National Service a key indicator of integration: study

SMU Professor of Psychology and Director of the Behavioural Sciences Institute David Chan said that policy makers should not simply take a rational approach when addressing concerns. "I think it is very important not just for government but all parties to recognise that emotions are not a bad thing. The important issue is first to understand the origin of this emotion, what is the nature of this emotion? Why do people feel that way, recognise the intensity of the emotions and understand the cognitive and the behavioural implications of the emotions. "In other words, if people feel this way, with this intensity, what is the likelihood that people would think in another way or think in a particular way or act in a particular way. And that should be part of the policy consideration and part of the long term interest of the people because it affects the national resilience of the country," said Professor Chan.