Managing in Complexity Series Lecture on "Addressing Complex Social Challenges"
by Mr Adam Kahane, Partner in Reos Partners and Visiting Practitioner, University of Oxford and University of Waterloo
3.30pm – 5.30pm, CSC Saffron Room

The two methods most frequently employed to address our most complex social challenges—either relying on violence and aggression, or submitting to endless negotiation and compromise—are fundamentally flawed. This is because the seemingly contradictory drives behind these approaches—power, the desire to achieve one’s purpose, and love, the urge to unite with others—are actually complementary. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. put it, “Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.” But how do you combine them?

For the last twenty years Adam Kahane has worked around the world on many tough and vital challenges: food security, health care, economic development, judicial reform, peace making, climate change. In this lecture he will draw on this experience to delve deeply in the dual natures of both power and love, exploring their subtle and intricate interplay. He will relate how, through trial and error, he has learned to balance them, and offer practical guidance for how others can learn that balance as well.

*A complimentary copy of Mr Adam Kahane's book "Power and Love: A Theory and Practice of Social Change" will be given to registered participants.

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Managing in Complexity Series Lecture on "Recent Developments in Futures Thinking: An Overview for Policymakers"
by Dr Riel Miller, Founder of Xperidox: Futures Consulting
9.30am – 11.30am, CSC Tamarind Room

This lecture seeks to introduce emerging developments and changes in the theory and practice of anticipatory thinking, and is relevant to decision-makers because their choices are influenced by the nature and content of the anticipatory systems they use. The lecture will begin with a historical overview of the development of foresight as a decision making tool, including recent uses of strategic foresight for policy formation in Europe and North America. This serves as background for an introduction to the “anticipatory systems” approach to foresight and the concept of Futures Literacy.

In connecting foresight to decision making, the lecture will also include a case study of the Learning Intensive Society that will illustrate how an extended Futures Literacy process, can challenge the anticipatory assumptions that shape conventional policy. Thereby providing an example of how to link foresight to decision making. The lecture will close with a discussion of FuturesIreland, a recent three-year Futures Literacy process conducted on behalf of the Prime Minister by the National Economic and Social Development Office of Ireland.

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Lecture on "Political and Media Developments in China Today"
by Dr Shih Hui Min, Former Senior Vice President of MediaCorp Singapore
3.30pm – 5.30pm, CSC Seminar Room 2

In China, “Guanxi” (relations) is no longer the sole and ultimate element to ascendency and profit. Knowledge, paired with guanxi, has become the key factor to success. What knowledge of the Chinese political and media arenas is crucial when working with the Chinese media?

In this lecture, Dr Shih Hui Min, former Senior Vice President of MediaCorp Singapore, will discuss China's political structure and command-chain within Chinese media organizations. She will share her knowledge and experience of the Chinese media, with consideration of Chinese political and media management mentalities, the philosophy and approaches to media management, and the bottom line for China media organisations. She will also examine the “Chaiwan” effect, and its potential impact on Singapore and other
Asian nations.

This event is complimentary and subject to a “no-show” charge of $10.70 (inclusive of GST). Please sign up early as there is limited
seating capacity.

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