The 1980s and 1990s saw the worldwide spread of deregulation and privatization and, correspondingly, increased reliance on voluntary and market-based policy instruments. However, recent news of bank failures, accounting irregularities, mismanaged pension funds, price gouging by public utilities, unfair labour practices and so on have begun to raise questions whether deregulation has gone too far. They certainly confirm that even in a world that relies more on markets and less on government, there is an important role for sensible regulation to enhance and improve market operations and outcomes.


The intent of the recent re-thinking is not to re-instate the regulations that have been removed or are still in the process of being removed. It is instead to think of introducing smart regulations that will improve efficiency as well as effectiveness and, possibly, equity. The re-thinking is particularly relevant to Asia where governments are in the process of vigorous deregulation, following the 1997 economic crisis, which was widely, blamed on weak or misguided government controls. The problem is, of course, especially acute for the transition economies in the region, which have had to grapple with fundamental redesign of their political-economic system.


The key questions the conference will address are:

When should governments resort to regulation to achieve their policy objectives?
How could regulations be improved in ways that promote efficiency and effectiveness as well as equity?
What are the more notable regulatory achievements and failures in Asia?

Who Should Attend


Regulation Practitioners in all orders of government
Non-Government Regulators
Business leaders
Industry and Trade Associations
Management Consultants
Economic development officers
Academics in Public Administration / Political Science / Economics / Business interested in public governance issues.

Why you should attend (Benefits)

Hear review of cutting-edge developments in the field from acknowledged experts.
Understand the complete range of options available to the regulators and the regulated.
Broaden horizon about how governments, business and civil society can work together to improve regulations.
Get pointers to future developments.
Network with those at the forefront of regulatory issues.

Payment Details Conference Fees Cost of Conference (inclusive of 5% GST): S$630.00 Mode of Payment Cheque/Bank Draft Enclosed (payable to The National University of Singapore). Please note that bank charges (if any) are to be borne by the participant Withdrawal Policy Refunds will be made based on the following: S$315.00 (inclusive of 5% GST) will be refunded for registrations withdrawn before 4 March 2004 S$157.50 (inclusive of 5% GST) will be refunded for registrations withdrawn between 4 March 2004 and 15 March 2004 No refunds will be made for registrations withdrawn after 15 March 2004 For further enquiries, please contact Public Policy Programme at: Tel: 65-6874-6134 Fax: 65-6778-1020 Email: mppbox3@nus.edu.sg Public Policy Programme Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences National University of Singapore AS7 Shaw Foundation Building Level 6 5 Arts Link Singapore 117570