People Matter : Essays by David Chan

From Ministers"Our society, policies and politics have become more complex and volatile. David Chan has been an astute observer of this evolution. His insights on behavioural economics and social psychology have been especially relevant to the issues of the day. I always take his suggestions seriously."Dr Vivian BalakrishnanMinister for the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore"People is at the heart of everything we do. Whether in the social, economic or political spheres, it is about the people. This book provides useful perspectives about the way people think, feel and act - these are critical considerations relevant to our policy making and nation building"Mr Chan Chun SingMinister for Social and Family Development & Second Minister for Defence, SingaporeDeputy Secretary-General of National Trades Union Congress"Through his book, David looks at - and looks out for - Singaporeans by addressing our most pertinent concerns. He writes with a strong focus on serving the people, and boldly challenges Singaporeans today with daring hopes for the future of our nation. As our city-state celebrates our golden jubilee, this book will remind us that in Singapore''s next fifty years, people will matter the most."Mr Heng Swee KeatMinister for Education, Singapore"I have found Professor Chan''s essays relevant as they often contain valuable insights. Policy making is about addressing Singaporeans'' needs and helping them live a meaningful life. We care a lot about Singaporeans, and their long term future in a challenging world. People matter in policy formulation and its communication. Professor Chan''s essays help fill some gaps."Mr Khaw Boon WanMinister for National Development, Singapore"David is a well-known scholar in industrial and organizational psychology. His research and writing is on a wide range of public policy issues. He analyses issues from multiple perspectives. We need reasoned debate and feasible solutions on issues that affect us all. David''s work will be a valuable addition to that."Mr K ShanmugamMinister for Foreign Affairs & Minister for Law, SingaporeFrom Academics and University Leaders"We all know that in any institution, it is the people within that institution that finally matters. This is even more so for Singapore, given its paucity of natural and strategic resources, other than human talent. Professor David Chan''s collection of essays bespeaks of his considerable depth of understanding of why people matter so much more for Singapore. It is what makes the tiny island state exceptional, at least to the point where the world pays attention to us, out of proportion to our size. His twenty one chapters are all substantive articles first published in The Straits Times. Clearly, he has been able to communicate effectively and relevantly to the general Singapore populace. As a Singaporean, I have found many of his articles invaluable. I fully endorse this book."Professor Freddy BoeyDeputy President and Provost, Nanyang Technological University"This collection of essays by David Chan is a useful introduction to some of the key contemporary socio-economic and political issues of Singapore. David discusses them thoughtfully and frankly through the lenses of a psychologist and social scientist. His analyses provide new insights to known topics such as the immigration debate, democracy and its processes, trust in society, social mobility and sense of well-being. The book would be helpful to policy makers and anyone wanting to understand Singapore society."Professor Chan Heng Chee, ChairmanLee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Singapore University of Technology and Design"A wide-ranging collection of analytical essays by a highly established behavioural scientist, People Matter examines critically the psychological and behavioural implications of current political, social, and economic policies of Singapore. This book is thought provoking, insightful, and enjoyable to read."Professor Chong Tow ChongProvost, Singapore University of Technology and Design"Developing Singapore requires more than good economic policies or investments in infrastructure and hard technology. Firmly anchored in behavioural sciences, and with a passion for Singapore, David Chan explains in this series of essays how people''s perceptions and feelings, and the ensuing behaviours influence the development of a society. And he goes far beyond observation: he provides excellent advice on what can be done on a wide range of topics covering immigration, happiness, trust, social mobility, etc. Each essay makes for interesting reading, but the collection makes you reflect and think. This is a must read for those who care about the future of Singapore."Professor Arnoud De MeyerPresident, Singapore Management University"This book provides a valuable perspective. David Chan is an indispensable guide in thinking about Singapore''s future in light of major shifts in its social fabric."Mr Janadas DevanDirector, Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore"Professor David Chan''s essays