RSIS Essay Writing Competition 2025-26
The National Security Studies Programme (NSSP) at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) will be launching its inaugural Essay Writing Competition, designed to showcase students’ original perspectives and scholarship on regional issues and history. NSSP’s primary research seeks to address the national security challenges facing small, globalised city-states like Singapore, and to generate a greater awareness of milestone episodes in our nation’s security history.
This competition presents a unique opportunity – the writer of the winning entry* will be supported by RSIS to join Singapore’s delegation to the 55th St. Gallen Symposium, “The Disrupted Age,” to be held 6 – 7 May 2026 in Switzerland. The Symposium is recognised as one of the world’s foremost platforms for inter-generational dialogue, bringing together global leaders, scholars, youths of influence, and emerging voices to exchange ideas on critical issues shaping our future. The winner will have opportunities to connect with distinguished leaders from government and industry, as well as other changemakers shaping our future. All travel expenses will be borne by RSIS.
* Please note that shortlisted candidates are subject to a further interview selection process
COMPETITION GUIDELINES
Topic & Themes
- Topic: How has history shaped the present, and the future?
- Themes: History, Singapore, Southeast Asia, Asia, Contemporary Issues
Registration
- Opens on 15 October 2025
Eligibility
- Singaporean Citizen/ Permanent Resident only
- Individuals aged 30 (1996) and below (at time of symposium in 2026)
Prizes
- Top Prize:
- Secondary Prizes:
- Due on 11 January 2026 (Sunday), midnight
- Submit entry and/or queries to: [email protected]
Format
- Original, individual entries in English only.
- Written format; in the short form of a commentary or op-ed, short research essay, or creative narrative paper (recommended length 2,000 words).
References
- All entries will be reviewed for plagiarism. All sources used must be cited, any use of assisting tools should be listed clearly (e.g. AI tools, proofreading, translation, design, or writing programs).
- Transparency and academic integrity are expected from all participants, failure to disclose may lead to entry disqualification.
