On 1 November 2016, the School of Social Sciences hosted the SMU-J.P. Morgan Symposium for 60 participants at the SMU Administration Building on the topic of Managing Skills Challenges in ASEAN-5. The symposium was based on a research study jointly conducted by Associate Professor Tan Kim Song (Faculty Member, School of Economics) and Professor James Tang (Dean, School of Social Sciences).
Funded by J.P. Morgan, the study sought to address the skills challenges the ASEAN-5 countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand) face individually and collectively as a group. It highlighted, in particular, issues related to disruptive technology, government-industry cooperation and intra-regional labour flows that determine how quickly and effectively skill gaps are met in the coming decade.
It was our privilege to have Dr Noeleen Heyzer, the former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Lee Kong Chian Distinguished Fellow from the School of Social Sciences to deliver the keynote address titled “A New Growth Model for ASEAN: Towards Sustainable and Shared Prosperity”. After Dr Heyzer’s illuminating speech, Professor James Tang presented the research findings to the audience.
Associate Professor Tan Kim Song then moderated a panel discussion on the topic of “Coping with Disruptive Forces on Skills Training”. Joining him on the panel were Professor Arnoud De Meyer (President, Singapore Management University), Mr. Chauncy Lennon (Managing Director and Head of Workforce Initiatives, J.P. Morgan Chase), Mr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich (President, Thailand Development and Research Institute), Ms. Shinta Witoyo Dhanuwardoyo (Founder and CEO, Bubu.com), and Mr. Miguel Francisco Caparas (Co-Founder, NXT LVL Academy Philippines).
