sale of its natural resources and to hold the government accountable for its actions. However, international aid agencies worried that imposing conditions such as environmental standards and appropriate governance might complicate their own projects, such as child and women welfare, assistance to the poor and other such activities.

The case study explores these different strategic choices available and the impact of those choices. It was written with the support of Associate Prof. Surya Sethi, and involved personal interviews, site visits and internet research.

he Dirty Business of Sand” is a case livelihood of the poor fishermen and villagers study that examines the practice of sand whose daily sustainence depended wholly on the mining in Cambodia as seen through the lens river.

The release of the report was immediately of an international non-novernmental organisation (INGO) Global Witness. Based in London, rejected by both the Cambodia and Singapore Global Witness works on campaigns and inves- governments. However, it captured the attention tigations to uncover the exploitation of natural of the international press. From the world over, resources and the role of this exploitation in journalists and documentary makers began callfuelling corruption, conflicts and wars. Their ing the Global Witness office asking for leads first campaign in Cambodia was in in 1995 when and directions.

To have their message reach the most effecthey investigated illegal logging that was being used by the Khmer Rouge to fund their regime tive target, Global Witness needed to be strategic in their message and consolidate their effort. and the civil war.

Initially welcomed by the Cambodian gov- Their direction could make or break its fight to ernment, the relationship soon soured when stop corruption and the degradation of the enviGlobal Witness published several reports alleg- ronment in Koh Kong Province. The team at ing patronage and corruption in government on Global Witness needed to make a decision fast to illegal logging and human rights abuses. In 2003, take advantage of the wave of attention the report the government terminated Global Witness as the had generated.

Past incidences had left the relationship independent monitor and has since denounced between the Cambodian government and Global Fazlin Abdullah was recently awarded her the organisation.1 Global Witness nevertheless continued its Witness rather irrevocably strained. The cultural Master in Public Administration from the Lee investigations and campaigns, subsequently pub- tendency towards ‘saving face’ also meant pub- Kuan Yew School. She has served in the lishing several more reports. Among these was lic allegations and confrontations had caused the non-profit sector for the past ten years. This ‘Cambodia’s Family Trees’ that directly impli- Cambodian government to be on the defensive. case study was the winning entry in the 2011 cated Prime Minister Hun Sen and his family in Engaging with them was an option but only on Case Study Competition held by the School. issues relating to human rights abuses, corruption the backburner.

Her email is fazlin.abdullah@gmail.com and illegal logging. The other was ‘Shifting Sand'.

The report alleged corrupt practices of the Cambodian government and how Singapore was buying sand unsustainably dredged from the riv1. http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=07PHNOMPENH820 (accessed on 06/03/2012). ers in the Koh Kong Province in Cambodia. The 2. “Singapore sand imports take into account environmental protection laws: MND,” www.xinmsn.com, 2010, http://news.xin. dredging along the rivers of Koh Kong had devmsn.com/en/singapore/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4080633 (accessed on 20/03/2012). astated the rich marine life and destroyed the 52 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

Accolades

FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS Asit K. Biswas Distinguished Visiting Professor

and Implications for International Security' at the 15th Combined Annual Report Meeting (CARM), which involves high level military officers from Indonesia and Singapore, and includes Chiefs of Defence Force and Director of Military Intelligence, on 10 May 2012.

His book ‘Water Resources: Environmental Planning, Management and Development’, which was earlier published

by McGraw-Hill, has just been published in Chinese. This is his 18th book to be translated into Chinese.

Presented a paper titled ‘Urban order, global risks’ at the British International Studies Association/ International Studies Association Joint Conference in Edinburgh on 22 June 2012.

Boyd Fuller Assistant Professor

Seetharam Kallidaikurichi Visiting Professor and Director, Institute of Water Policy

His advanced negotiation class held an informal dialogue on character and citizenship education in Singapore. The dialogue had a few select individuals chosen from both parents and educators with the ability to speak about, but not formally represent, the concerns of parents, teachers (traditional and those specifically hired for Centre for Continuing Education), principals, and the Ministry of Education.

Heng Yee Kuang Associate Professor Awarded Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Event Funding from NUS to organize international workshop on contributions by AsiaPacific countries to international peacekeeping on 23 March 2012.

Presented a paper titled ‘To feign control over the uncontrollable: the discourse of risk and the politics of catastrophe’ at the International Studies Association Annual Convention in San Diego on 4 April 2012.

Invited by the Ministry of Defence to deliver a talk on 'Climate Change

Was interviewed by Friends of Europe, an independent think tank for EU policy analysis and debate.

Highlights of the interview will be published as part of “Debating Europe”, a series of high-profile interviews and reactions based on questions proposed by citizens.

Tikki Pang (Pangestu) Visiting Professor

Co-authored a paper entitled “Routine syphilis screening in pregnant women is adopted by six countries, thanks to a simple and rapid diagnostic test”. The paper has been published in PLoS Medicine in June 2012.

