Crowdsense
Unlocking the collective wisdom of your stakeholders
Citizens, Corporates, NGOs
We bring your stakeholders into the room to work for common goals.
We talk about the “Why”, before we get into the “How”. We help you make better decisions, garner support and buy-in, identify risks and opportunities, and foster positive relationships and reputation.
How can we better serve our stakeholders?
Who are we?
Lewis Liu
Director
Lewis has dedicated the past decade to making an impact across all sectors - public, private and people, helping organizations to engage their stakeholders, identify emerging trends and develop strategies.He enjoys facilitating uncomfortable conversation, with the hope of finding a common vision over the competing interests. He supports organisations in navigating complex issues.He is a lifelong improviser and aspiring stand-up comedian,
Multi-disciplinary team
Leveraging on a network of associates with experiences across public, private and non-profit sectors, our team brings a wealth of knowledge and a track record of successful engagements and strategic planning initiatives.Our team consists of practitioners who are experts in:- Design Thinking: Facilitating creative problem-solving and innovative solutions.
- Improv: Improving communication, adaptability, and team dynamics.
- Lego Serious Play: Enhancing team collaboration and idea generation through hands-on, minds-on learning.
- Futures Thinking: Preparing for uncertainty by exploring potential future scenarios.
- Facilitation Skills: Ensuring productive and inclusive discussion
- UX Design: Enhancing user engagement and satisfaction by designing intuitive and effective user experiences.These methods allow us to tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of your organization, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Ava Gao#coaching #leadershipdevelopment #curriculumdevelopment #selfleadershipAva has more than a decade of experience in Leadership, Talent Development and Corporate Purpose across various sectors in public, people and private organizations. Her passion lies in creating spaces and curating experiences that supports the well-being and development of organisations and people. She loves people watching as she finds it insightful to observe the dynamics and relationships between people from all walks of life.
Audrey Low#strengthsfinder #communication #coaching #personaldevelopment #teamtrust #emotionallearningAudrey has lived and worked in Shanghai and Singapore, with experience in MNCs and start-ups. Over the last 8 years, she has been honing her skills as a bilingual CliftonStrengths facilitator (2015), a certified Ontological Coach (2019) and community builder.Her journey has seen her facilitating and coaching leaders in both the Corporate and Start-Up space in South East Asia and Hong Kong, to shape their leadership, culture and talent strategy.
guided by our advisors
Dr Aaron ManiamAaron’s work at the Blavatnik School focuses on issues connecting technology, public policy and public administration. He teaches on the School’s Master of Public Policy and executive education programmes, and convenes its digital “thematic cluster”, bringing together scholarship and practice on digital issues. He co-chairs the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Technology Policy and is a member of the OECD’s Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Futures.Previously a policymaker in the Singapore government, he was most recently Deputy Secretary (Industry & International) at the Singapore Ministry of Communications & Information. He has been involved in designing and facilitating several citizen engagement projects since "Our Singapore Conversation" in 2013.
Dr Douglas OLoughlinDouglas is the Principal of The Dao of Thriving, as well as being an Associate Consultant with Civil Service College (CSC). Originally from the US, he has been living in Singapore since 1993, and has worked across all sectors and in more than 20 countries. His passion is to support impactful and joyful organisations and communities, with a focus on the public sector, health care, and non-profits.He co-founded three OD Networks, and has written numerous articles and blogs in the field. He has spoken at many conferences, and has written two books, Facilitating Transformation and ANDlightenment: Polarity Thinking from Self to Society.
Facilitation 101
How do I get a group of individuals to share ideas freely?Facilitation is the art of guiding groups to achieve their goals, make decisions, and solve problems effectively.The skill is useful in a professional (e.g. meetings, strategic retreat) or personal setting to facilitate difficult conversations.
