This SUTD-LKYCIC seminar explores Singapore’s urban resilience from three perspectives: economic resilience, social cohesion and climate change adaptation. In economic resilience, we share how workers can innovate and remain resilient in the age of AI, demonstrating the transformative impact of integrating the social sciences with interdisciplinary research through concrete examples from the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKYCIC) over the past decade of research. In social cohesion, we explore neighbourly bonds amongst residents living in mixed-income precincts in Singapore to identify factors that foster more inclusive and resilient communities. In climate change adaptation, we share how resilience and adaptation differ, why that matters, and how rethinking these concepts can improve responses to rising urban heat. A cross-sector conversation further dives into how Singapore can prepare for — and thrive amid — the challenges of a precarious time.
This event is organised by SUTD as part of Social Science and Humanities Ideas Festival 2026, a collaborative showcase by social science and humanities researchers across our local universities.
2 BOA-SIA CPD points
3 SIP CPD points
3 PEB CPD points
Programme
13:30 – 14:00
Registration
14:00 – 14:10
Greeting & Welcome by Dr Cai Yanjun, Research Fellow, LKYCIC (Emcee)
Opening Remarks by Prof Cheong Koon Hean, Chair, LKYCIC
14:10 – 14:50
Economic Resilience: The Future of Innovation IS the Future of Work
By Mr Poon King Wang, Chief Strategy & Design AI Officer, SUTD Director
Q&A
14:50 – 15:30
Social Cohesion: Project BOND: Building Our Neighbourly Dynamics
By Dr Suhaila Binte Zainal Shah, Research Fellow, LKYCIC & Jeremy Mok, Senior Centre Manager, Social Health Care (Active Ageing Centres)
Q&A
15:30 – 16:10
Building a Climate-Resilient Citizenry through Engaged Communities, Engaged Research, and the 3P+ Framework
By Dr Harvey Neo, Professorial Research Fellow, LKYCIC
Q&A
16:10 – 17:20
Panel Discussion
Moderated by Prof Cheong Koon Hean, Chair, LKYCIC
17:20 – 17:30
Closing Remarks
17:30 – 18:00
Tea & Networking
Programme synopsis
Economic Resilience: The Future of Innovation IS The Future of Work
The LKYCIC’s research into the future of work and innovation has been cited by and integrated into the National AI Strategy 1.0; Shanghai Institute of Science for Science’s AI Governance reports; Singapore’s first human-centered and industry-agnostic A Job Redesign Guide in the Age of AI; and SkillsFuture’s Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 2025. The insights also underpin the “What’s Next For Your Career Using Design·AI” workshops (supported by WSG), SUTD Academy’s well-received Design·AI executive education workshops, and SUTD’s strategies to pivot to be the world’s first Design·AI university. This presentation will explore the research insights cutting across the above, and discuss ideas on how the social sciences when paired with interdisciplinary research and practice can make an impact on people, community, economy, and society.
Social Cohesion: Project BOND: Building Our Neighbourly Dynamics
Singapore’s dense urban living environment and multicultural population make social cohesion/resilience particularly challenging to achieve. In Project BOND, we investigate the lived experiences and social-spatial dynamics in mixed-income HDB precincts to identify the factors that may foster stronger community ties and enhance social cohesion. The study uses a range of social sciences research methodology to obtain a deeper understanding of residents’ beliefs and actions. We will share preliminary findings on how and why residents interact differently with neighbours and conclude with possible interventions for stronger neighbourly ties.
Building a Climate-Resilient Citizenry through Engaged Communities, Engaged Research, and the 3P+ Framework
Although public awareness of the adverse impacts of climate change has grown, such recognition rarely translates into sustained, positive behavioural change. This disconnect reflects, on one hand, a failure to meaningfully engage citizens in climate discourse—and on the other, the persistent perception that academic research on climate issues is esoteric or detached from everyday life. Compounding this is a powerful triad of dissonance that undermines climate principles, policies, and practices: the mismatched scales, temporalities, and spatialities through which climate change is experienced and addressed. This presentation introduces a collaborative “3P+” framework that can help build a climate-resilient citizenry. We will also examine how the scalar, temporal, and spatial disconnects shape climate discourse and action.
Panel Discussion
The panel discussion brings together the public, private, and community sectors to explore what resilience means for a city facing intersectional challenges in the era of uncertainty. Featuring voices from a key property developer with core sustainability goals, a community activist passionate about social cohesion and a champion who safeguards workers’ future, this dialogue aims to foster discussion on how resilience can transform systems, strengthen communities, and reimagine possibilities for the future. It discusses how cross-sector partnerships and bold experimentation can help Singapore remain adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable in a rapidly changing world.
