Bioterrorism and Emerging Diseases

April 27 & 28, 2006

David Heyman, Director of the Homeland Security Progrram, CSIS

Mr. David Heyman, Director of the Homeland Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) engaged and informed diverse Singapore audiences in a wide-ranging program organized by the Office of Public Affairs.  Drawing on his extensive experience in government service and the private sector, Heyman briefed scholars, students, and government officials about the U.S. strategy on homeland security, and thoughtfully answered questions.  Mr. Heyman discussed health threats such as pandemics and bioterrorism with the Singapore Ministry of Health unit charged with preparing Singapore for public health emergencies.  He talked about homeland security and public policy at the Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) School of Public Policy, which trains professionals from around the region.  He also spoke to 250 students at the Temasek Junior College (TJC), a key American Connection partner, on bioterrorism and the threats, risks, and the future of emerging infectious diseases.  He asserted that health security should be an integral element of every country's national security strategy, and explained how several disease control methods and policies can be adopted to make bioterrorism virtually ineffective and protect a nation's public health. The Embassy’s Office of Public Affairs arranged for Singapore's leading news radio program to broadcast an interview with Heyman in which he shared American perspectives on terrorism and other security challenges; this media coverage greatly expanded the reach of Mr. Heyman's message.