IIAS-Lien 2019 Conference on "Effective, Accountable and Inclusive Governance"

Nanyang Centre for Public Administration (NCPA) at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) jointly organised the IIAS-Lien 2019 Conference from 18 to 21 June 2019, which focused on the theme of "Effective, Accountable and Inclusive Governance". This is the first time two of the leading international flagship events namely the IIAS Annual Congress and the Lien international conference on Good Governance by NCPA were held together on a single platform.

This conference drew on the diverse expertise of academics, practitioners and thought leaders from different parts of the world to discuss on what constitutes good governance in today's global contemporary context following the principles of effectiveness, accountability and inclusivity. More than 550 participants from over 50 countries were at the conference, including 300 paper presenters. NCPA and IIAS invited a high calibre line-up of keynote and plenary speakers from diverse background and expertise.

At the opening ceremony held at NTU North Spine, LT1A on the 19 June 2019, Guest of Honour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Heng Swee Keat delivered a keynote address, speaking on the principles of governance for Singapore. Particularly, he mentioned that harnessing strength in diversity was one of the key principles of good governance in Singapore. 

Speaking on NTU's perspective, Provost and Vice President (Academic) of NTU Professor Ling San said that NTU has always focused on human capital development, sensitive to the needs of the Singapore economy. 

Other speakers at the opening ceremony included President of IIAS Professor Geert Bouckaert and Chairman of Lien Foundation Mr Laurence Lien, who gave welcome speeches, as well as Vice President (Research) of NTU Professor Lam Khin Yong, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Transport & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Mr Baey Yam Keng, and Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University and former Minister for Public Service and Administration Ms Geraldine Fraser Moleketi, who gave the keynote speeches.

That evening, NTU and IIAS welcomed the overseas guests with a celebration of friendship and new connections at the Gala Dinner held at Flower Field Hall that is nestled within the Flower Dome of the Gardens by the Bay. Vice President (Alumni & Global Advancement) of NTU Professor Alan Chan was the Host of the event.

On 20 June 2019, the guests were warmly received at the Civic Reception by the organisers and Guest-of-Honour Mayor of North West District and Member of Parliament Dr Teo Ho Pin, who gave a keynote speech sharing on the topic "Township Management & Community Development". Gathering at the Compass Ballroom of Raffles Marina Club, with the marina, sea and sunset as the backdrop, the guests enjoyed performances put up by the locals from North West District. The event was also graced by NTU Board of Trustees Member, former Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Mayor, North East District Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed.

The 4-day Conference also saw the successful pre-conference workshop "7th NTU-Stratagem Sino-Singapore Dialogue: Opportunities in Southeast Asia through Sino-Singapore Cooperation in Fourth Industrial Revolution", featuring CEO of Business China Singapore Ms Tin Pei Ling, Vice President for Strategy of Xiaomi Finance China Dr Cao Ziwei and others, who shared their insightful views and analyses on the theme with the participants.