Keynote Address

Bringing 3D Immersive Virtual Reality Technologies to Visual-Spatial Cognition Research

Maria Kozhevnikov (Associate Professor, Communications and New Media, NUS)

-- 21st Monday, 9:00-10:20 

 The speaker will discuss the design of 3D immersive virtual reality technologies that can accommodate individual differences in visual-spatial cognition and facilitate visual-spatial processing. In particular, the speaker will focus on the future of using such immersive virtual reality programs as a promising tool for basic and applied research on visual-spatial cognition.  She will also present research evidence indicating that the immersivity of an environment might be one of the most important aspects to be considered for research, assessment and training in the domains that rely on visual-spatial cognition (e.g., robotics, navigation, medical surgery) and require high visual-spatial skills.

Bio.
 Maria Kozhevnikov received her Ph.D in Cognitive Psychology from UC Santa Barbara. Currently, she is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the National University of Singapore, and a Visiting Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School. In the past two years, she has served as a Program Director for the Science of Learning Centers (SLC) Program at the National Science Foundation, where she managed awards for large-scale, long-term Centers that study learning across multiple disciplines.

Dinner Talk

Werner von Siemens and the Electrical Telegraph Björn von Siemens (Linden Ventures)

-- 22nd Tuesday, 18:30-21:00 (during the Banquet)

 The talk goes back to the nineteenth century founding by Werner Siemens of the Siemens electrical business in Germany, resting on the understanding of the Siemens Corporations current role as a global innovation powerhouse. Werner's dual role as inventor and entrepreneur is explored as he created one of the world's first multinational enterprises, whose growth initially rested on its pioneering role in the new telegraph industry. Key lessons for current entrepreneurs are derived from Werner's successes.

Bio:
 Björn von Siemens is an entrepreneur, business angel and Ph.D. Fellow at the University of St. Gallen and Harvard University. He earned his M.Sc. in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics and B.Sc. from European Business School in Oestrich-Winkel, where he graduated in the top 3% and 10% of his class respectively.
Björn previously advised corporate clients through both the Boston Consulting Group and Bain & Company in Munich. He also developed expertise in private equity at Droege & Company in NY and business development at Siemens AG, Singapore. Björn currently sits on the advisory board of several new ventures in the media, technology, bio-tech and gastronomy sectors in Europe and the US. He offers strategic and financial advice, deep knowledge of applied academic theory and extensive high-profile professional network.
 Furthermore, Björn is a delegate and speaker at conferences such as MMF, GCAH and ADMS as well as guest lecturer and researcher at institutions such as Harvard University, National University of Singapore and University of St. Gallen. He publishes in academic, professional and corporate journals.