Background:

The Singapore economy has managed to surprise analysts and policy-makers alike with its unexpectedly strong growth this year, although this was largely anticipated by NTU's Econometric Modeling Unit (EMU) in April. As we move into 2008, the intriguing question is: will growth be sustained at its current blistering pace? With a view to answering this question, the EMU will announce new forecasts of key macroeconomic and labour market variables for Singapore in 2007 and 2008.  

The Nanyang Technological University has a long history of forecasting the Singapore economy. In keeping up this momentum in macro-econometric modeling and forecasting, the Econometric Modeling Unit (EMU) of the Economic Growth Centre (EGC) has prepared their  2007 prognostications on the Singapore economy. Members of the EMU are Associate Professor Shahidur Rahman (Chair), Associate Professor Low Chan Kee, Dr. Choy Keen Meng, Dr. Randolph Tan, Associate Professor Huang Weihong and Associate Professor Joseph Dennis Alba. The forecasts to be released are based on new time series econometric models of the Singapore economy that takes into account the major external and internal factors impinging on economic performance as well as their dynamic interactions. The model is capable of generating reliable predictions of GDP growth, their sectors, inflation, employment, the unemployment rate and wages.

Profile of the Economic Growth Centre (EGC)

The Economic Growth Centre (EGC) was set up by the Division of Economics in 2004. The Centre is presently headed by Professor Lim Chong Yah as Director, assisted by Associate Professor Euston Quah as Co-Director and supported by Associate Professor Tan Khye Chong as Deputy Director and a Working Committee. The Centre has three Research Units: The Econometric Modelling Unit (EMU), The Exchange Rate Dynamics Unit and The  Survey Research and Social Research Unit. The Centre analyzes economic policies related to education, social security, welfare, health, education and environmental management, among others. It hosts academic visitors,  and also organizes seminars, conferences, workshops, and public talks on key issues relevant to Singapore and the region, and publishes a working paper series. For more information, visit http://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/egc/.

Reservation:

Admission is free.  Please reply to Christina, e-mail: achristina@ntu.edu.sg or Tel: 6790-5689 to confirm your attendance.