Professor David Chan of Singapore Management University has been appointed to the Global Advisory Panel on Skills (GAPS), a high-level initiative backed by the World Bank to combat poverty through strategic skill development.

Key Takeaways

  • Professor David Chan (SMU) joins the Global Advisory Panel on Skills (GAPS).
  • The panel is a joint initiative by the World Bank Group and the Center for Global Development.
  • Focus: Addressing skills gaps caused by AI and digital transformation in low-to-middle income countries.
  • Objective: Identifying interventions to boost incomes and reduce global poverty.

In a significant move for global economic policy, Professor David Chan, a renowned psychologist from Singapore Management University (SMU), has been appointed to the newly established Global Advisory Panel on Skills (GAPS). This international body is jointly spearheaded by the World Bank Group and the Center for Global Development.

The appointment comes at a critical juncture as nations worldwide struggle to bridge the widening skills gap. As artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid digital advancements reshape the global economy, governments are under immense pressure to implement effective workforce reskilling and lifelong learning policies to remain competitive and inclusive.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the disconnect between traditional education and the demands of an AI-driven workforce is one of the greatest threats to global economic stability. By integrating behavioral science into policy recommendations, the GAPS panel aims to provide evidence-based solutions that don't just focus on technical training, but also on how humans psychologically adapt to systemic shifts in the workplace.

"I hope we can help translate rigorous scientific evidence into practical solutions that enable countries to respond to rapid technological and economic change." — Professor David Chan

Professor Chan is one of 22 elite experts selected globally. His expertise in social and behavioral sciences will be instrumental in advising how societies can navigate demographic shifts and evolving employment needs. Notably, this panel complements the World Bank's High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs, which is co-chaired by Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.

Historical Background

Historically, major economic shifts—such as the Industrial Revolution—have always necessitated a massive overhaul of human capital. However, the current digital and AI-driven transformation is unique due to its unprecedented speed. The World Bank's focus on skills-based interventions reflects a global recognition that human adaptability is the primary currency of the 21st-century economy.

Did You Know?: Professor David Chan was ranked in the top 1% of scientists worldwide in a 2020 study by Stanford University regarding researcher impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary goal of the GAPS panel?
The panel aims to identify the most effective skill-based interventions to raise incomes and reduce poverty in developing nations.

2. How does this panel relate to the World Bank's existing initiatives?
GAPS serves as the analytical and evidence-driven engine that provides recommendations to the broader High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs.