A New Change

AS WE BEGIN A NEW YEAR, WE LOOK AT SEVEN POLICIES THAT ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE AHEAD OF US

- ALEX LOW, MELISSA FOONG

One of the most fascinating occurrences of our time is that social evolution is taking place at a faster rate than ever before. Ideas shape the course of history, and they present themselves in the form of policy formulation and implementation. As a result of the wide variety of influencing factors that tend to pull and push policy in different directions, public policy can make or break a government.

Across the world, 2023 poses a challenge to world leaders, who must grapple with various issues including the unpredictability brought by the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war. While it was expected that a semblance of normalcy would be restored in 2022 after COVID-19 lockdowns, the Russia Ukraine war has produced more volatility, affecting not just economies and energy markets but global security as well, with the conflict unmatched in magnitude and scale since World War II.

Concern about environmental issues is at an all-time high – globally, a vast majority of consumers see climate change as a serious problem with growing proportions of people feeling affected. That concern has turned into a strong desire to change the way we live, with half the population willing to change their lifestyle “a great deal” to be more environmentally friendly. As a result, many companies are shifting their focus on sustainability to enable new forms of business sustainability.

Change is an essential aspect of our lives, whether it is change in society, industries, technologies, or various sectors such as transportation, education, or health care. Throughout history, policies have contributed to the approaches now seen in modern government, for better or worse. As we begin a new year, we look at seven policies that are shaping the future ahead of us.