# ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute

> Singaporean statutory board and research institution

**Wikidata**: [Q6040872](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6040872)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISEAS_–_Yusof_Ishak_Institute)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iseas-yusof-ishak-institute

## Summary
The ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute is a Singaporean statutory board and research institution established in 1968 to advance scholarly research and policy discussions on Southeast Asia. Named after Yusof bin Ishak, Singapore’s first President, it serves as a leading center for interdisciplinary studies on the region’s political, economic, social, and cultural dynamics. Headquartered in Singapore, it operates as a nonprofit organization with a global academic and policy impact.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: June 7, 1968.
- **Type**: Statutory board of the Singapore Government and nonprofit research institute.
- **Named After**: Yusof bin Ishak, the first President of Singapore (1965–1970).
- **Headquarters**: Singapore (coordinates: 1.2917° N, 103.7767° E).
- **Focus**: Southeast Asian studies, including politics, economics, sociology, and culture.
- **Website**: [https://www.iseas.edu.sg](https://www.iseas.edu.sg) (available in British English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese).
- **Identifiers**: ISNI 0000000121655530, DOI prefix 10.1355, ROR ID 02sck9v68.
- **Legal Status**: Registered charity in Singapore (Unique Entity Number: T08GB0021F).

## FAQs
### Q: When was the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute founded?
A: The institute was established on June 7, 1968.

### Q: Why is it named after Yusof Ishak?
A: The institute honors Yusof bin Ishak, Singapore’s first President, in recognition of his contributions to the nation’s development and his symbolic role in its history.

### Q: What is the primary focus of the institute’s work?
A: It conducts research and analysis on Southeast Asia, addressing political, economic, social, and cultural issues relevant to the region and its global connections.

## Why It Matters
The ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute plays a critical role in shaping academic and policy discourse on Southeast Asia. As a statutory board, it bridges government interests and independent scholarship, providing rigorous research that informs policymakers, businesses, and civil society. Its work promotes cross-cultural understanding, regional cooperation, and evidence-based decision-making, particularly in a geopolitically dynamic area. By fostering dialogue among scholars, diplomats, and leaders, the institute helps navigate complex challenges such as economic inequality, environmental sustainability, and geopolitical shifts. Its archives and publications also preserve Southeast Asia’s historical and cultural heritage, making it an indispensable resource for both regional and global audiences.

## Notable For
- **Government-Affiliated Independence**: Operates as a statutory board, ensuring both public funding and academic autonomy.
- **Name Change in 2015**: Renamed from the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) to honor Yusof Ishak, reflecting its national significance.
- **Extensive Publications**: Publishes journals (e.g., *Journal of Southeast Asian Studies*), books, and policy briefs, with a DOI prefix (10.1355) for digital scholarship.
- **Multilingual Outreach**: Website and resources available in English and Chinese, enhancing accessibility across Asia.
- **International Conferences**: Hosts high-profile events like the annual Singapore Lecture, featuring global leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Angela Merkel.

## Body
### History
The institute was founded on June 7, 1968, as the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS). It was renamed ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in 2015 to commemorate Singapore’s first President, Yusof bin Ishak (1965–1970), who played a key role in the country’s early nation-building efforts. The name change was formally recognized through a Wikipedia reference update in 2023.

### Organization Structure
- **Statutory Board**: Established under Singaporean law, receiving government support while maintaining operational independence.
- **Nonprofit Status**: Registered as a charity in Singapore (Unique Entity Number: T08GB0021F), with funding from public and private sectors.
- **Academic Networks**: Partnered with global institutions and indexed in international registries (e.g., VIAF ID 136795922, ISNI 0000000121655530).

### Research Focus
The institute specializes in interdisciplinary studies of Southeast Asia, including:
- Political systems and governance.
- Economic development and trade.
- Social trends and cultural diversity.
- Security and international relations.
- Environmental and urban challenges.

### Publications and Outreach
- **Journals and Books**: Publishes peer-reviewed works through its imprint, ISEAS Publishing, with a focus on open-access research.
- **Policy Engagement**: Provides briefs and analyses for governments, NGOs, and multinational organizations.
- **Public Events**: Organizes lectures, workshops, and conferences, such as the Singapore Lecture series, which has hosted prominent global figures.

### Accreditations and Identifiers
- **DOI Prefix**: 10.1355 (registered with Crossref).
- ** GRID ID**: grid.462429.f (Global Research Identifier Database).
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n80079559.
- **National Library of Israel J9U ID**: 987007263071105171.

## References

1. Open Funder Registry
2. [Charity Portal Singapore](https://www.charities.gov.sg/_layouts/15/CPInternet/SearchOrgProfile.aspx?q=MjRmNGFiOTEtN2E2NS1lMzExLTgyZGItMDA1MDU2YjMwNDg0)
3. [Charity Portal Singapore](https://www.charities.gov.sg/_layouts/15/CPInternet/SearchOrgProfile.aspx?q=NzYyNTU2YjUtN2E2NS1lMzExLThmZGEtMDA1MDU2YjMwNDg1)
4. GRID Release 2017-01-10
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. ROR release v1.19
8. [Source](http://api.crossref.org/members/112)
9. GRID Release 2016-05-31
10. GRID Release 2016-12-06
11. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File