PF and ISAS of National University of Singapore plan joint work programme

The Pathfinder Foundation (PF), a think-tank based in Colombo and Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS), an autonomous research institute associated with the National University of Singapore (NUS), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Singapore, recently.

The MOU is designed to undertake joint research programmes of common interest, hold conferences, symposia and other events on themes of mutual interest and undertake activities of mutual interest jointly. PF Founder Milinda Moragoda and ISAS Director Prof. C. Raja Mohan signed the MOU representing the two institutions, in the presence of ISAS Chairman Ambassador Gopinath Pillai.

The MOU facilitates collaborative research and conferences on areas of common interest such as international relations, maritime security, global and regional governance as well as trade, investment and technology policy. Singapore is a maritime hub, international financial centre and aviation hub for the Indopacific region. Singapore has a proven track record in Sri Lanka in developing real state and industry since Sri Lanka opened its economy in 1977. Furthermore, Singapore has expertise in town planning and development of port-related infrastructure. The ISAS was established in July 2004 as an autonomous research institute at the NUS. The establishment of the ISAS reflects the increasing economic and political importance of South Asia and strong historical links between South Asia and Southeast Asia. The ISAS is dedicated to carry out research on contemporary South Asia and it seeks to promote understanding of this vital region and to communicate knowledge and insights about the region to policymakers, business community, academia and civil society in Singapore and beyond. The PF is a Colombo-based non-profit think-tank, established in 2006, which has three centres operating under its wings viz. Centre for Indo-lanka Initiatives (CILI), China-sri Lanka Cooperation Studies Centre and Centre for Law of the Sea. Since its inception, the PF has been active in areas such as providing policy recommendation and advocacy in the fields of economic reforms, development of bilateral relations with countries of importance to Sri Lanka and undertaking work on strategic maritime security and maritime governance.

The PF also has a special focus on Indo-lanka relations, China-sri Lanka relations and Indo-china relations. The signing of the MOU, the ISAS and PF hope, will lay the basis for a productive and long-term partnership between the two institutions and contribute to the development of relations between Singapore and Sri Lanka.