Moderator
Professor Cheong Koon Hean, Chair, LKYCIC
Prof Cheong Koon Hean is Practice Professor and concurrently Chairman of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (SUTD) and the Centre for Liveable Cities Advisory Panel (MND). She serves on several advisory panels and boards and is also the Rector of NUS College and Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Finland.
Prof Cheong was formerly CEO of the Housing and Development Board and the Urban Redevelopment Authority; and was Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of National Development. She played a key role in the physical transformation of Singapore, including Marina Bay and major development areas and introduced a new generation of smart and sustainable public housing estates. Prof Cheong has been conferred several awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding public service. She is also the first Asian to receive concurrently the 2016 Urban Land Institute’s Prize for Urban Visionaries and the Lynn S Beedle Lifetime Achievement Award conferred by the Council for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
Speakers
Mr Poon King Wang, Chief Strategy & Design·AI Officer, SUTD, Director, LKYCIC
King Wang is SUTD’s Chief Strategy and Design·AI Officer, and concurrently Director of the LKYCIC (where he also heads the Smart Cities Lab and the Future Digital Economies initiative). His teams focus on the human dimensions of AI, smart cities and digital economies, and how work, education, healthcare, and society are changing. His work aims to help leaders in developing strategies and policies to improve lives through technology. He has served in the public sector and also worked in the private sector. King Wang received the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 2021.
Dr Suhaila Binte Zainal Shah, Research Fellow, LKYCIC
Suhaila Zainal Shah is a Research Fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities. A sociologist with expertise in interdisciplinary and applied social research, she studies social inequalities, inclusivity, and urban challenges. Her PhD examined mothers’ work-life experiences and their relationship with technology amid digital disruption and the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on this, she explores themes such as technology and society, intersectional inequalities, and community engagement. Suhaila’s research aims to inform policies that strengthen social resilience and support inclusive urban development, bridging academic insights with practical applications for equitable and sustainable cities.
Mr Jeremy Mok, Senior Centre Manager, Social Health Care (Active Ageing Centres)
Jeremy has been serving in the eldercare sector with Lions Befrienders since 2017. His work in community building through engaging residents, volunteers and community partners has given him first-hand experience on how seniors can be meaningfully engaged and inspired to contribute back to the community.
He also believes that the eldercare sector should implement more evidence-based programmes and interventions for seniors. Research is a key pillar for Lions Befrienders as it builds evidence for our practice, enabling us to understand and address the current and evolving needs of seniors.
Dr Harvey Neo, Professorial Research Fellow, LKYCIC
Harvey’s research focuses on urban futures, citizen urban science, policy-making, and nature-society interactions. He is Southeast Asian editor of Human Geography and Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, and serves on advisory boards including Geoforum and Progress in Environmental Geography. At SUTD, he directs the Master in Urban Science, Policy and Planning programme and leads LKYCIC initiatives on citizen-centric urban science, urban environmental sustainability, and future-ready society partnerships. His work includes studies on walkability, electric vehicle policies, and human adaptation to urban heat in Southeast Asian cities, fostering cross-sector collaborations to strengthen society’s resilience and readiness for the future.
Panel speakers
Mr Tony Tan, Chief Corporate Officer at CapitaLand Development
Tony Tan is the Chief Corporate Officer of CapitaLand Development (CLD), where he oversees the corporate functions of Human Resources, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Communications. He also drives the Strategic Planning and Sustainability functions for CLD, shaping the company’s long-term direction and commitment to sustainable development. Tony concurrently holds the appointment of Executive Director of CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand Group, where he leads efforts to amplify the Group’s social impact.
Ms Melissa Kwee, Co‑founder, Beautiful People, Director, Pontiac Land Group
Melissa Kwee co-founded Beautiful People in 2006, a volunteer-driven mentorship initiative supporting at-risk youth and families. From 2014 to 2022, she had served as CEO of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), championing national civic campaigns like Giving.sg and the “Company of Good” movement. Beyond her civic and philanthropic leadership, Melissa is a Director at Pontiac Land Group.
Mr Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress
Patrick Tay is the Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC and Member of Parliament of Pioneer Single Member Constituency. He co-chairs the Financial Sector Tripartite Committee. As Director of NTUC’s Legal Services and Strategy Departments, he represents the Labour Movement in tripartite workgroups to review/update employment and industrial relations legislation and has been pivotal in lobbying for many changes to manpower related laws and policies in Singapore. He also co-chaired the NTUC-Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) Professional Managerial Employees (PME) Taskforce and is the Executive Secretary for the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries. As legal adviser to NTUC-affiliated unions in Singapore, he has advised/represented numerous unions/members in complex and contentious issues, dispute resolution, conciliation and in the Industrial Arbitration Court.