In May, the Nurkse Department welcomed Prof. Dr Reuben Ng, Associate Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (National University of Singapore), as the Nurkse Visiting Professor. During his visit, he delivered guest lectures on Singapore’s responses to an ageing population, the application of behavioural insights and nudge theory in public policy design and implementation, and the development of Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative as a model of digital governance. He also presented at the faculty seminar, showcasing innovative methods for analysing historical narratives of ageing over two centuries, strategies for reframing ageing and communicating ageing policies, and practical policy solutions that draw on both global evidence and regional experience to build more age-inclusive societies.
From 14-26 May, the Ragnar Nurkse Department of Innovation and Governance hosted Professor Reuben Ng as the Nurkse Visiting Professor. Professor Ng is an Associate Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, and Director of the Data Innovation Group. His work focuses on behavioural science, AI implementation, and social policy.
He trained at NUS, Oxford, and Yale, and has received major honours, including the Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice and the Fulbright Science and Technology Award. He has been ranked among the top 1% of scientists globally by Stanford University since 2024. His research covers ageism, ageing policy, and precision policy communications, and has been featured in major international media. Before academia, he co-led Technology Policy and the Smart Nation initiative at Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office.
During his visit, he delivered three guest lectures as part of the course Implementing Governance in a Diverse Globalized World (MNR5310). The lectures focused on Singapore’s experience with rapid demographic ageing, including policy responses to an ageing population; the application of behavioural insights and nudge theory in public policy design and implementation; and the development of Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative as a model of digital governance. These sessions combined academic research with practical policy experience.
At the faculty seminar on May 20, he gave a presentation titled "Ageing through the Ages: Ageism, Historical Narratives and Communicating Ageing Policy." The session showcased innovative methods in analysing the historical narratives of ageing over two centuries, strategies to reframe ageing and communicate ageing policies, and practical policy solutions that draw on both global evidence and regional experience to build more age-inclusive societies.
Professor Ng also gave an interview for the RND’s Innovation and Governance podcast, where he joined Dr. Peeter Vihma to discuss AI, risk, resilience, and the human side of innovation. You can access the episode HERE.