External Education

Education for Other Organisations

RSIS is also actively involved in providing education for other organisations. RSIS’ role in the education of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officers dates back to 1996, when IDSS was identified as the main source of strategic studies education by the SAFTI Military Institute (SAFTI MI) and the SAF at large. This relationship culminated with the SAF-NTU Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2008, which recognised RSIS as the main conduit of senior officer education in the areas of strategic studies and military affairs in the SAF Continuing Education Masters Programme. Under this programme, RSIS is responsible for teaching modules at the Command and Staff Course and the Command and Staff Course (Executive), which are transferable accredited modules that count towards students’ post-graduate pursuits in NTU.

Another key component of this defence education is the Undergraduate Professional Military Education and Training (UGPMET), an accredited module for young SAF officers in tertiary institutions. UGPMET aims to provide a strong foundation in the military arts and sciences before these young officers embark on their professional careers in the SAF. UGPMET complements the wide spectrum of courses taught at SAFTI MI, ensuring that SAF stays at the forefront of current and relevant education in the areas of strategic studies, military affairs, and geopolitics. These external programmes are primarily helmed by the Military Studies Programme (MSP), a component of IDSS. In 2018, MSP faculty also taught in the SAF’s Senior Commanders’ Programme, which was conducted for senior military officers.

In addition to providing education to the SAF, RSIS is also involved in the education of officials from other government agencies. The lectures given and the seminars and conferences held are primarily in the areas of regional security, non-traditional security, and international geopolitics.

Executive Programmes

Apart from teaching in the School’s masters programmes, senior researchers from the National Security Studies Programme (NSSP) share their insights with public officers at seminars and training courses. They are also involved in outreach activities for the young.

RSIS also conducts executive programmes for professionals. The Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme conducted its 4th Executive Programme from 12 to 16 November 2018. The five-day programme aimed to provide foundational yet incisive knowledge on the crucial role of religion in society and in relation to communal conflict and cohesion.

The programme covered the following themes: the global context of social cohesion and resilience building, civilisational conflict and dialogue, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. Approximately 30 professionals in the areas of community development, education, business, religious leadership, and security, participated in the seminar-based programme, engaging members of the RSIS faculty and other international scholars on issues of religion, secularism, conflict, and dialogue. Two of the international scholars were Prof Patrice Brodeur of University of Montreal and Prof Tatsushi Arai of SIT Graduate Institution. Prof Brodeur spoke about the Canadian experience in building resilience within society while Prof Arai led a practical session on peacebuilding skills and techniques.