Formerly Dean of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore (2007-2021) and President of the Southeast Asian Directors of Music  (2012 – 2021), Bernard is currently leading the Queensland Conservatorium in Australia. His time in Southeast Asia transformed his awareness of the potential power and reach of Music, augmented and inspired also by interactions during the period in both Europe (as a member of the Council of the European Association of Conservatoires) and Australia (particularly since 2021). His current focus is seeking ways to integrate multicultural perspectives of Music so that all our ears and hearts might be more open and aware as we create, share and celebrate the role of Art both in community and society at large and with each other where music matters to us all.