Services
Strategic planning
We create a structured process to explore the different scenarios of the future, and identify key strategic priorities that would allow you to be ready for the VUCA world.Methods include:
- Strategic planning retreats
- Workshops and exercises
- Subject Matter Expert Interviews
Stakeholder engagement
Collaborate, rather than compete or confuse, with your stakeholders.
We engage your stakeholders to better understand their needs and pain points in order to build a better product, service or policy.Methods include:
- Focus group discussions
- Message testing
- Design Thinking
- Citizen Jury / Panel
Training & development
We build your internal capabilities so that you are not dependent on us. Invest in your talent now to ensure the longevity of your organisation.Content includes:
- Design thinking framework
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Futures Thinking methodologies
- Facilitation skills
Past clients
How Might the Next Phase of Governance Look Like?
Borrowing the Theory of Success from Dr. Kim, Lewis wrote about how the future of Singapore could look like.Complete the form below to receive a free copy of the article.
Curious?
Strategic Planning
Is your organisation too busy with the daily fire-fighting?Do you have the bandwidth to understand the emerging trends, and how your organisation needs to change to be more future-ready?Let us help you to create a structured process to explore the different scenarios of the future, and identify key strategic priorities that would allow you to be ready for the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world.Our services are customised for your organisation and they include:- Strategic Planning Retreat
- Scenario Planning/Futures Thinking exercise
- Emerging Trend Reports and Material Cards development
- Interviews with Senior Management and Key Stakeholders
Strategic Planning Process
Stocktake and Sense-making:
- What are our key strengths and weaknesses?
- What has been our key accomplishments and missed opportunities?
- What are the organisation’s values, and how has it guided us?Visioning and Exploration:
- What are the emerging trends and black swans that would disrupt our business?
- What is our Mission and North Star?
- What do the scenarios of the future look like?Strategy and Accountability:
- What does success look like?
What are the key priorities that we would need to focus on for the next 1, 5 and 10 years?
- What are the capabilities, structures and processes required for us to work towards our North Star?
Curious?
Stakeholder engagement
Do you understand the needs and pain points of your stakeholders?Do you face challenges in getting your stakeholders on board with a new idea?Every product, service or policy may have started off with a good intention but can be ham-stringed by lack of commitment within the organisation and half-hearted partners.Let us help you to engage your stakeholders to better understand their needs and pain points in order to build a better product, service or policy.Collaborate, rather than compete or confuse, your stakeholders. Your stakeholders may include customers, corporate partners, competitors,, the government and NGOs.
How Might the Next Phase of Governance Look Like?
Borrowing the Theory of Success from Dr. Kim, Lewis wrote about how the future of Singapore could look like.Complete the form below to receive a free copy of the article.
Curious?
Training & Development
Do your employees have the right skills and mindset to navigate the complex challenges of the future?Have you invested sufficiently in the development of your employees?Let us help you build your internal capabilities so that you are not dependent on us. Invest in your talent now to ensure the longevity of your organisation.Our services are customised for your organisation and they include:
- Design thinking framework
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Futures Thinking methodologies
- Facilitation skills
Master trainer
Lewis Liu
I have dedicated the past decade to making an impact across all sectors - public, private and people, helping organizations to engage their stakeholders, identify emerging trends and develop strategies.I am a Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Executive Education Fellow, teaching in community engagement modules.My key employment and projects include:
- Assistant Director, MCCY - developed and launched HR, and training & development competency framework for more than 5,000 public officers
- Senior Consultant, Sequoia Group - Designed, led and facilitated strategic planning and OD projects with senior management of organizations such as MHA, AVA and MOM
- Senior Strategist, Prime Minister’s Office - Worked with policy and strategic planning units to develop scenarios and strategies for the futureI specialize in designing meaningful workshops and facilitating deep conversations with citizens. Notably, he led the Citizen Workgroup on the Singapore Citizenship Journey (CWSCJ) engagement. Collaborating with 93 members of the public and 15 facilitators, the workgroup discussed and created content to update the Singapore Citizenship Journey. The engagement was conducted entirely online during the peak of COVID-19.I have over 10 years of experience designing facilitating for public agencies on complex social issues, including:
CMIO Framework: Addressed issues related to the Chinese-Malay-Indian-Others framework.
