Heng Swee Keat named first chancellor of Singapore Institute of Technology

Heng Swee Keat, Singapore's former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, has been appointed the inaugural chancellor of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). The appointment, effective May 1, 2024, will span a five-year term concluding on May 31, 2031.

In his role as chancellor, Mr. Heng will hold SIT's highest ceremonial office and act as its ambassador. His responsibilities will include presiding over significant university events like convocations and representing SIT in major institutional and external engagements. He is also expected to bolster partnerships and advance the university's strategic goals, particularly in industry and philanthropic outreach.

SIT stated that the creation of the chancellor role signifies the university's ongoing development and dedication to its mission. This mission focuses on cultivating industry-ready graduates and fostering innovation through applied learning, collaboration with industry, and research. Mr. Heng expressed his honor at the appointment, recognizing SIT's unique position in Singapore's higher education landscape.

"SIT occupies a distinctive and important role in Singapore’s higher education landscape, preparing graduates with applied skills, industry experience and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy," Mr. Heng said. "I share SIT’s conviction that applied research and deep industry partnership are not complementary to education, they are central to it."

Bill Chang, Chairman of SIT’s board of trustees, lauded Mr. Heng's "distinguished service, visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to Singapore’s development," especially in education, innovation, and economic transformation. He noted that SIT became Singapore's fifth autonomous university during Mr. Heng's tenure as Education Minister, aiming to enhance upskilling and lifelong learning opportunities relevant to industry. SIT President Professor Chua Kee Chaing added that Mr. Heng has consistently championed education focused on deep skills, adaptability, and resilience, aligning with SIT's ethos.

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SIT occupies a distinctive and important role in Singapore’s higher education landscape, preparing graduates with applied skills, industry experience and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy. I share SIT’s conviction that applied research and deep industry partnership are not complementary to education, they are central to it.