The Singapore campus of James Cook University holds itself to high standards, integrity and quality. As a commitment to our excellence, we have attained a number of achievements and awards that demonstrate our status in Singapore. Most recently, James Cook University in Singapore was presented with a Valued Partner award on 10 July at the Opening Ceremony for the Asian Conference of Criminal and Operations Psychology (ACCOP) 2019, which was jointly organised by the Home Team Psychological Services at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore.

The conference brings together international and local senior academics, students, and industry professionals — which include practitioners and uniformed officers from the various law enforcement, and corrections and emergency services agencies. Under the theme of “Prepared for Evolving Threats: The Role of Behavioural Sciences,” this fourth run of the conference was an opportunity for researchers to share insights and knowledge on the different facets of psychology — including Rehabilitation and Correctional Psychology, Counselling and Clinical Psychology, and more.

Dr Denise Dillon, Associate Dean of Research and Research Education, accepted the award on behalf of the University, from the Guest-of-Honour — Minister for Manpower & Second Minister for Home Affairs, Mrs Josephine Teo.

James Cook University was one of five Valued Partner Appreciation (Academic) award recipients, along with the NTU School of Humanities & Social Sciences, the NUS Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, the SUSS School of Humanities & Behavioural Sciences, and Singapore Management University.

Commenting on the psychology team’s efforts, Dr Dillon said, “The psychology team at James Cook University in Singapore keenly engage with local industry and professions to advance the University’s goal of enhancing life in the tropics, through graduates and discoveries that make a difference.”

She adds, “Since operations began at our Singapore campus in 2003, we have trained dozens of local psychologists who contribute to psychological health enhancement through a number of employers, including several under the Office of Chief Psychologist. We are now exploring ways in which we can extend our reach through research collaborations with industry partners.”

The Office of Chief Psychologist is looking to extend collaboration efforts as well. Dr Majeed Khader, Chief Psychologist of the Ministry of Home Affairs, elaborates, “The Office of Chief Psychologist, Ministry of Home Affairs has been engaging local universities to explore greater collaboration opportunities; to enhance the development of psychology in academic institutions and applied industry in several areas, including understanding how academia can support industry and vice versa, identifying potential areas of research collaborations, and working with universities for the building of deep domain expertise.”

Professor Dean Jerry, Dean of Research for the Singapore campus of James Cook University, expressed his excitement at the University receiving the award, and shared what it entails, “James Cook University in Singapore is honoured to be working with partners like the Ministry of Home Affairs, given our large research collateral in psychological sciences here in Singapore. Our researchers are looking to apply their expertise to shed light on real life and topical issues of behaviour in Singapore, and our future engagement with the Home Team is a great opportunity to engage in this space.”

For further information on Psychology programs and areas of research strength in Psychology at James Cook University in Singapore, view our booklet here.

Contacts

Research: Professor Dean Jerry [email protected]
Media: Pinky Sibal [email protected]