BSI CONFERENCE 2012

The inaugural BSI Conference 2012, held on 2 April at the Raffles City Convention Centre, drew more than 200 participants from the public service, institutes of higher learning and non-governmental organisations. Organised by the Behavioural Sciences Institute (BSI) of SMU, the Conference brought together researchers, practitioners, organisational leaders and senior civil servants to share their thoughts and perspectives on the theme, “Adapting effectively to rapid changes: Much more than cognitive abilities” with the participants.

Professor Arnoud De Meyer, President of SMU, gave the opening speech as the Guest-of-Honour. Dr Neal Schmitt, Emeritus University Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Management, Michigan State University, and Keynote Speaker for the Conference, delivered a thought-provoking address on “Performance in a rapidly changing environment: More than cognitive ability and academic skill”.  Throughout the day, participants were treated to several stimulating presentations by prominent speakers and lively discussions by invited panelists. The select group of experts were:

Speakers

• Prof David Chan, Director, BSI and Professor of Psychology, SMU (Also Chair, Organising Committee for BSI Conference 2012);

• Dr Kwok Leung, Chair Professor of Management, City University of Hong Kong; and

• Dr Paul Tesluk, Donald S Carmichael Professor of Organisational Behaviour, University at Buffalo, State University of New York;

Panelists

•  Prof David Chan, Director, BSI and Professor of Psychology, SMU (Also Moderator for the Panel);

•  Mr Laurence Lien, Nominated Member of Parliament and CEO, National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre;

•  Dr Jeremy Lim, CEO, Fortis Healthcare Singapore;

•  Ms Debra Soon, Managing Director, Channel NewsAsia (CNA); and

•  Mr Lionel Yeo, Dean and CEO of CSC and Deputy Secretary, Public Service Division.

The conference ended with an engaging closing panel discussion, as panelists David, Laurence, Jeremy, Debra and Lionel shared their views and experiences on the subject of adaptability to changes and its applications to the socio-political contexts of Singapore. The panelists also discussed the relevance of adaptability issues to the policy making and public engagement settings. Feedback received indicated that participants found the conference very useful and many suggested for BSI to hold more of such conferences in future that will help bridge science and practice.