JCU Conversations

Hosted by James Cook University, Singapore

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Oct 2026

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About the show

JCU Conversations is James Cook University, Singapore’s premier podcast series — bringing to you discussions with successful leaders in the industry (across fields such as business, education, urban design, and more) while offering a deeper understanding of their personal lives, careers, inspirations, and approaches to success. Join our rotating chair of distinguished hosts as we find out: What makes these bright minds tick?

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53 recent

October 7, 2026Episode 5319 min

Ep53: Let’s Talk Psychology: Human Behaviour, Social Withdrawal and More | Dr Patrick Lin | Associate Professor, Psychology | JCU Singapore

What if psychology research is about more than statistics? In this episode, our psychology lecturer Dr Patrick Lin, Associate Professor in Psychology, shares how his journey from interior design to psychology shaped his research into human behaviour, interpersonal attraction and hikikomori. He explores why people are more unpredictable than we think, how childhood experiences and technology can influence social withdrawal, and why asking the right research question matters more than mastering statistics. This episode’s host: Dr Jonathan Chia , Lecturer, Psychology at James Cook University (Singapore Campus). Connect with Dr Patrick Lin

September 9, 2026Episode 5224 min

Ep52: Can Each Generation Travel More Sustainably? | Ho Shyn Yee | Partner, Director, Technology Practice Lead at Horwath HTL and Board Member at Smiling Gecko

What if tourism could give back? In this episode, tourism and sustainability expert Ho Shyn Yee, Partner, Director and Technology Practice Lead at Horwath HTL, and Board Member at Smiling Gecko, explains how regenerative tourism can support local communities while creating more meaningful experiences for travellers. This episode’s host: Dr Susan Gibson-Kueh , Associate Professor & Principal Research Fellow, Aquatic Animal Health, at James Cook University (Singapore Campus). Connect with Ho Shyn Yee.

August 13, 2026Episode 5126 min

Ep51: Sustainability Is Not Just About Profit | Robin Pho | Managing Director of Energy Transition at Tsao Pao Chee Group and Board Member at Smiling Gecko

In this episode, sustainable development advocate Robin Pho shares why he believes sustainability is about far more than environmental responsibility. From renewable energy to community development, he discusses how businesses can create value by investing in people, protecting the planet and building stronger communities. This episode’s host: Dr Caroline Wong , Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, and Associate Professor in Business, at James Cook University (Singapore Campus) Connect with Mr Robin Pho .

July 16, 2026Episode 5017 min

Ep50: The #1 Misconception About Video Game Addiction | Associate Professor Peter Chew | Associate Professor, Psychology | JCU Singapore

Is gaming addiction really about spending too much time playing? Not necessarily. In this episode of JCU Conversations , our psychology lecturer Associate Professor Peter Chew explains why the actual warning signs go far beyond screen time. Learn what separates enthusiastic gaming from problematic gaming, why stress plays such a significant role, and what his research reveals about young adults in Singapore. This episode’s host: Dr Yow Yong Jie , Lecturer in Psychology at James Cook University (Singapore Campus). Connect with Associate Professor Peter Chew .

June 18, 2026Episode 4924 min

Ep49: Is WFH Really Better For Everyone? | Professor Alexandra Beauregard | Professor of Organizational Psychology | Birkbeck, University of London

Hybrid work is reshaping how organisations design jobs, manage performance, and support employee well-being. But while flexible work brings along advantages, it also raises important questions about boundaries, isolation, and what effective work arrangements really look like in practice. Join Professor Alexandra Beauregard, Professor of Organizational Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London, as she shares about the evolving nature of work. This episode’s host: Professor Eddy Ng , the Smith Professor of Equity and Inclusion in Business at Queen's University and Visiting Professor at James Cook University. Connect with Professor Alexandra Beauregard .

May 21, 2026Episode 4825 min

Ep48: Why Every Generation Thinks The Other is The Problem | Professor Eddy Ng | The Smith Professor of Equity and Inclusion in Business at Queen's University and Visiting Professor at JCU

The future of work is here. From AI and hybrid work to shifting workforce expectations and generational change, today’s workplace is being reshaped by powerful global megatrends. Join organisational behaviour expert Professor Eddy Ng as he shares about the six big megatrends, why they matter, and how these forces are transforming careers, organisations, and the skills needed to stay adaptable in a fast-evolving future. Professor Ng is the Smith Professor of Equity and Inclusion in Business at Queen's University and Visiting Professor at James Cook University. This episode’s host: Dr Ratna Devi Pillai , Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour and Management at James Cook University (Singapore Campus). Connect with Professor Eddy Ng .

April 9, 2026Episode 4722 min

Ep 47: Environmental Psychology: How Spaces Shape Us | Associate Professor Denise Dillon, Acting Dean Research Associate Dean of Research Education Associate Professor, Psychology | JCU Singapore

What happens when psychology meets nature? Associate Professor Denise Dillon, Acting Dean of Research and Associate Dean of Research Education at James Cook University (Singapore Campus), shares about environmental psychology – the study of how our surroundings influence our thoughts, behaviours and wellbeing. This episode’s host: Dr Samuel Chng , Research Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Singapore University of Technology and Design. Connect with Associate Professor Denise Dillon .

March 16, 2026Episode 4623 min

Ep46: Hiring in 2026: What Really Differentiates You | Joyce Bijl | Business Development Director Asia Pacific & Middle East | ManpowerGroup

What does it really take to build a career across six countries? What are employers really looking for, beyond CVs? In this episode of JCU Conversations, we speak to Joyce Bijl, Business Development Director Asia Pacific & Middle East at ManpowerGroup. Based in Singapore today, Joyce has lived and worked in Luxembourg, the Netherlands, China, Hong Kong, Dubai, the UAE, and Singapore. She shares advice to students who are looking to work abroad, her thoughts on the future of work and more. This episode’s host: Dr Tan Kim Lim , Senior Lecturer at James Cook University (Singapore Campus). Connect with Joyce Bijl .

February 12, 2026Episode 4525 min

Ep45: Open Source, AI and the Skills That Still Matter | Christopher Warren | Head of Business Strategy and Chief of Staff (Asia Pacific) | Red Hat

Is AI wiping out entry-level jobs? How is it changing businesses? How can we stay relevant? Join Christopher Warren, Head of Business Strategy and Chief of Staff for the Asia Pacific region at Red Hat as he shares about the impact of AI on careers, academia, why AI probably won’t replace us, and more. This episode’s host: Lance DuBos , Lecturer at James Cook University (Singapore Campus). Connect with Christoper Warren .

January 21, 2026Episode 4417 min

Ep44: Data Science is Not Just Numbers | Dr Lijuan Shen | Senior Lecturer, Data Science | JCU Singapore

How do smart cities use data science to improve daily lives? Our Senior Lecturer in Data Science, Dr Lijuan Shen, shares how data science and AI shape the world around us – from the smart infrastructure systems around us, to technologies behind the scenes that keep cities running safely and efficiently. This episode’s host: Dr Randy Zhu , Lecturer in Information Technology at James Cook University (Singapore Campus). Connect with Dr Lijuan Shen .

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