SUTD getting new president as it raises standing in design and tech education

Uni aims to offer more real-world experience and closer collaboration with industry partners

- Gabrielle Chan

The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) will welcome a new president in August 2024 as part of a new strategy to raise its standing as a leader in design and technology education.

Professor Phoon Kok Kwang, who is currently provost, will take over the role of president from Professor Chong Tow Chong on Aug 1. Prof Chong, an electrical engineer by training, will continue to teach as a professor at the university.

The leadership change is part of the school's new strategy, SUTD Leap, which aims to equip students with more real-world experience in design and technology and help them apply what they have learnt through closer collaboration with industry partners.

Addressing an audience of 120 guests and students, including Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, Prof Chong said: "As we embark on the next leg of our SUTD trailblazing journey, I feel the time is right for me to hand over the baton to the next generation of leaders, with whom I have been working closely to develop the new strategy over the past years."

Professor Tai Lee Siang, who currently heads the architecture and sustainable design pillar, will be deputy president and also serve in the newly created role of chief innovation and enterprise officer, Prof Chong said.