RSIS Essay Competition

RSIS Essay Competition 2026-27

The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) is pleased to announce the launch of its 2nd Essay Competition, co-organised by the National Security Studies Programme (NSSP) and the Regional Security Architecture Programme (RSAP). Ahead of Singapore’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2027, the competition seeks to showcase youth perspectives and scholarship on ASEAN, regional security and history.

Among other prizes, the writer of the winning entry will be supported by RSIS to join Singapore’s delegation to the prestigious 56th St. Gallen Symposium to be held on 28 – 29 April 2027 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.

In addition to the top prize, two secondary prizes will be awarded. The top 10 essays will also be featured in an RSIS publication.

COMPETITION GUIDELINES

Topic & Themes	Essay Topic: Looking back, looking forward: How does ASEAN’s past illuminate the path forward in addressing the security challenges of today and tomorrow? Themes: History, ASEAN, Southeast Asia, Asia, Security
Submission Period	Opens on 20 July 2026 (Monday) Due on 9 October 2026 (Friday), 11:59pm Submit entry* and/or queries to: [email protected] *Only shortlisted entries will be notified
Eligibility	Singapore Citizens/Permanent Residents only Individuals aged 30 and below (at time of symposium in 2027)
Prizes	One Top Prize: Round trip to Switzerland with hotel accommodation, participation at the 56th St. Gallen Symposium Cash prize of SGD $2,000 Opportunity to attend an RSIS flagship, by-invitation-only event Two Secondary Prizes: Cash prize of SGD $1,000 each Opportunity to attend an RSIS flagship, by-invitation-only event Top 10 essays will be featured in an RSIS publication.
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).
Judging Criteria	Submissions will be evaluated based on their relevance to the topic, originality, and overall quality. Authors of shortlisted essays will be invited to an in-person interview with the judges as part of the final selection process.
Academic Integrity and AI Use	All entries will be reviewed for plagiarism. All sources used must be cited, and any use of assisting tools should be listed clearly (e.g. AI tools, proofreading, translation, design, or writing programmes). While the use of AI for research is permitted, the essay’s content should reflect the author’s own ideas, and full accountability rests with the author. Transparency and academic integrity are expected from all participants. Failure to disclose any assistance received or sources used may lead to disqualification.

About NSSP
The National Security Studies Programme was launched in April 2016 with a primary aim to conduct research into key episodes in Singapore’s national security history and draw out contemporary implications for today. Its research seeks to address a range of national security challenges facing small, globalised, multi-ethnic city-states and generate intellectual capital pertinent for security practitioners. Apart from producing research and teaching in the master’s programme in RSIS, NSSP researchers also share their insights with public officers in various seminars or training courses.

About RSAP
The Regional Security Architecture Programme conducts research, networking and teaching on security multilateralism in the Asia Pacific, including on ASEAN and ASEAN-led forums. Since its inception in 2002, the Programme’s output has contributed to the systematic accumulation of scholarly and policy-based knowledge on multilateralism and security arrangements in the region.

RSIS Essay Writing Competition 2025–26 “How has History shaped the Present and the Future?”

The Inaugural RSIS Essay Writing Competition 2025–26, held from October to January, invited young Singaporeans and Permanent Residents from diverse backgrounds to reflect on the theme, “How has history shaped the present and the future?” The competition received an overwhelming response, with over 130 submissions. From these, three prize winners emerged alongside several notable entries. We present their thoughtful essays below.

From colonial legacies to today’s digital disruptions, how has history shaped the choices we make today and in the futures we dare to imagine? This year’s RSIS Essay Writing Competition invited young thinkers to grapple with the question, “How has history shaped the present and the future?”

Top Prize Winner

Lee Zheng Yu

“How has History Shaped the Present and the Future?”

In his winning entry, Zheng Yu reflects on how Singapore’s survival story has both protected and constrained the nation’s development. He argues that the state’s management of history – including which episodes were highlighted, delayed or downplayed – played an important role in building cohesion and legitimacy in newly independent Singapore. With the recent declassification of The Albatross Files, he traces an emerging shift from history as justification to a more open and interpretive discourse. His piece thoughtfully urges Singaporeans to see history not as a fixed destiny, but as a resource that can and more that can expand the futures we imagine.

Runners-up

Camille Ong

“What Are We Defending? A Commentary on Dreams, Identity, and Total Defence in Singapore”

In her essay, Camille contends that Singapore’s biggest security risk may not be a lack of capability, but a gradual erosion of shared meaning. She reflects on how earlier survival‑driven dreams once bound society together, and warns that purely individual aspirations can hollow out the social and psychological pillars of what we envision as Total Defence. Drawing on her experience as a first‑generation Singaporean, she concludes that dreams still matter. Without a common narrative of responsibility and belonging, the social, psychological, and digital pillars of Total Defence risk become fragile. Her essay ultimately challenges Singaporeans to rediscover a shared “dream” of who we are and why this city‑state remains worth defending.

John Reginald Shutler

“The Return of Communalism: Singapore Cannot Afford to Ignore Even the Earliest of Warning Signs”

In his essay, John draws on recent security incidents to highlight the early signs of a quieter but potentially dangerous return of communalism in Singapore. He argues that communalism has never truly been defeated, only managed, as history repeatedly warns. Even in a well‑governed and cohesive society, online polarisation and imported identity conflicts can gradually erode social trust unless they are recognised and addressed early. His piece calls for renewed vigilance, deeper interfaith engagement, and digital‑age responses to protect Singapore’s hard‑won social harmony.

Honourable Mentions

RSIS Essay Writing Competition 2025-26 Selected Essays

In this compilation of other selected pieces from the essay competition, young voices revisit familiar milestones, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge narratives about Singapore, the region, and the world. Together, they reveal that history is not a closed chapter, but a living force that continues to inform our security, our identity, and our policy choices.

Essays by Cayden Chai, Chua Jun Yan, Kayden Lim, Tang Guang Xiang & To Rui Xuan

Cayden Chai

Chua Jun Yan

Kayden Lim

Tang Guang Xiang

Read more here: The Polycene – Lessons for Asia

To Rui Xuan

Read more here: Keeping an Eye on History

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