Published by
World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
5 Toh Tuck Link, Singapore 596224
USA office: 27 Warren Street, Suite 401-402, Hackensack, NJ 07601
UK office: 57 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9HE
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
PEOPLE MATTER
Essays by David Chan
Copyright 2015 David Chan and Singapore Press Holdings Ltd.
All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-981-4689-02-1
In-house Editor: Sandhya Venkatesh
Typeset by Stallion Press
Email:
Printed in Singapore
HERES WHAT THIRTY-EIGHT
LEADERS FROM DIFFERENT SECTORS
SAID ABOUT THIS BOOK
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 Balakrishnan
Minister 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 Sing
Minister for Social and Family Development &
Second Minister for Defence, Singapore
Deputy 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 Singapores next fifty years, people will matter the most.
Mr Heng Swee Keat
Minister for Education, Singapore
I have found Professor Chans 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 Chans essays help fill some gaps.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan
Minister 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. Davids work will be a valuable addition to that.
Mr K. Shanmugam
Minister for Foreign Affairs &
Minister for Law, Singapore
FROM 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 Chans 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 Boey
Deputy 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
Chairman
Lee 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 Chong
Provost, 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 peoples 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 Meyer
President, Singapore Management University
This book provides a valuable perspective. David Chan is an indispensable guide in thinking about Singapores future in light of major shifts in its social fabric.
Mr Janadas Devan
Director, Institute of Policy Studies,
National University of Singapore
Professor David Chans 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 Singapores 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 Elliott
Associate 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 Koh
Ambassador-At-Large, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Singapore
In Singapores 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. Davids essays will help Singaporeans make this critical transition towards a happier and more productive society.
