DebateIQ is a monthly studio-based, on-camera discussion featuring expert panellists and a live audience on hot button issues in Singapore.
In view of the announcement of the Bukit Batok by-election, IQ held a debateIQ on "Bukit Batok By-Election: What's At Stake?" The discussion focused on issues that are likely to be raised during the hustings, and the significance of the results to Singapore and its political scene.
From transforming Singapore Inc. with 4.5 billion SGD to rewarding active citizenry through the "Our Singapore Fund"; from the Silver Support Scheme to KidSTART - Budget 2016 has finally been announced to much anticipation. But what exactly do these economic and social measures signal?
PM Lee Hsien Loong has called for an amendment to the Singapore Constitution in a bid to reform the political system in Singapore. They can be broadly summarised as: raising the minimum number of non-constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) and granting them equal voting powers, reducing the size and numbers of Group Representative Constituencies, reviewing the qualifying criteria for the elected president, as well as strengthening the role of the Council of Presidential Advisors.
The PAP celebrated a resounding success in the recent General Election. An increase of nearly 10% of the popular vote handed PM Lee the strong mandate he had sought. Going forward from the GE, the question is: what's next for Singapore?
This is the third and final GE2015 debateIQ. We are looking to have a robust, honest yet gentlemanly debate between different media representatives, with the aim of getting a better sense of what the scribes - in the print, broadcast and social media field - view the political parties, campaign and candidates.
For the first time since 1963, we are witnessing all 89 seats being contested in a General Election. Beyond campaign promises and repeated rhetoric, which message resonated with Singaporeans? Which issues do voters want to be hear more or less of?
This is the full video recording IQ's exclusive GE2015 studio debate, featuring Minister Shanmugam from the PAP, Benjamin Pwee who is contesting under the SPP banner, Paul Tambyah from SDP and Eugene Tan from SMU Law.
Talk of the next General Election (GE) being held this year has been rife. If indeed GE is called end of 2015, what do we want to see? Aside from the results, how do we want to better ensure that it is a fair and transparent election - not only in the way it is conducted but also in the way it is perceived by the electorate?
Singapore's recent success at the SEA Games - bagging 84 gold medals in total - has reignited the public's passion in following the nation's athletic achievements. Are our Malaysia FA Cup victory and the unprecedented outstanding performance at the SEA Games a clear sign that competitive sports in Singapore have come of age?
Is there a lack in consistency in the application of the various legislations pertaining to free speech, ie the Sedition Act? Why was Amos Yee charged in court while others like Jason Neo and Amy Cheong were not? What can and cannot be said in the open space?
Most of us have heard of mental health disorders, or probably know of someone who is suffering from one. Mental health disorders cover a wide range of conditions, stretch across age groups, and are among the leading causes of disability worldwide. This is the full video from debateIQ #9: "Mental Health - Are we in denial?"
Have a burning question for a Minister? Have a different take on issues that matter to you? On Tuesday, 28th April 2015, Minister Masagos Zulkifli, newly appointed Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs, attended our first ever IQ "Live" as a panellist to answer questions and issues raised by studio audience made up of Singaporeans from all walks of life.
In Part 2, we discussed several policies that he helped implement, as well as the reasoning and motivation behind them.
Passed in 1961 in the Singapore Parliament, the Women's Charter is a legislative act aimed at protecting and advancing women's rights in Singapore, and to promote greater gender equality. However, with the changes in our society, is the Charter still effective at accomplishing its original goals?
"A bold move," but definitely "not the silver bullet." That was how Mr Viswa Sadasivan, IQ's editor-in-chief, described SkillsFuture, one of the government's latest initiative in Budget 2015 during our fourth debateIQ. Many interesting questions were raised during the discussion, with insightful answers given.
The Budget was announced on 23 February 2015, against the backdrop of SG50 - marking 50 years of Singapore's independence, an impending election deadline and an economy in the process of restructuring. How has the Budget addressed current issues relating to you and how does it plan to deal with future challenges?
In view of falling oil prices, the increase in public transport fares slated for April 2015 has sparked an outcry in Singapore. Many raised questions about why falling oil prices did not translate into lower commuter fares.