The Chancellery

The Chancellor is the University’s highest-ranking ceremonial office holder and ambassador. The Chancellor presides over key University ceremonies and represents the University at major institutional and external engagements. The Chancellor also supports the advancement of the University’s strategic priorities through engagement with industry, community and philanthropic partners.

Mr Heng Swee Keat

The Chancellor

Mr Heng Swee Keat 

Mr Heng Swee Keat was appointed the inaugural Chancellor of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) with effect from 1 June 2026, for a five-year term until 31 May 2031. 

Mr Heng brings extensive experience in public administration, economic policy and national leadership. He served as Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister from 2019 to 2025 and held key ministerial appointments including Minister for Education and Minister for Finance. During his tenure in government, he played an important role in advancing Singapore's education landscape, skills development and economic transformation efforts. 

His tenure as Minister for Education coincided with SIT being gazetted as Singapore's fifth Autonomous University and a broader national emphasis on applied and industry-relevant education. 

Prior to entering politics, Mr Heng held several senior public service appointments, including Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Chief Executive Officer of the then-Trade Development Board. Mr Heng currently serves as Chairman of the National Research Foundation and is a Director on the Board of GIC. 

He holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Cambridge and a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.