The London School of Economics and Political Science has enjoyed a long and rich relationship with Asia. Many of the School's finest students, at all levels, have come from the continent, bringing their unique experiences with them and enriching the intellectual and cultural life of LSE.
I am delighted that LSE's fourth major academic and social event in Asia to celebrate and reinforce this relationship will take place in Singapore. The event is part of a wider initiative to strengthen existing links and build new strategic alliances through teaching programmes, corporate alliances, research affiliations with key universities and alumni programmes.
These days we are bombarded by suggestions that "knowledge is power", that we are operating in a knowledge economy, and that the greatest driver for financial growth and national development is the knowledge industry. The LSE Asia Forum will bring together prominent business leaders, policy makers and academic experts and seek their perspectives on managing the dynamics of change in these areas, creating a dialogue with leading international experts. LSE is honoured that Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore will deliver the opening keynote speech.
LSE is delighted to be organising the fourth LSE Asia Forum event in conjunction with the Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS) which is a regional research centre dedicated to the study of socio-political, security and economic trends and developments in Southeast Asia and its wider geostrategic and economic environment. 2008 marks the 40th anniversary of ISEAS.
I hope that you will be able to join us for this event, which promises to be both inspiring and informative.
Howard Davies
LSE Director