What Penang Can Learn from Albert Winsemius: The Dutch Connection to Singapore
What Can Penang Learn from Singapore’s Rise?
Join us for a special talk by Prof. Euston Quah on the Dutch legacy behind Singapore’s success and its relevance for Penang’s future.
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- Date: Tuesday, 22nd July 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Venue: Penang Institute (in-person)
- Online: Livestream on Penang Institute’s Facebook & YouTube channels
- Speaker: Professor Euston Quah
- Moderator: Ms Ong Wooi Leng
Registration (Free): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talk-what-penang-can-learn-from-albert-winsemius-tickets-1416124619859?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios
Note: Registration is required for in-person attendees only. Online viewers may watch the livestream without registering.
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Talk Title:
What Penang Can Learn from Albert Winsemius: The Dutch Connection to Singapore
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Abstract:
Singapore’s remarkable transformation owes much to Dutch economist Dr. Albert Winsemius, whose strategic guidance in economic planning, industrialisation, and urban development helped shape modern Singapore from the 1960s to the 1980s.
This talk by Professor Euston Quah revisits Winsemius’ legacy—highlighting his pragmatic yet visionary policies, deep understanding of local contexts, and ability to match global models to national realities. It discusses how these principles remain relevant for Penang as it navigates its own challenges: balancing economic dynamism with liveability and social cohesion.
Rather than replicating Singapore’s journey, the talk explores how Penang can adapt Winsemius’ principles to build a resilient, competitive, and inclusive future.
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About the Speaker:
Professor Euston Quah is the Albert Winsemius Chair Professor of Economics and Director of the Economic Growth Centre at NTU, Singapore. He previously led NTU’s Economics Department for 15 years and was also Head of Economics at NUS.
He is a globally recognized expert in cost-benefit analysis, has published over 100 articles and 20 books, and advises multiple ministries and international organisations. His contributions to economics and society earned him NTU’s Winsemius Chair and the Public Administration Medal (Silver) from Singapore.
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Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with one of Singapore’s top economists and reflect on how Penang can craft its own version of success in the decades ahead.