With the rise of woke culture and more widespread awareness of the disadvantages and difficulties faced by minorities, inclusion is turning into a watchword. Many organisations are facing pressure to enact diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) policies. However, such policies have often been interpreted too broadly and applied uncritically.

Universal inclusion, such as through colour-blind hiring strategies, affirmative action through quotas for minorities and a range of accommodations, could have unintended consequences. Such initiatives can result in impractical outcomes for organisations and undermine social cohesion in broader society.

Associate Professor Suzaina Kadir, Vice Dean (Academic Affairs) and Associate Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy welcomes Dr Mathew Mathews, Principal Research Fellow and Head, Social Lab, Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy for a critical discussion about the realities of this complex topic.