The Singapore Management University (SMU) has appointed ambassador-at-large Bilahari Kausikan as a senior fellow at its School of Social Sciences. The appointment, which started on Aug 1, will last for a year.

Mr Kausikan, who is also foreign policy adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be conducting a series of lectures on diplomacy in East Asia from January onwards, as part of the faculty's International and Asian Studies programme.

The programme is a new multi-disciplinary Social Sciences major that examines the emerging role of Asia in the world. Students will get in-depth knowledge on regional and global affairs and look at issues concerning Asia.

Dean of SMU's School of Social Sciences, Mr James Tang, said that learning from Mr Kausikan, a seasoned diplomat known for his outspokenness, will benefit the students greatly. "Our students will develop a better appreciation of how diplomacy really works and gain valuable insights on Singapore's international challenges," he said.

Formerly a permanent secretary for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Mr Kausikan retired from the public sector in June, after 34 years of service. Since joining MFA in 1981, Mr Kausikan has taken on various appointments including deputy secretary for Southeast Asia and deputy secretary in MFA.

He has led MFA through negotiations on various bi-lateral issues and was instrumental in promoting Singapore's bilateral relations with various countries.