David Chan

David Chan is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Behavioural Sciences Institute at Singapore Management University (SMU). He holds a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Michigan State University and is a Lee Kuan Yew Fellow. His academic roles include serving as Interim Dean of the School of Social Sciences (2007–2008), Deputy Provost (2008–2011), and Vice Provost for Research (2008). He also holds adjunct roles at A*STAR and co-directs the Centre for Technology and Social-Behavioural Insights.

Education: PhD from Michigan State University. Prior to academia, he served as a police officer and later transitioned into academic research and teaching. His research focuses on organizational psychology, behavioral sciences, and their applications to social issues, policy design, and public well-being.

Research interests include adaptability, subjective well-being, trust dynamics, and social cohesion. He has pioneered translational research, applying behavioral science to real-world challenges like gambling addiction, urban planning, and pandemic response. Notable contributions include founding SMU’s Behavioural Sciences Institute and shaping Singapore’s social science research landscape through initiatives like the Social Experiment Series with Channel News Asia.

Publications emphasize societal challenges, such as educational reforms, pandemic management, and population policies. His articles frequently bridge academic rigor with public engagement, influencing policymakers and the general public. He advises governmental bodies, including the National Council on Problem Gambling, and collaborates with agencies like A*STAR on tech-driven behavioral research.

Grants and labs: Funded major projects on social media behavior, gambling addiction, and public policy. The Behavioural Sciences Institute and its collaborations with A*STAR exemplify his commitment to interdisciplinary research. He advocates for a 'scientist-practitioner' model, emphasizing real-world impact over theoretical isolation.