Tudong in the Malay Muslim Community: Facilitated discussions with non-Malay community
End-of-Life Issues: Facilitated discussions with the Chinese and Malay communitiesTrained by The Improv Company (TIC), I have performed in multiple shows at venues including the National Gallery, Drama Centre and Black Box. As the Improv Director of the sold out improv performance, "Will Robots Rule the World?", I brought together short form games and long form improv to explore the world of artificial intelligence. I have been trained in Forum Theatre, an immersive form of theater that engages the audience in discussing social issues through roleplaying, under the guidance of Alvin Tan from The Necessary Stage.I have also been trained by Singapore Polytechnic under the Design Practitioner Programme, covering facilitation, ethnographic research, sense-making, and visual thinking. I have attended facilitation training by Inquiring Dialogue Pte Ltd and advanced facilitation training on complex issues by Shiao-Yin, former Nominated MP, Executive Director of Common Ground.I am also the founder of More than Just - a ground-up project that engaged over 90 members of the public on the topic of Race and Racism over dinner.
Training pedagogy and framework
In order to bring the learning content (i.e. public engagement, futures thinking, leadership) to life, I use experiential and experimental learning methods such as Improv, Forum Theatre, and Games and Simulation. This ensures that the training is:
- Immersive and truthful - “This is what I will really think and do….”
- Experiential and engaging - “I will never forget the moment…”
- Dynamic and close to reality - “This is like real life…”
Course offerings
Course offerings are customized to your organisation's and learners’ needs. Duration of course is also customisable (e.g. 0.5 day, 1 day, 3 days). WIth longer duration, we can include other learning formats such as panel discussions, and learning journeys.Below is a sample list of courses we offer:
Curious?
Facilitation 101
How do I get a group of individuals to share ideas freely?Facilitation is the art of guiding groups to achieve their goals, make decisions, and solve problems effectively.The skill is useful in a professional (e.g. meetings, strategic retreat) or personal setting to facilitate difficult conversations.
Course overview
13 June (930am - 5pm) and 14 June (930am - 1pm)
Venue: TBC
Cost: $500/pax - alternative payment plan available
Over the course of 1.5 days, you will:
🔹 Gain a deep understanding of facilitation principles and techniques.
🔹 Learn how to create engaging and productive meeting environments.
🔹 Develop strategies for managing group dynamics and fostering collaboration.
🔹 Practice facilitating a variety of activities and discussions.
🔹 Receive personalized feedback and coachingPrepare to dive into an interactive learning experience. Our training workshop combines engaging lectures with hands-on exercises, offering you an immersive and effective way to learn.There's no better approach than rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. Join us and unlock your full potential!
About the trainer
Lewis Liu
I have spent the last 10 years designing engagements and facilitating conversations between organisations and their stakeholders.I have trained more than 2,500 public officers and members of the public in designing public engagement, and facilitation. My clients include Civil Service College, Human Library Singapore and Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI).During my tenure at the Prime Minister's Office in the Singapore Government, I helped public agencies design forward-looking policies and build more effective relationships with their stakeholders. I worked with senior leaders to identify emerging strategic issues, and explore the different potential scenarios and responses.I am the Co-Founder of More than Just - a ground-up movement to encourage the general public to talk about issues related to discrimination and stereotypes. Through 5 dinner conversations and 1 final workshop, we reached out to more than 90 participants to discuss race and racism issues in Singapore.I enjoy facilitating uncomfortable conversation, with the hope of finding a common vision over the competing interests. I support organisations in navigating complex issues with their internal, and external stakeholders from citizens, consumers, NGOs, businesses, and other public agencies
Level up your facilitation skills!