Phua Kai Hong Associate Professor Appeared on live talk show to discuss health insurance on Channel NewsAsia’s Talking Point: the Vote, Tuesday 15 May 2012.

Invited to deliver the next annual ST Lee Lecture at the Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney and the Australian National University.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS Alex He Jingwei Lee Kuan Yew School PhD Candidate To present oral presentation at coming panel session organised

by Phua Kai Hong at the coming Second Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR) to be held in Beijing, China, 31 Oct to 3 Nov, 2012. His topic will be on ‘Comparative Health Systems in Asia: Public-Private Participation’.

Cecilia Tortajada Visiting Professor The book ‘Impacts of Large Dams’ of which Tortajada is the main author and the Lee Kuan Yew School is a co-sponsor is being translated into Chinese. It is expected to be published by 2013.

Invited to be an International Policy Society Fellow which serves as the international advisory board for a new journal called Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies (APPS).

APPS is the flagship journal of the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Canberra. It is a peer-reviewed journal that targets research in policy studies in Australia, Asia and the Pacific, across a discipline focus that includes economics, political science, governance and the environment. Specific themes of recent interest include health, resource management and education, aid, migration, public administration, climate and the environment and development policy. · Apr–Jun 2012 · 53

Eulogy

Richard Descoings, the late Director of Sciences Po Paris

by Jessica Larsson and Yvonne Guo

A tribute to Richard Descoings

by Stavros Yiannouka

O

n 7 May 2012, the French Ambassador, Olivier Caron, hosted a memorial ceremony at his home for the alumni and friends of Sciences Po in Singapore to pay homage to Richard Descoings, the late Director of Sciences Po, who passed away on 3 April 2012.

A total of 45 guests were present, including three representatives of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS, and four Sciences Po students currently studying at the school.

Olivier Caron, Ambassador of France in Singapore, Delphine Grouès, Dean of the Sciences Po campus in Le Havre, and Stavros N. Yiannouka, Executive Vice-Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, spoke passionately about the work of Descoings in opening Sciences Po to the world.

Descoings made Sciences Po, a training ground for the French elite, a truly international institution by developing more 350 partnerships and 32 dual degrees with internationally renowned universities, and by setting up six campuses dedicated to the study of different geographic regions.

Descoings also brought greater social and ethnic diversity to Sciences Po by recruiting academically outstanding students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Several alumni and students shared their testimonials about Descoings, describing him as a man with a vision who was highly committed to his institution, and a warm and friendly director who was close to his students.

The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Sciences Po have had a double degree programme since 2007. Under this programme, 30 students have graduated with degrees from both institutions.

54 · Apr–Jun 2012 ·

“I feel truly humbled by the invitation to say a few words in memory of Richard Descoings whom I had the privilege of knowing from 2006 onwards. The Ambassador and the Director have spoken of Richard’s work to reform and internationalise Sciences Po and by extension French higher education. These remain admirable efforts for which Richard has rightly earned global acclaim. Indeed he may hold the distinction of being the only Frenchman to date to have united the Financial Times and The Guardian, two British newspapers from opposite ends of the political spectrum, in unequivocal admiration of his work.

I last met Richard in Paris in January of this year at a lunch he hosted for a small group of Sciences Po’s closest international partners. I found his reformist zeal undiminished as he enthusiastically explained to us his plans to create a professional school of government at Sciences Po to challenge the all-powerful École Nationale d’Administration. In other words, I found him to be still very much a man on a mission.

The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS was very much a beneficiary of Richard’s efforts to internationalise Sciences Po. Under his leadership Sciences Po, together with the LSE and Columbia University’s School of International & Public Affairs, founded the Global Public Policy Network. This was conceived as an alliance of University-based institutions dedicated to advancing research, education and dialogue on policy issues of global concern. In 2007 the LKY School was invited to become the fourth member of this prestigious grouping after concluding double degree programmes with each of the three founding members including of course Sciences Po. These double degrees allow students who enroll in one partner institution to spend their second year at another and in so doing graduate with two degrees. To date, around 30 students have graduated with a double degree from Sciences Po and the LKY School. I would therefore like to think that in this way a small part of Richard’s great legacy lives on here in Singapore. And I believe that Sciences Po and the LKY School can further honour Richard’s memory by strengthening our collaboration through the Global Public Policy Network.”

In a fast-changing world, aided by technology and hampered by recessions, are policymakers and decision-makers nimble enough to formulate and administer suitable policies to meet the needs of peoples and nations? What can be gleaned from policy successes and failures? Who decides if they are successes or failures? Are public policy schools relevant in meeting the needs of today’s world and political climate?

Global-is-Asian will take pulse in the next issue.

Candles are held aloft in rememberance of those killed during the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing 14 years ago.

Image: Hannelore Foerster/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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