Dr Prem Kumar
Chief Executive
The Global School of Systems Thinking
My Profile
Prem's field of interest is in community and sustainable development, lifelong learning, systems thinking, organisation and human development, and risk societies. His articles have been published in numerous academic and education platforms, such as the International Journal of Lifelong Education, The Routledge International Handbook of Learning, and The Palgrave International Handbook on Adult and Lifelong Education and Learning.
Prem has received awards for teaching and performance. These were the Singapore University of Social Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award (2023), the People’s Association (PA) Chief Executive’s Director Awards (2018), Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth ‘Exemplary SkillsFuture @ Public Service Award (2018), and PA Merit Staff Award (2000).
He has over forty years of experience having worked both in the private and public sectors. He holds degrees from the Universities of Surrey, Hull, and The Fletcher School, at Tufts. His other specialised qualifications are Diplomas in Adult and Continuing Education (DACE), Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ), and in Adult Education, University of British Columbia; and a certificate in International Organisation and Systems Development: A Gestalt Approach, Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, Ohio, USA and IGOR, Germany.
Publications
Thinking Smarter: Organisational Strategies for Sustainable Outcomes
In a rapidly changing world, individuals and organisations face complex challenges that require us to relook at the way we think and act. Being aware of what drives behaviours improves problem-solving and decision making. In this book, follow the story of Tiny, a baby elephant as he surfaces deeply held beliefs that threaten his tribe's survival and in the process saves them from danger.
The Global School of Systems Thinking methodology enables learners to see patterns in complexity, and understand the most challenging problems in new ways.
Tiny Thinks Smarter
This is a story of how a baby elephant named Tiny saved his family from danger. Follow him in his search for solutions as he confronts the deeply held beliefs of his tribe.
Tiny is also experiencing the effects of the world becoming more unpredictable and complex. In his quest to save his tribe, Tiny begins to see the challenges he and his family were facing more holistically. Taking a systems approach enabled him to see through problems with more clarity and in applying system tools that are sustainable for the long-term. Tiny is on his journey to becoming a systems thinker.
Questions at the end of the book guide students, parents, and educators in developing an holistic approach to problem-solving and decision making.
The Learning Marketplace: Where East meets West in Singapore
This book is meant to extend our knowledge on the role of 'learning', often overlooked and taken for granted as the air that we breathe but which constantly transforms our lives and reshapes stories. It is the first to deal with the dichotomy of 'East' and 'West' going beyond the traditional learning and education framework...
This is a thoughtful book about the Singapore success story and its future.
Professor Tommy Koh
Rector, Tembusu College
National University of Singapore
There is an urgent need for understanding and collaboration between people of diverse backgrounds. Dr Kumar draws on scholarship from multiple disciplines and his extensive experience in Singapore to report on approaches to learning that respect diversity while achieving academic success. This is an important book that should be read widely.
Carsten Kowalczyk
Associate Professor of International Economics
The Fletcher School
Tufts University
Learning and Performance Matter
Learning and performing profoundly affect our results and actions. Yet getting the balance right is a challenge to individuals and organisations. While performing is about meeting the demands placed upon us, learning expands our capacity to meet future demands.
Authors
John Seely Brown and Estee Solomon Gray
Sara J. Singer and Amy C. Edmondson
Margaret Wheatley and Myron Rogers
Marilyn J. Darling and David C. Flanigan
Art Kliener
Aneel Karnani
Peter Blyde
D. Christopher Kayes
Phil Ramsey, Beth Tootell and Robyn Mason
Peter Jarvis
Andrea Needham
Deb Ramsey and Phil Ramsey
Prem Kumar
This excellent anthology by leading thinkers in organisations offers thoughtful insights on lessons about learning. They probe deeper into learning processes so that these processes can be understood, mapped, and replicated. The lessons from these essays will help managers manage change and leaders learn…
Professor Dave Ulrich
University of Michigan and Partner, The RBL Group
For consulting and facilitation enquiries
Dr Prem offers customised workshops through The Global School of Systems Thinking. He employs learning tools to think smarter with real world cases and methodologies for individuals, teams, and organisations to optimise effectiveness and performance.
Some of these are:
'Trade-off' cafes l Supply Chain Simulation l The Art of Perception & Framing l Applied Systems Thinking l Designing & Facilitating Community Engagement l Thinking Smarter for Sustainable Outcomes l Scenario Planning with AI.