Our next run is on 13 - 14 June.If you are not available but would like to be updated on future runs, pls feel up the sign up form too.
Need financial help to attend the training?
Joining the 1.5 day training workshop requires an investment ofrequired for the training is $500 for 1.5 days.We understand that you may not be able to afford the investment now but we don't want this to be a barrier!We understand that this investment might pose a financial challenge for some, but we're committed to making our program accessible to everyone.That's why we've introduced a barter trade system. Instead of paying in cash, you'll have the option to contribute your newly learned skills by facilitating 4-5 engagement sessions for Crowdsense. Not only does this provide you with valuable practice opportunities, but it also helps us build a stronger community together!If you're interested in this option, simply sign up by sending us an email at [email protected]
Case studies
Refreshing the Mission, Vision and Values for the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC)
What was the challenge faced?
The Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) is a non-profit self-help group for the Chinese community, established in 1992. Over the years, the social landscape and ecosystem have evolved dramatically, with numerous social agencies providing assistance. CDAC faced the challenge of remaining relevant and impactful to the Chinese community amidst these changes.Who were the stakeholders?
- CDAC Senior Management: including the Executive DIrector
- CDAC Board of Directors: including the Chairman
- Members of the Public: representing the broader Chinese community.How did we support?
To address CDAC's challenge, we facilitated a comprehensive review and planning process:Pre-Retreat Preparation:
- Conducted interviews with the Board of Directors to gather insights and perspectives.
- Organized focus group discussions with members of the public to understand community needs and expectations.2-Day Senior Management Retreat:
Reviewed and updated CDAC’s vision and mission statement.
- Developed a new 5-year strategic plan to guide CDAC’s future efforts.What was the impact?
With the endorsement of the Board, CDAC senior management adopted a new vision: “Committed and Trusted Organisation, Empowered and Caring Community.”As part of the new vision, CDAC introduced the “Planting Grass, Growing Trees” strategy, focusing on three key areas:
Play-Based Learning: Enhancing educational opportunities for children in low-income families.
Educational Transition Support: Strengthening the transition process from Primary 1 to Post-Secondary levels.
Learning Experience Enhancement: Improving the learning experience for children in low-income families.By engaging in a thorough review and strategic planning process, CDAC successfully refreshed its vision and developed a clear, actionable plan to remain relevant and impactful.
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP)
Leadership training workshop for Middle Managers
What was the challenge faced?
LKYSPP sought an engaging and innovative pedagogy to train middle managers in leadership theories. Given their substantial experience in leadership positions, these middle managers needed more advanced and practical training rather than basic leadership theories.Who were the stakeholders?
Middle managers in operation departments from the Singapore Public ServiceHow did we support?
We designed a 3.5-hour workshop that introduced the fundamental principles of improv and connected them to common leadership theories. The workshop included hands-on activities to allow participants to practice what they learned, followed by a group discussion to distill key learning points.What was the impact?
The workshop had a positive impact on the participants. They reported a deeper understanding of leadership theories through the engaging and innovative approach of using improv principles. The hands-on activities allowed them to practice and internalize these theories in a practical setting, enhancing their ability to apply leadership skills in real-world scenarios. The group discussions helped solidify their learning, enabling them to share insights and best practices with their peers. Overall, the workshop fostered improved leadership capabilities, increased confidence, and greater collaboration among the middle managers.
Refreshing Mission & Vision for Ministry of Law (MinLaw)
using Lego Serious Play
What was the challenge faced?
MinLaw sought to refresh the Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV) for their Innovation Committee. They aimed to design a workshop that was more interactive and encouraged creative ideas, moving away from the typical workshop process.Who were the stakeholders?
Middle managers in MinLawHow did we support?
We incorporated hands-on activities like Lego Serious Play and Design Thinking exercises to spark creativity into a 1-day workshop. Small group discussions and role-playing scenarios helped participants think outside the box. Engaging facilitators used improv techniques to keep the energy high and ideas flowing.What was the impact?
