SMU prof is first Asian to win prestigious psychology award

SMU Professor of Psychology David Chan, who is also Director of the SMU Behavioural Sciences Initiative, is the first Asian and Singaporean to win the prestigious Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology's Raymond Katzell Award. Winners of this annual award are fêted for showing the public the importance of work done in industrial and organisational psychology to address social issues. Prof Chan, who has spent three decades in psychology research work, was recognised for his lifetime scientific and practical contributions. The awards committee also highlighted his societal contributions in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. Prof Chan said the greatest impact of his writings on Covid-19, which also include a series of five articles for The Straits Times under its By Invitation series in 2020, was to underscore the importance of public trust in pandemic control. Prof Chan will deliver the keynote address and receive his award, which comprises an achievement plaque and US$3,000 (S$4,000) in cash, at the society's annual conference to be held in the United States in April.