In an invited essay, SMU Behavioural Sciences Institute Director Professor David Chan explains the psychology of public trust. He noted that to build high trust cities, governments need to appreciate the fragility and power of public trust, and also better understand the relationships linking people, leaders and the cities they inhabit.

In an invited commentary published in The Straits Times in 2014, SMU Behavioural Sciences Institute Director Professor David Chan discussed why and how constructive public discourse and engagement requires a positivity mindset. He noted that it is natural that there will be differences and disagreements over a public policy or issue, and it is important to distinguish between negative emotions and a negativity mindset. A negativity mindset is formed through a series and accumulation of unpleasant negative experiences.

In an invited commentary, SMU Behavioural Sciences Institute Director Professor David Chan discussed leadership issues in the Singapore context. He explained how the selection and development of leaders need to go beyond academic abilities to focus on non-academic attributes, especially the ability to make effective judgements in practical situations.

In a Science Feature interview on receiving the inaugural Scientist-Practitioner Presidential Recognition award, SMU Behavioural Sciences Institute Director Professor David Chan shared his views on what it means to live the scientist-practitioner model, the need for university structures, management and policymakers to encourage professors to be more integrative, and how transparency in policymaking affects political leadership.

In an invited commentary, SMU Behavioural Sciences Institute Director Professor David Chan discussed the issues surrounding the replacement of streaming at secondary school with the subject-based banding system. He explained how we can approach issues by reflecting on what he called the "Seven S" elements of education.