Singapore's state visit opens new opportunities for SSE

How can countries strengthen international cooperation in a world of growing geopolitical uncertainty? This question was at the center of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's visit to the Stockholm School of Economics on October 20, where he addressed the challenges facing the global order and the importance of building bridges between countries and regions.

The visit also marked a new chapter in academic cooperation between Sweden and Singapore, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between SSE and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP).

President Tharman on cooperation in a changing world

In his lecture, Between Unipolar and Multipolar Worlds: Bridging the Gap, President Tharman reflected on the changing balance of global power and the challenges of maintaining international cooperation in an increasingly fragmented world.

He described a world in which the previous US-led international order is changing, but where a stable multipolar system has yet to emerge. Against this background, he emphasized the importance of countries that can build bridges across regions, political interests, and economic systems.

A central part of his address concerned the relationship between the United States and China. President Tharman discussed how economic interdependence and geopolitical competition must be managed to avoid further fragmentation of global trade, technology, and international cooperation.

He also addressed the challenges and opportunities created by artificial intelligence, the need for stronger international cooperation on climate change, and the importance of adapting global institutions to new political and economic realities.

Beyond international relations, his speech explored the importance of strong social foundations within countries. He highlighted the need for public investment, effective institutions, and policies that support people affected by economic and technological change.

Together, these themes pointed to the importance of cooperation both between countries and within societies in responding to global uncertainty.

New opportunities for SSE students and faculty

Understanding how societies develop and thrive requires us to look beyond our own experiences and learn from different perspectives.

The Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) will explore closer cooperation across areas of mutual interest, including a recurring forum that brings together academic experts, public officials, industry leaders, and representatives of civil society from ASEAN and the Nordics to address shared policy challenges.

The collaboration is especially timely following the establishment of SSE's new Master in Public Policy program (MPP), hosted by SSE's House of Governance and Public Policy (GaPP), which offers natural opportunities for engagement between the two schools.

"Sweden and Singapore have developed different approaches to economic development and governance, and there is much to be gained from bringing these experiences into dialogue," said Professor Lars Strannegård, President of SSE.

Through the partnership, SSE and LKYSPP aim to deepen academic and policy dialogue between the Nordics and Asia and contribute new perspectives on some of the major governance and public policy challenges facing societies today.

Agreement signed during the state visit

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Professor Joseph Liow, Dean of LKYSPP, and Professor Lars Strannegård, President of SSE, during the state visit to Sweden by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

The signing was witnessed by Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, Their Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, and President Tharman and Ms Jane Ittogi.

The agreement creates opportunities for closer academic cooperation, including joint research, student exchanges, and activities that connect academic expertise with public policy discussions.

Knowledge and critical thinking in an uncertain world

In his welcome address, Lars Strannegård reflected on the importance of knowledge, critical thinking, and human intelligence in a world shaped by geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change.

He emphasized the need for education to develop qualities such as empathy, cultural understanding, and independent judgment, particularly as artificial intelligence transforms how people access and interpret information.

"Now, when polarization prevails and the respect for truth is in decline, our world needs analytical, curious, humble and free-thinking individuals more than ever," said Lars Strannegård.

The visit also included a contribution from Philip Hallberg, President of the Student Association at SSE (SASSE), who thanked President Tharman on behalf of the students and presented him with a purple student overall, a symbol of SSE student life.

The visit highlighted the importance of international academic collaboration and the role of education and research in addressing shared challenges.

Photos: Margareta Bloom Sandebäck