Professor Susanna Leong. (SIT Photo: Keng Photography)

27 March 2026, Singapore – The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) will appoint Professor Susanna Leong, current Vice President (Applied Research), as Deputy President (Academic) & Provost, with effect from 1 April 2026. Prof Leong will succeed Professor John Thong, who is stepping down after four years in the role. 

The appointment of Prof Leong follows a robust eight-month search, in line with international best practices of leading universities. Supported by a global executive search firm, the Search Committee evaluated a strong field of candidates to ensure the next Provost's vision aligns with the University’s leadership and strategic goals. Prof Leong emerged as the strongest candidate to drive the University’s academic and strategic priorities forward. 

Prof Leong succeeds Prof Thong, who has provided academic leadership during a period of significant development for the University. Prof Thong joined SIT in August 2020 as Vice Provost and was appointed Deputy President (Academic) & Provost in January 2022. During his tenure, Prof Thong guided the transformation of SIT’s undergraduate curriculum to better prepare students for a changing world of work. 

Prof Thong oversaw the implementation of Competency‑Based Education (CBE) and micro‑credentials across both Pre‑Employment and Continuing Education and Training programmes. Under his leadership, SIT expanded offerings through the Competency‑Based Stackable Micro‑credential pathway and collaborated with overseas university partners, local polytechnics, and the Institute of Technical Education to jointly deliver micro-credentials. Building on these achievements, Prof Thong harmonised all undergraduate programmes into a common structure to strengthen SIT’s applied learning pedagogy and launched the Industry-Ready Skills Framework (IRSF) to develop and recognise students’ transferable skills, preparing graduates for the workplace beyond academic qualifications. As part of the holistic development of students, Prof Thong oversaw the launch of the Design Your Futures programme to encourage students to take a more proactive approach in planning their futures and strengthened support structures for mental wellness and counselling.  He also supported faculty development through SIT’s Teaching and Learning Academy.   

As Deputy President (Academic) & Provost, Prof Leong will provide strategic leadership over SIT’s academic mission. Building on her experience as Vice President (Applied Research), she will oversee an integrated academic portfolio where applied research, curriculum, faculty development, and student learning are closely aligned to further strengthen SIT’s applied learning and industry engagement outcomes. 

Prof Leong joined SIT in 2013 and has played a significant role in the development and growth of SIT’s applied learning and research offerings. Since being appointed Vice President (Applied Research) in 2022, Prof Leong has established flagship research partnerships with industry and agencies in areas such as food technology, biotechnology and applied AI. As Assistant Provost (Applied Research), she launched the University’s Industrial Doctorate and Industrial Master’s Programme which supports upskilling through innovation at the postgraduate level. As the founding Cluster Director of the Food, Chemical and Biotechnology Cluster at SIT, Prof Leong established differentiated, industry-aligned capabilities to deliver industry-relevant education and research. 

Prof Leong holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge and is an Adjunct Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology, A*STAR. 

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Bill Chang, Chairman, Board of Trustees, SIT, said, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Prof Thong for his years of dedicated service and commitment to SIT. His leadership was key in advancing the University’s academic development, during a period of growth and change, particularly in nurturing our graduates to be industry-ready. We are pleased to welcome Prof Leong into this pivotal leadership role. Her blend of academic rigour and industry-centric innovation is exactly what SIT needs to advance its vision as Singapore’s University for Industry. We look forward to the strategic foresight she will bring to our academic and research portfolios."

Professor Chua Kee Chaing, SIT President, added, “Prof Leong’s appointment as Deputy President (Academic) & Provost comes at a transformative juncture as we chart our path toward SIT2034 – the University for Industry. Having witnessed her ability to bridge complex academic frameworks with industrial needs, I am confident she will be a catalyst for innovation. Her leadership will be vital as we scale our impact, fostering an environment where industry-integrated applied learning and applied research and innovation truly thrive.” 

Prof Leong said, “I am honoured to be entrusted with this role and look forward to building on the strong foundation that SIT has established to deliver transformative education and impactful innovation for industry and Singapore." 

Biography of Professor Susanna Leong, Deputy President (Academic) & Provost, Singapore Institute of Technology

Professor Susanna Leong is the Deputy President (Academic) & Provost at the Singapore Institute of Technology. She oversees an academic portfolio comprising applied research, curriculum, faculty development, and student administration.

Her research interests are in biomolecular engineering and bioprocess engineering for various applications. Her ongoing research projects are done in close partnerships with local enterprises, multinational companies and government agencies with the intent to drive translation.  

Prof Leong sits on several national technical panels and serves as editorial board member for a number of international peer-reviewed scientific journals, including ‘Chemical Engineering Science’ and ‘Food and Bioproducts Processing’.  

Her previous appointments at SIT include serving as Cluster Director of the Food, Chemical and Biotechnology cluster, as well as Vice President (Applied Research) and Assistant Provost (Applied Research). She is a recipient of the Tan Chin Tuan Fellowship in Engineering, the most cited author for ‘Food and Bioproducts Engineering’ (2006-2009), and the Danckwerts-Pergamon Prize awarded by Cambridge University. She also received the Public Administration Medal (Bronze), National Day Award in 2018. Prof Leong is currently a Fellow of the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and holds an Adjunct Professor appointment at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore as well as the Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology, A*STAR.  

Prof Leong graduated with a BEng (First Class Honours) and MPhil in Chemical Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University.