SMU has appointed ambassador-at-large Bilahari Kausikan as a senior fellow at its School of Social Sciences. The appointment, which was effective from 1 August, will last for a year. He will be conducting a series of lectures on diplomacy in East Asia from January onwards, as part of the faculty's International and Asian Studies programme. The programme is a new multi-disciplinary Social Sciences major that examines the emerging role of Asia in the world. Students will get in-depth knowledge on regional and global affairs and look at issues concerning Asia. Dean of the SMU School of Social Sciences Prof James Tang said that learning from Mr Kausikan, a seasoned diplomat known for his outspokenness, will benefit the students greatly.