Discovering Academia

#053 - Vivian Lou: Caring for an Aging Population & Creating Harmony among Chinese Generations

Today we talk with Vivian Lou, a Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong, serving as the Director of the Sau Po Centre on Ageing. Her research looks into the social impacts of aging from family caregiving to mental health of caregivers and age targeted crimes. In this episode we talk about the importance of holistic care solutions for the elderly as family dynamics evolve with urbanization and how prioritizing elderly care benefits an entire society. Professor Lou sheds light on the importance of spiritual wellbeing as a coping method for the realities of aging and the significance of intergenerational relationships in creating harmony with an aging population.
 
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This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#052 - Bayden Russell: Oysters, Aquaculture in Hong Kong & Restoring Ecosystems

Today we talk with Bayden Russell, Associate Director of the Swire Institute of Marine Science and Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong. His research focuses on ecosystem restoration and conservation through nature-based solutions. In this episode we talk about Hong Kong’s unique history of oyster reefs and farming and the potential use for oysters and other “filter feeds” in ocean conservation efforts. Professor Russell explains the difference between ecological functions and the potential for marine systems to sequester carbon. He also highlights the complexity of our fragile ecosystems and how we can better coexist with them. 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#051 - Ashok Venkitaraman: Understanding Cancer, Genetic Predispositions & the Future of Cancer Treatments

Today we talk with Ashok Venkitaraman, Professor of Medicine at the National University of Singapore School of Medicine as well as Director of the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and NUS Centre for Cancer Research. His research focuses on two main questions, what makes certain people more susceptible to cancer over others, and how can we delay cancer evolution in different tissues. In this episode we talk about the role of certain “chromosome custodian” genes that play a key role in safeguarding DNA integrity. Professor Venkitaraman expresses his optimism about the future of cancer research and the possibilities for both more holistic and targeted treatments.
 
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This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

50 Episode Update & The Future of Discovering Academia

In today's episode, Brent and Keller reflect on the first 50 episodes of Discovering Academia. After podcasting for one year now, they highlight the mission of Discovering Academia, their travel across Europe & Asia during 2023, and what the future holds for the podcast. If you like the work they are doing, please reach out via podcast@discoveringacademia.com with any suggestions, comments, or to potentially join the team in a social media/production assistant role. 

#050 - Ben Leong: Digital Communication & How the Internet Works

Today we talk with Ben Leong, an Associate Professor of Computing at the National University of Singapore as well as the Director for the Centre for Computing for Social Good and Philanthropy and the AI Centre for Educational Technologies. His research looks into computer communication networks and protocols, which are the foundation for the world wide web. In the episode we discuss the basics of various communication protocols like IP and TCP and the understated role these protocols play in data security and efficiency. As we wrap up, Professor Leong shares his views on AI and how new technologies can be leveraged to create more personalized education for individual students and encourages students to focus on generating skills that will power the future economy. We hope you enjoy.
 
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This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.
 

#049 - Harold Soh: Trustworthy Collaborative Robots for Human Interaction

Today we talk to Harold Soh, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Collaborative Learning and Adaptive Robots (CLeAR) group at the National University of Singapore. His research looks at decision making, human-robot interactions, and trustworthiness in artificial intelligence. In this episode we talk about the current state of robotics, the difficulties of aligning robot capabilities with human trust and the challenges of encoding behavioral values in robots given our ever-changing social norms.
 
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This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.
 

#048 - Rajasekhar Balasubramanian: Air Pollution, Environmental Toxins & Sustainable Energy Sources

Today we talk with Rajasekhar Balasubramanian, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore. His research looks at environmental sustainability, air quality & pollution control, and waste-to-energy conversion methods. In this episode we talk about the often-overlooked impacts of indoor air pollution, the barriers to a green economy, and the potential use of biomass-waste for energy generation.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#047 - Elaine Ho: Aging Populations, Migrant Identity, & the Chinese Diaspora in Singapore

Today we talk with Elaine Ho, Professor in the Department of Geography and Senior Research Fellow for the Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore. Her work focuses on the Chinese diaspora in Singapore, transnational migrant identity, and aging in the Asia-Pacific. In this episode we talk about the evolution of Singaporean identity, longevity in aging societies, and the development of support networks for the migrants who often care for the elderly.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#046 - Andrew Delios: China, Corporate Strategy & the Management of Multinational Firms

Today we talk with Andrew Delios, Vice Dean and Professor in the Department of Strategy and Policy at the National University of Singapore Business School. His work focuses on strategies around foreign direct investment and multinational corporations. In this episode we talk about the role of multinational corporations in the economic growth of developing countries, and how firms weigh cultural and political uncertainty in their decision to globalize. Lastly, Delios touches on corporate responsibility in the face of climate change and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.
 

#045 - Andrew Bailey: Resistance Money, Bitcoin & Environmental Impact of Cryptocurrency Mining

Today we talk with Andrew Bailey, associate professor of philosophy at Yale college in the National University of Singapore. His work focuses on the intersection of politics, philosophy and economics. In this episode we talk broadly about the nature of money and its role in society before diving deep into bitcoin. We discuss a wide range of topics around bitcoin, from its role in providing stable currency in unstable nations to empowering individual autonomy in financial transactions. Professor Bailey encourages students to consider their relationship with money and go through life with an understanding of how money works and influences everyday activity.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.