Dear Prospective Applicants,

In July of this year, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) will host the fourth edition of the Temasek Youth Regional Affairs Dialogue. YRAD offers dozens of promising student leaders from Asian universities a rare opportunity to spend a week in Singapore, discussing crucial regional social issues with government, industry, and civil society leaders, while immersed in Singapore’s unique culture and landscape.

It is my pleasure to return as the chairperson of the dialogue. Our theme this year is “Social Issues in the World of Trade and Jobs.” While the ebbing of the pandemic has lead to an uneven economic recovery in many parts of the world, it has also drawn our attention back to a number of long-standing challenges and opportunities for Asia’s workers. These include issues surrounding the role of culture and identity in employment, the environmental impact of industry, and the complex relationships between different generations of workers. How will Asian firms turn the diversity of their employees and customers into an advantage? How will leaders and workers help their firms pursue a more sustainable course? How can we turn the differing perspectives and knowledge of younger and older workers into strengths? The participants chosen for this year’s dialogue will represent their generation’s passionate engagement with these questions inside and outside the classroom.

YRAD isn’t simply about working on these serious issues, however. It is about developing friendships in the process, and enjoying new experiences. As a long-term resident of Singapore and a veteran of past dialogues, I can assure you that YRAD in Singapore offers plenty of chances for both meaningful work and play.

On behalf of the YRAD team, I look forward to read your applications and meeting you soon.