Prof. Thomas Menkhoff
Singapore Management University, Singapore
Speak Title: Co-Piloting Curiosity: Generative AI, Knowledge Management and the Future of Inquiry-Based Teaching and Learning
Abstract
This keynote examines the integration of generative AI tools and AI-powered platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Notebook LM and MidJourney into knowledge management strategies within an undergraduate business course at Singapore Management University (SMU). It demonstrates how AI can support knowledge acquisition, help learners making sense of new knowledge, and enable real-world knowledge application. The session addresses the role of AI as a pedagogical co-pilot while discussing ethical concerns, biases, and potential risks such as creativity erosion, knowledge transfer gaps, and reliance on AI-generated responses. Targeted at educators, technology strategists, and business managers, the keynote offers actionable insights on leveraging AI for dynamic learning experiences, while considering the unintended consequences of bias, data leakage, and disengagement. Strategies for safe and effective AI deployment in education will also be discussed.
Bionote
Dr. Thomas Menkhoff is Professor of Organisational Behavior & Human Resources (Education) at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University (SMU) which he joined in 2001. He is a former Board Member of the Lien Centre of Social Innovation (SMU) and served as Academic Director of SMU’s Master of Science in Innovation Programme.
An award-winning educator, Dr. Menkhoff has published numerous articles in scholarly journals and several books on the socio-cultural dimensions of managing knowledge transfer, innovation and change in multi-cultural contexts and Asian entrepreneurship. Four of his recent book publications include (i) Thomas Menkhoff, Kan Siew Ning, Hans-Dieter Evers and Chay Yue Wah eds. 2018: Living in Smart Cities: Innovation and Sustainability. New Jersey: World Scientific Publishing; (ii) Chay Yue Wah, Thomas Menkhoff and Linda Low eds. 2020: China’s Belt and Road Initiative – Understanding the Dynamics of a Global Transformation, New Jersey: World Scientific Publishing; (iii) Thomas Menkhoff 2021: Catalyzing Innovations for a Sustainable Future, New Jersey: World Scientific Publishing; and (iv) Thomas Menkhoff, Kan Siew Ning and Kevin Cheong eds. 2024: Visions for the Future: Towards More Vibrant, Sustainable and Smart Cities, New Jersey: World Scientific Publishing.
His current research interests centre around sustainable innovation at (‘smart’) city and corporate levels as well as technology enhanced teaching and learning with mini drones and AI.
Dr. Menkhoff has served (among others) as consultant to the German Agency of Technical Cooperation (GTZ/GIZ), the Government of Singapore, Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Institute of Adult Learning (IAL), DesignSingapore Council, Sembcorp Marine Ltd, National Environment Agency (NEA), Civil Service College Singapore, Lien Foundation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore, Commonwealth Secretariat, Mahidol University (Thailand), The Education University of Hong Kong, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Arthur D. Little, Asian Productivity Organization (APO), The World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Government of Malaysia, Multimedia University, Bank Indonesia, IATA and numerous SMEs as well as big private sector firms in the context of executive education.
He has formerly taught at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the University of Cologne, and the University of Bielefeld in Germany. In 2009, Dr. Menkhoff was the recipient of SMU’s university wide ‘Most Innovative Teacher Award’. In 2017, he was awarded the SMU Faculty / Staff Contribution to Student Life Award (Individual).