Singapore, 29 November 2007...The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Economic Society of Singapore (ESS) today launched the seventh MAS-ESS Essay Competition. The theme for this year’s competition is “Singapore’s Growing Income Disparities: Causes, Consequences and Policy Options”.
2 Issues related to income gaps and social safety nets have captured the attention of not just policymakers but also analysts, commentators, academics and the general public. This essay topic encourages students to debate and analyse important policy issues, and to express their views on how the challenges could be met.
3 Essays should provide in-depth analysis of the factors underlying the trends in income distribution in Singapore, with particular attention given to widening gaps between different groups. In particular, essays should discuss at some length the consequences of these widening gaps – consequences that are already being felt and consequences that could be expected in future if gaps persist or widen. There should be both breadth and depth in discussing policy options to meet present and future challenges.
4 The essay competition will run for four months from today. The following prizes will be awarded to the three best essays in the two categories:
| |
University category |
Pre-University category |
| First Prize |
$5,000 |
$2,000 |
| Second Prize |
$2,000 |
$1,000 |
| Third Prize |
$1,000 |
$500 |
All prize winners will also be given the opportunity of an internship with MAS.
5 The terms and conditions as well as entry forms for the MAS-ESS Economic Essay Competition is available on the MAS (http://www.mas.gov.sg/Monetary-Policy-and-Economics/Education-and-Research/Education/ESS-Competition.aspx) and ESS (http://www.ess.org.sg ) websites. Hard copies can be collected from the security counter at the MAS building. The closing date for the submission of entries is 31 March 2008.(Extended till 31 May 2008)
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