The workshop fostered a sense of innovation and collaboration among the participants.They developed a refreshed set of practical statements to guide their MVV.
Lewis Liu
Director
Lewis has more than 10 years of experience working in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.During his tenure at the Prime Minister's Office in the Singapore Government, he helped public agencies design forward-looking policies and build more effective relationships with their stakeholders. He worked with senior leaders to identify emerging strategic issues and explore different potential scenarios and responses.Lewis also worked at Grab, a $14 billion tech start-up in Southeast Asia focusing on transport, food delivery, and payments. He partnered with policymakers, academics, and unions to shape regulations and create a regulatory sandbox to test new products and services. The mission was to provide convenience and economic opportunities to everyone in Southeast Asia.Additionally, Lewis spent some time working at the non-profit consultancy firm Forum for the Future. He provided guidance to senior leaders on how they could channel their corporate resources to create a more sustainable future for the environment.Lewis is the Co-Founder of More than Just, a ground-up movement encouraging the general public to talk about issues related to discrimination and stereotypes. Through five dinner conversations and one final workshop, the movement reached out to more than 90 participants to discuss race and racism issues in Singapore.He enjoys facilitating uncomfortable conversations with the hope of finding a common vision amid competing interests. He supports organizations in navigating complex issues with their internal and external stakeholders, including citizens, consumers, NGOs, businesses, and other public agencies.
Our network
Ava Gao
#coaching #selfleadership #leadershipdevelopment #curriculumdevelopment
Ava has more than a decade of experience in Leadership, Talent Development and Corporate Purpose across various sectors in public, people and private organizations. Her passion is in creating spaces and curating experiences that supports the well-being and development of organisations and people.In her role at National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, she led the design, curriculum development & participant engagement of Company of Good Fellowship, where more than 100 leaders from MNCs, SMEs and government agencies attended the 5-month programme in the three runs that she was leading it. She partnered with policy-makers, intermediaries and institutions, with the mission of establishing multipliers and advocates of Corporate Purpose in Singapore to build a City of Good.As part of her work in the Learning Partnership team in Singapore General Hospital, she designed & facilitated Leadership and Employee Engagement initiatives for the hospital of over 9,000 staff. She developed competency frameworks for nurses, allied health and administrative employees, with the purpose of nurturing healthcare professionals & administrators to shape the future of healthcare. During her tenure as the Learning & Development Specialist (East Asia) at Schneider Electric, she partnered with regional HR Business Partners to identify needs, implement & evaluate leadership and professional programmes.Ava is also a certified trauma & attachment-informed coach who works with parents to free themselves from the constant anxiety & frustration, make sense of their challenges, and find more peace & hope in life and parenting. She loves people watching as she finds it insightful to observe the dynamics and relationships between people from all walks of life.
Audrey Low
#strengthsfinder #communication #coaching #personaldevelopment #teamtrust #emotionallearning
Audrey has a decade experience in HR, specifically Talent Development and Talent Acquisition.She started her career in Shanghai, identifying trends and creating make-up products for the Asian market for the world’s leading brand by volume and value in the fastest growing market.She then returned to Singapore and became the youngest bilingual CliftonStrengths facilitator in 2016, and has facilitated for more than 100 organisations since 2015.In 2018, she spent 10 months training to become an Ontological & Somatic coach, and has since coached more than 180 clients and accumulated more than 480 hours of coaching experience.Her coaching experience has also lent a unique approach to Talent identification and acquisition. She possesses both in-house and headhunting experience, specially in the start-up space. Additionally, she served as DVP of Recruitment for Conjunct Consulting in 2015-2016.Finally, Audrey has been passionate about giving back as a community builder. She was Singapore Management University’s pioneering cohort of Alumni Ambassadors and spent 2 years supporting the alumni community.