are always worth reading. He has a knack of summarising complex problems in simple terms that go to the heart of the issue. Professor Chan is by far Singapore''s most distinguished behavioural scientist. His grasp of topics is unrivalled in its breadth and depth. His essays are outstanding examples of a fine mind applying science and personal experience to both national and everyday concerns, in ways that anyone can understand."Dr John ElliottAssociate Professor of Psychology, National University of Singapore"The essays analyse some critical and controversial issues that have been seizing the attention of policy makers and the public for several years. What separate the essays from many other writings on similar topics are the professional insights, principled perspectives and practical recommendations that David brings to the issues."Professor Tommy KohAmbassador-At-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore"In Singapore''s early struggling years, the key goal was survival. Now, we have gone from Third World to First World. Our citizens expect more from their lives. Material rewards are not enough. Happiness and well-being are now necessities, not luxuries. David''s essays will help Singaporeans make this critical transition towards a happier and more productive society."Professor Kishore MahbubaniDean, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of SingaporeAuthor of The Great Convergence: Asia, the West and the Logic of One World"People Matter is a fascinating collection of essays that demonstrate Professor David Chan''s active curiosity, broad range of interests, and warm empathy for his fellow citizen. Drawing upon his expertise in psychology and behavioural sciences, these essays explore, with clear-sightedness, and sensitivity, the varied complex emotional and psychological factors that underlie our understanding of, and responses to, the contemporary issues facing our nation and society.People Matter makes the case that our decision making should incorporate not only rigorous analysis, but an appreciation for emotional and psychological factors and contexts."Professor Tan Chorh ChuanPresident, National University of Singapore"This collection of essays addresses a wide range of sentiments and concerns that have exercised Singaporeans from all walks of life in the past few years. David Chan''s informed and insightful analyses help make sense of the many complex issues, from immigration to social values, that the general public and policy makers alike have had to face in contemporary Singapore. Thoughtful and relevant, these well-written articles, now thankfully consolidated into a single volume, will appeal to a broad range of readers."Professor Tan Tai YongNominated Member of ParliamentExecutive Vice President (Academic Affairs), Yale-NUS College"Singapore is 50 and as we ponder over what the next 50 years will bring, besides further economic progress, what will also determine our future is the kind of society we will build. David Chan has contributed eloquently to this discussion through a series of thoughtful essays he has published in the Straits Times. Bringing these essays together now is a timely reminder of the multifaceted challenges we will need to overcome to build a better society."Professor Tan Thiam SoonPresident, Singapore Institute of Technology"First published as ''think'' pieces in The Straits Times, this collection of essays gets straight to the heart of people-to-people and government-and-people relations in Singapore. Professor David Chan combines academic acumen as a psychologist with a keen eye for everyday encounters in real life to reflect on a wide range of ''hot button'' issues, including happiness and well-being, emotions and shared values, population policy, social mobility, cohesion and integration, public expectations, trust-in-transition, and the ups and downs of counterfactual thinking. In a time when social life and the art of government are ridden with paradoxes and polarities, this is a timely compendium of reflections that helpfully crystallizes issues, while focusing our attention on what is really critical in a fast-changing Singapore."Professor Brenda YeohDean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore"In each of these very readable essays, David Chan skillfully uses the psychologist''s toolbox of theory and evidence to shed light on a range of highly relevant national issues such as population priorities, immigration, trust, shared values, democracy and public disagreements. Insightful and thought provoking for the policy maker and layman alike, this volume clarifies the key human dimensions of these complex and difficult public debates."Mr Yeoh Lam KeongAdjunct Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of SingaporeFrom Public Sector Leaders"David''s essays help readers understand why people behave the way they do. Hi

Author: David Chan

Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company

Publication Date: May 18, 2015

Number of Pages: 152 pages

Language: English

Binding: Hardcover

ISBN-10: 9814689025

ISBN-13: 9789814689021