Singapore, 9 January 2013…  The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Economic Society of Singapore (ESS) today launched the 11th MAS-ESS Essay Competition. The theme for this year's competition is "Singapore's Untapped Hinterlands: Opportunities and Obstacles?"

2   After 47 years of continuous effort to make the world our hinterland, Singapore's dependence on key advanced economies remains substantial, but the growth of our neighbours in Asia is providing new opportunities and challenges. As of 2012, Singapore was the largest foreign investor in Iskandar Malaysia, while the Riau Islands Special Economic Zone has been similarly attractive to Singapore firms and investors.

3   Essays should examine Singapore's economic environment and policies, and their strengths and weaknesses. Writers should consider how Singapore firms, investors and policymakers can pursue a strategy of closer regional economic ties with key advanced countries. Sufficient consideration should also be given to the issue of how the public and private sectors may jointly overcome potential obstacles along the way.

4   The essay competition is open to all pre-university students in Singapore, regardless of nationality, as well as pre-university Singaporean students studying abroad.  The competition invites submissions from Polytechnics, Centralised Institutes, International Schools, Junior Colleges and pre-university full-time National Servicemen.  The following prizes will be awarded for the three best essays:

First Prize $3,000 
Second Prize $2,000 
Third Prize $1,000 

5   The terms and conditions as well as entry forms for the MAS-ESS Economic Essay Competition are available on the ESS website (http://www.ess.org.sg). The closing date for the submission of entries is 9 May 2013.

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