Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Tan Cheng Bock [Singapore, Member Of Parliament], Cheng Bock Tan

Digital Narratives of Asia

Former veteran People's Action Party Member of Parliament, presidential candidate Dr Tan Cheng Bock speaks his mind with DNA on his struggles during his school days, National Service, and what had motivated him to enter politics. He reveals his take on Foreign Talent, the Feedback Unit, and shares on the kind of society he hopes Singapore will become.

Harry Susilo [Indonesia, Founder Sekar Group], Harry Susilo

Digital Narratives of Asia

Harry Susilo, founder and chairman of Sekar Group, shares with DNA how he had started as the first entreprenuer in Indonesia to export prawns and seafood products. He talks about the values of "Susilo Institute of Ethics in the Global Economy", qualities of a good leader, and business succession. Interview in English and Mandarin. Transcript in English.

Societal Leadership In Southeast Asia: National Landscapes, Challenges And Opportunities To Enhance Societal Impact, Institute For Societal Leadership

Institute of Societal Leadership Research Collection

This study draws its contents from the findings and insights that colleagues from the Institute for Societal Leadership have put together in the form of eleven Southeast Asian Country Insights Labs reports. The Country Insights Labs were undertaken to uncover the critical social issues facing leaders from business, government and civil society in each Southeast Asian country. During the visits to each country, ISL staff also investigated the challenges faced by civil society organisations (CSOs) such as philanthropic organisations, corporate foundations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), activist groups, social enterprises and impact investment funders. This paper aggregates the background research and key …

Kishore Mahbubani [Singapore, Diplomat, Dean Of Lee Kuan Yew School Of Public Policy], Kishore Mahbubani

Digital Narratives of Asia

Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Kishore Mahbubhani is a retired diplomat and respected author. He shares with DNA his 5C theory of leadership, as well as his thoughts on working with Singapore’s founding leaders.

Surakiart Sathirathai [Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister], Surakiart Sathirathai

Digital Narratives of Asia

A former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Surakiart Sathirathai is a long-time academic and who has also sat on many boards of companies. He shares with DNA his thoughts on the qualities that make a good leader, as well as what is lacking in leaders today – the ability to communicate to their followers.

Tall Order: Are Ceos Born With Leadership Traits?, Singapore Management University

Perspectives@SMU

New research reveals which men are likely to become the boss

Understanding Societal Leadership: Strategy And Impact, Institute For Societal Leadership, Lai Cheng Lim, Molly Delaney

Institute of Societal Leadership Research Collection

This study focuses on the construct and discusses the characteristics and factors affecting the phenomenon of societal leadership. Reference is made to many worthy examples of social catalysts, innovators and leaders that the Institute for Societal Leadership (ISL) has encountered in each of the Southeast Asian countries and efforts are made to delineate the strategies that are used by societal leaders to create social impact. The study also discusses the various forms of societal leadership and ways in which effective societal leaders or social impact organisations collaborate across sectors to achieve their goals.

Societal Influence, Leadership And Impact: Defining Traits Of Twenty Pioneer Southeast Asian Leaders, Institute For Societal Leadership, Lai Cheng Lim

Institute of Societal Leadership Research Collection

This study focuses on twenty Southeast Asian leaders who have been key players during critical transitions in the social, economic and political development of their country. In asking each of the societal leaders questions concerning their motivation, the cause they were championing and the factors that have led to their success as leaders, the study attempts to draw out common traits they possess and investigates whether the traits that make people effective societal leaders differ across socio-cultural and historical contexts. A grounded theory approach is used in the analysis of the attributes and traits that emerge from the transcripts of …

Mahathir Bin Mohamad [Malaysia, Prime Minister], Mahathir Bin Mohamad

Digital Narratives of Asia

Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad, who was a practising medical doctor, believes in confronting problems in order to overcome them. He enjoys job satisfaction first as a doctor, later as a politician. He shares with DNA about managing the Financial Crisis, party betrayal, and the origin of ASEAN and its challenges. He also reveals his take on a good leader, and his outspoken daughter.

Humility And Compassion: The Pre-Requisites Of Moral Leadership, José Ramos-Horta, Havovi Joshi

Asian Management Insights

The Nobel Peace Laureate and former President of Timor-Leste, Dr. José Ramos-Horta talks about ethical leadership and Timor-Leste’s post-independence development in this interview with Havovi Joshi.

