I have an announcement to make in regards to my new adventure. I received the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia to study a Master’s degree in International Political Economy at Nanyang Technological University Singapore at the RSIS | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies starting in August this year. This is an exciting opportunity for me to pursue my passion in political science and economics at a world-leading institution ranked alongside John Hopkins and Columbia University.
I decided to study in Singapore because I was intrigued by Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership and the city-state’s economic miracle. As a result of its world-leading meritocratic approach to governance and Singapore’s emphasis on excellence within its society, the nation is now one of the most developed economies in South East Asia. In particular, I am eager to learn about Singapore’s sovereign wealth funds, its interconnections with state-entities like the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Temasek, GIC and the Central Provident Fund.
I would like to thank my academic and professional mentors, notably Professor Natasha Hamilton-Hart and Andrew Bayly MP; and also colleagues and friends who have contributed to my personal and professional development. Special thanks to Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao for the financial support. I’m looking forward to this new adventure abroad that takes place soon.
Leonard Hong 