JY Pillay Lecture Series in Governance
Date: 27 Nov 2024
Venue: Sands Expo and Convention Centre
News Type: The JY Pillay Lecture Series is a tribute to Mr. JY Pillay, whose ...
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The JY Pillay Lecture Series is a tribute to Mr. JY Pillay, whose visionary leadership, commitment, and remarkable contributions to public service have shaped Singapore’s governance and economic progress.
SUSS is proud to host the JY Pillay Lecture Series. As Singapore’s only university dedicated to the social sciences, we are uniquely positioned to champion governance excellence.
Made possible by a $600,000 endowed donation led by philanthropist Mr. Hsieh Fu Hua and friends of Mr. Pillay, the series underscores the profound respect and admiration for Mr. Pillay’s contributions to society. Launched on 27 November 2024, the annual lecture series will continue to feature eminent local and foreign thought and practice leaders to facilitate knowledge innovation, creation, and sharing.
As SUSS Chairman Mrs Mildred Tan said in her opening address,
“Good governance isn’t just about systems or structures; it’s about principles. It’s about ensuring fairness, building trust, and making decisions that place the well-being of people at the centre. Mr. Pillay has shown us that a society built on strong governance is one that thrives, and he has dedicated his life to fostering just that.”
Mr. JY Pillay
Joseph Yuvaraj Pillay, also known as JY Pillay, is one of our pioneer civil servants following independence in 1965. Mr. Pillay served Singapore with devotion and distinction for more than half a century. He worked closely with our founding leaders and led many key projects during our early days of nationhood, serving as Permanent Secretary in finance, defence, and national development.
Renowned as one of the key architects of modern Singapore's economic development, he played pivotal roles in building institutions such as Singapore Airlines, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and GIC. With decades of experience in shaping national policy and fostering global partnerships, Mr. Pillay’s visionary leadership and contributions continue to inspire progress and innovation in Singapore and beyond.
The JY Pillay Public Lecture Series in Governance is an enduring testament to Mr. Pillay’s leadership and foresight, coupled with a strong sense of compassion for society.
Inaugural lecture of the JY Pillay Lecture Series on Governance
Held on 27th November 2024 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, we were privileged to have Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore and Patron of SUSS, as our inaugural speaker.
Straits Times Opinion:
How we can tackle the world’s three ‘long challenges’
Abridged version of a speech by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, in delivering the inaugural JY Pillay Lecture on Governance.
Event Photos