- 25 Jun 2024
MEI Annual Conference 2024
[MEI Flagship Event]
In the wake of the Arab Spring and amidst ongoing economic and social transformations, Gulf governments have recognized the imperative of addressing core issues such as corruption, unemployment, and income inequality. Central to their reform agendas is the overhaul of education systems, seen as pivotal in tackling these challenges and preparing for a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Despite significant investment in education and innovation, the region grapples with persistent disparities in educational quality and a disconnect between educational output and the demands of the labor market. Cultural and social barriers further complicate efforts to effect meaningful change, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies that address systemic challenges.
This conference aims to examine the pivotal role of education in driving social reforms across the Gulf region. By delving into the root causes of the education-labor market mismatch and exploring lessons learned from both Gulf countries and Singapore, renowned for their innovative approaches to human resource development, we seek to foster dialogue, share insights, and identify actionable strategies for harnessing the potential of the region’s burgeoning youth population and shaping a more inclusive, resilient future.
Singapore’s former President, and Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences, Madam Halimah Yacob, will open the conference. Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education, will close it.
This event will be conducted both in-person and online via Zoom on Tuesday, 25 June 2024 from 9.00am to 4.00pm (SGT). The event is free, and open to all. However, registration is compulsory.
For participants joining us via zoom, please register here.
Please click here for conference programme.
Image credit: View of Abu Dhabi Skyline at sunrise, UAE, by boule13 from Getty Images Pro
About the Speakers
Mdm Halimah Yacob, Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences, served as the eighth, and first female, President of Singapore from 2017 to 2023. Prior to that she was, from 2013, the first female Speaker of Parliament. After getting a law degree from the University of Singapore in 1978, she joined the National Trades Union Congress and headed the women’s development secretariat and the legal services department before becoming NTUC’s deputy secretary-general. She stood for election as a People’s Action Party candidate in 2001 and was the first Malay woman to be elected an MP. Before becoming Speaker, Halimah served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Family Development. Mdm Halimah was also the first Singaporean to serve on the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation, a United Nations agency, between 1999 to 2011.
Mr Chan Chun Sing was appointed Singapore’s Minister for Education on 15 May 2021. He is also Minister-in-charge of the Public Service since 1 May 2018.
Mr Chan drove Singapore’s economic and industrial development as Minister for Trade and Industry (MTI) from 1 May 2018 to 14 May 2021. At MTI, he ratified the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, as well as deepened international co-operation on the digital economy. As Deputy Chairman of the People’s Association from 1 October 2015 to 14 May 2021, he oversaw national efforts to foster social cohesion.
From May 2015 to May 2018, he was Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and expanded the labour movement network to represent all working people in Singapore. Prior to NTUC, he served as Minister for Social and Family Development (2013-2015), and Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (2011-12). He was also Second Minister for Defence (2013-15), and Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts (2011-12).
Serving with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) from 1987 to 2011, Mr Chan held various appointments, including Chief of Army. He left the SAF to run in the 2011 General Election, and was elected Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency.
An SAF (Overseas) and President’s Scholarship holder, he graduated with First Class Honours in Economics from Christ’s College, Cambridge University, UK. He was also awarded the 1998 Distinguished Master Strategist Award by the US Army Command and General Staff College. In 2005, he completed the Sloan Fellows Programme at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship.
Born in 1969, Mr Chan is married with three children and enjoys reading and jogging.
Event Details
Orchard Hotel Singapore
Level 3 Ballroom 1
442 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238879
2) Online via Zoom
[Please register via RED LINK on the left for Zoom participants.]