Leading Authentically: Overcoming The Mind-Boggling Consequences Of Mindless Leadership, Thomas Menkhoff

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

The extent of fake leadership and management behaviour in business and society is mind-boggling as indicated by the large number of corporate non-compliance cases and trust violations. Examples include the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the damaged reputation of UK-based pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline as a consequence of a bribery case in China or the recent class action lawsuit related to price-fixing of tickets for trans-Pacific flights.

Hanif Omar [Malaysia, Inspector General Of Police], Hanif Omar

Digital Narratives of Asia

DNA finds out from former Malaysia Inspector General of Police, Tun Hanif Omar, what shaped his values, how he joined the Government, also his insights on the independent era and the Communist threat. He also reveals his take on Singapore's expulsion, and the leaders involved.

José Ramos-Horta [Indonesia, President Of East Timor], José Ramos-Horta

Digital Narratives of Asia

Having sent to the UN (United Nations) to advocate for independence of Timor-Leste as a young man, José Ramos-Horta have learned much about international hypocrisy. The 1996 Nobel Peace Prize recipient and former President recalled the helpful lessons he acquired from Singapore, his pursuit of peace with Indonesia after the collapse of the Suharto regime, and his take on moral leadership.

From Architect To Master Businessman, Singapore Management University

Perspectives@SMU

Ong Tze Boon had no idea how to read a balance sheet. It did not stop him from growing a 62-man firm to over 1,000

A Tale Of Two Bosses: Why Strong Female Leaders Are Seen As Inauthentic, Singapore Management University

Perspectives@SMU

New analysis of media portrayal reveals the gender bias in leadership perceptions

Catalyst Asia Issue 02, Institute For Societal Leadership

Catalyst Asia

STORIES FROM THE GROUND

Food Aid, Powered By Technology

Myanmar’s Microfinance Leader Says Rules Are Too Tight

Empowering The Disenfranchised

Kitchen On A Mission

A Year On, Somaly Mam Scandal Still Raises Questions

Dili 360°

Closing The Accessibility Gap

Pattern Recognition

It Takes A Village To Raise Haiyan’s Children

For The Love Of Gems – A Photo Story From The Streets Of Jakarta

Philanthropists And Trust In Mainland China

The American Known In North Korea

IN THE HOT SEAT

Bridging Two Worlds Through Conversation

The Gift Of Sight

Seeing With New Eyes

Sarus – Hope Is The Thing With Feathers …

Education For A Second Career, Singapore Management University

Perspectives@SMU

Two former soldiers go from the business of waging war to waging war in business

Improving Decision Making Through Mindfulness, Natalie Karelaia, Jochen Reb

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

With perhaps a few exceptions per day, we are seldom fully aware of our thoughts, actions, emotions, and what is happening around us. Even when it comes to making decisions, an activity that is often quite conscious, deliberate, and intentional, people are typically not as aware as they could be. We argue that as a result, decision quality may suffer. Consequently, mindfulness, most often defined as the state of being openly attentive to and aware of what is taking place in the present, both internally and externally (e.g., Brown and Ryan 2003; Kabat-Zinn 1982; 1990), can help people make better …

Leading With Mindfulness: Exploring The Relation Of Mindfulness With Leadership Behaviors, Styles, And Development, Jochen Reb, Samantha Su-Hsien Sim, Kraivin Chintakananda, Devasheesh P. Bhave

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

This chapter examines the complexities of mindfulness in leadership, exploring potential advantages and disadvantages of mindfulness for leaders. Such an inquiry is important for theoretical development but also has practical implications when considering the design of mindfulness training for leadership and other areas such as employee wellbeing. In the present discussion, we clarify the discussion on mindfulness by distinguishing between the dimensions of mindfulness -- that is present-moment attention, intentionality, attitude of self-compassion, witnessing awareness and clarity -- and suggest ways these dimensions affect leadership behaviors. We also distinguish between mindfulness as a construct and as a practice, to elucidate …

J. Y. Pillay [Singapore, Civil Service], Joseph Yuvaraj Pillay

Digital Narratives of Asia

In this DNA interview, Chancellor of Singapore Management University and former top Singapore civil servant, J.Y. Pillay, tells of qualities of good leaders, and the leadership styles of his former bosses Hon Sui Sen and Goh Keng Swee. Known for being a leader who listens and focuses well, he reveals his process of making controversial decisions in the past.

