Singapore’s mainstream media remains mum on Li Shengwu securing tenure at Harvard

Last week, Singaporeans enthusiastically joined Li Shengwu, an associate professor of economics at Harvard University, in celebrating the news of his tenure grant, which he joyfully shared on Twitter.

Singapore’s mainstream media (MSMs), including media outlets under government-funded news organisation SPH Media, has yet to report on this significant achievement, despite the news gaining widespread attention in the online community.

This omission is particularly puzzling, given that SPH Media is expected to fulfil its crucial role in serving the best interests of Singaporeans by reflecting the nation’s values and projecting their perspectives to a global audience.

Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, emphasized this responsibility in her recent address to Parliament.

“National pride”: Singaporeans congrats and express pride as Li Shengwu secures tenure at Harvard

In a series of tweets,  The 39-year-old eldest son of Lee Hsien Yang (LHY) reflects on the importance of practising self-kindness and steering clear of overworking while navigating the challenges and mindset that come with being on the tenure track.

Tenured.

Now that it's no longer tempting fate, let me say this: Be kind to yourself. It's easy on the tenure track to work to the point of negative marginal return.

Focused work is hard. If you can work on a proof for four real hours in a day, that is a good day.

— Shengwu Li (@ShengwuLi) February 27, 2024

Commenting on his son’s achievement, Mr LHY took to his Facebook page on 29 February to express his commendation, describing it as a “major academic milestone.”

This accomplishment signifies that Shengwu will ascend to the position of a full professor at Harvard University.

Mr LHY further reflected on the significance of his son’s achievement, suggesting that it would have brought much joy to his late father-in-law, the distinguished Singaporean economist Lim Chong Yah, who passed away 8 July last year.

Additionally, Mr LHY shared an article underscoring the arduous nature of securing tenure at Harvard, noting that it is widely considered the “ultimate prize” for scholars, further highlighting the exceptional nature of Shengwu’s accomplishment.

Harvard University‘s decision to confer tenure upon Assoc Prof Li is a testament to his outstanding contributions in research, teaching, advising, mentoring, and service.

The university underscores that candidates for tenured positions must demonstrate scholarly achievement, impact on their field, intellectual leadership, and potential for future accomplishments.

Before securing tenure at Havard, Assoc Prof Li was awarded the Sloan Research Fellowship for 2023, a testament to his potential to revolutionize the field of economics.

The fellowship, which includes a two-year, US$75,000 grant, supports early-career researchers in various disciplines. Li’s selection for this fellowship highlights his research accomplishments and creativity.

Assoc Prof Li ’s career is decorated with numerous accolades, including the Exeter Prize for his significant contributions to Experimental Economics, Behavioural Economics, and Decision Theory.

His work has been recognized by Nobel laureates, and he is a fellow at the prestigious Harvard Society of Fellows, further affirming his status as a leading thinker in economics.

The news undoubtedly stirred a sense of pride among Singaporeans, evident from the multitude of congratulatory messages flooding Mr Lee’s Facebook page, collectively expressing joy for Assoc Prof Li’s commendable achievement.

State-owned media strangely omits reporting on Assoc Prof Li’s latest achievement

Despite Assoc Prof Li ‘s noteworthy international recognition, the news has strangely not been covered by Singapore’s mainstream media.

A check on media outlets under Singapore’s mainstream media SPH Media, including the Straits Times and Berita Harian, reveals that the latest reporting on Li Shengwu dates back to four years ago in 2020 when the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) sought a court-imposed S$15,000 fine on him for alleged contempt of court.

Lianhe Zaobao reported Assoc Prof Li was awarded the Sloan Research Fellowship just last year.

A check on CNA and TODAY, both under Mediacorp Pte. Ltd., another state-owned public media conglomerate, reveals that they too have yet to report on the news of Assoc Prof Li securing tenure at Harvard University.

It is worth noting that in 2022, MCI announced a commitment to provide up to S$900 million in funding support for SPH Media Trust over the ensuing five years.

Last Friday, MCI Minister Josephine Teo revealed that to date, around S$320 million has been disbursed to SPH Media across the financial years 2022 and 2023.

Ms Teo further outlined that MCI has earmarked approximately S$260 million in funding for SPH Media in the fiscal year 2024.

In a separate context, Mediacorp is funded by Temasek, formerly headed by Ho Ching for nearly two decades. Temasek’s shareholding in Medicorp is 100%.

Assoc Prof Li ‘s self-exile following disputes with Singapore’s AGC

Despite his academic success, Assoc Prof Li has faced legal challenges in Singapore.

After a series of disputes with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) over a private Facebook post, Li chose self-exile.

In 2020, he was found guilty of contempt of court and fined S$15,000.

Assoc Prof Li has been vocal about his criticisms of the AGC and the Singaporean government, reflecting on his grandfather, Lee Kuan Yew’s values, and the impact of family disputes on his life.

Assoc Prof Li’s mother, Mrs Lee Suet Fern, has also faced legal scrutiny from the AGC, resulting in a suspension from practising law. Additionally, both of his parents have been publicly intimidated by the Singapore authorities over allegations related to legal proceedings.

In light of his tenure achievement, he remarked on the irony of achieving such a significant milestone while having fled Singapore due to his outspokenness.

While on the tenure track, I had to flee a small authoritarian regime 🇸🇬 because I spoke my mind on social media. Tenure doesn't change anything. You've seen the real me all along. https://t.co/s0KynFpED1

— Shengwu Li (@ShengwuLi) February 28, 2024