Anan Kalinta [Thailand, Royal Thai Airforce], Anan Kalinta

Digital Narratives of Asia

Anan Kalinta was the Deputy Commander-in-Chief for the Royal Thai Airforce as well as Minister of the Interior in 1991-1992. He shares with DNA his thoughts about what it takes to be a leader in the military, as well as military intervention in politics.

Kaset Rojananil [Thailand, Royal Thai Armed Forces], Kaset Rojananil

Digital Narratives of Asia

Kaset Rojananil was the Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces during the Black May riots of 1992 and was involved in the 1991 coup to overthrow the government of Chatichai Choonhavan. He gives DNA his take on those events as well as what it takes to be a leader in the military.

Wang Gungwu [Hong Kong, Vice-Chancellor Hku, Historian], Wang Gungwu

Digital Narratives of Asia

Renown historian Wang Gungwu has helmed several academic institutions, including the University of Hong Kong (HKU) as Vice-Chancellor from 1986-1995. In this DNA interview, he tells of how he worked to help HKU manage the historic transition from colonial British rule to the Chinese "One-country-two-systems" rule, and along the way, grow the university's research side of the house as well.

Pung Chhiv Kek [Cambodia, Activist], Pung Chhiv Kek

Digital Narratives of Asia

Dr Pung Chhiv Kek is the Founder and President of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO) and was nominated in 2005 for the Nobel Peace Prize as part of the 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize project. Apart from her work to improve the rights and lives of Cambodians, she talks to DNA about her efforts to bring Hun Sen and Sihanouk together for talks, which later led to the Peace Accords of 1991.

Washington Sycip [Philippines, Founder Of Sgv Group], Washington Sycip

Digital Narratives of Asia

Washington SyCip is the founder of SGV Group, a premier audit firm in the Philippines. He shares with DNA how he built up the firm despite tremendous odds, and what drives him to do good as a business leader.

Somsavat Lengsavad [Laos, Deputy Prime Minister], Somsavat Lengsavad

Digital Narratives of Asia

Somsavat Lengsavad is Deputy Prime Minister of Laos. He joined the People's Revolutionary Movement as a combatant in 1961 and his efforts to liberate and unite Laos found him in government decades later. He speaks to DNA about his time in combat, as well as the lessons he learnt from his role model, former President Kaysone Phomvihane.

Mochtar Riady [Indonesia, Banker], Mochtar Riady

Digital Narratives of Asia

Founder and Chairman of Lippo Group, Mochtar Riady gained the moniker "Magic Man of Banking" because of his ability to turn around and grow several of Indonesia's private banks, the most notable being Bank Central Asia (BCA). But his 15 years in BCA wasn't all smooth sailing. He speaks to DNA about his challenges in BCA, which saw him dealing with sensitive relationships with the Suharto government, as well as the firing of his own son for Forex speculation.

Letting In The Light – Finding Your Tragic Hero, Nadja Alexander

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

In this essay, Nadja Alexander explores the melodramatic nature of the tales we tell when we are stuck in difficult conversations and tense situations. Whether in public or private life, when we find ourselves in conflict we tend to use particular storytelling patterns called melodramatic narratives. Here we explore the potentially destructive nature of these conflict storytelling patterns and consider the extent to which they are wired into the default mechanisms of our DNA. Drawing upon ideas from the practice of storytelling, narrative structures, and conflict coaching theory, Nadja shows how we can mindfully engage our emotional intelligence, to find …

Developing Leaders, Rajeev Dubey

Asian Management Insights

Investing in human resources and leadership potential to develop sustained competitive advantage.

The Nine Pillars Of Productivity, Augustine H. H. Tan

Research Collection School Of Economics

The report in The Straits Times on April 30, "S'pore cannot count on global demand to drive economy" makes for sober reading.Quoting Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the report notes that inflows of foreign workers slowed from 80,000 in 2011 to 20,000 last year. Meanwhile, resident labour force growth is tapering off severely. Hence the conclusion of Mr Tharman that restructuring the domestic sector to achieve higher productivity would be essential. Upgrading skills and allowing more market forces to work in weeding out the less innovative and efficient firms would be the keys to achieving this objective.Prime Minister Lee Hsien …