Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education to serve as SIT’s first Chancellor, supporting the University’s next phase of growth and strengthening its mission in applied learning, industry partnership and innovation.

Mr Heng Swee Keat at SIT’s 2014 Convocation, where he served as Guest of Honour during his tenure as Minister for Education from 2011 to 2015. (SIT Photo)

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) has appointed Mr Heng Swee Keat as its inaugural Chancellor, marking a notable milestone in the University’s growth and development as Singapore’s University for Industry. The appointment will take effect from 1 June 2026, for a five-year term until 31 May 2031.

The establishment of the role of Chancellor reflects SIT’s continued evolution and commitment to advancing its mission of nurturing industry-ready graduates and driving innovation through applied learning, industry collaboration, and research.

As Chancellor, Mr Heng will serve as SIT’s highest-ranking ceremonial office holder and ambassador. He will preside over key university ceremonies, including convocations, and represent SIT at major institutional and external engagements. Drawing upon his extensive leadership experience and professional networks, Mr Heng will also support the University in strengthening partnerships and advancing strategic priorities, including industry and philanthropic engagement.

Mr Heng Swee Keat (second from right) officiated the opening of FoodPlant in April 2022 as Guest-of-Honour with (from left) Dr Lim Bee Gim (ex-CEO, FoodPlant), Mr Bill Chang (Chairman, SIT Board of Trustees), and Professor Chua Kee Chaing (President, SIT). (SIT Photo: Keng Photography/Tan Eng Keng)

Mr Bill Chang, Chairman of SIT’s Board of Trustees, said: “We are deeply honoured that Mr Heng Swee Keat has accepted SIT’s invitation to serve as our inaugural Chancellor. Mr Heng is widely respected for his distinguished service, visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to Singapore’s development, particularly in education, innovation and economic transformation. In fact, SIT was gazetted as Singapore’s fifth Autonomous University while Mr Heng was Education Minister, to provide more opportunities for industry-relevant upskilling and lifelong learning. As SIT continues to advance its vision as Singapore’s University for Industry, Mr Heng’s guidance, experience and extensive networks will be invaluable in helping us deepen industry partnerships, broaden opportunities for our students and elevate SIT’s profile both locally and internationally.”

Professor Chua Kee Chaing, SIT’s President, said: “The appointment of SIT’s first Chancellor marks an important chapter in the University’s journey. Mr Heng has long championed the importance of education that equips learners with deep skills, adaptability and resilience for a rapidly changing world — values that resonate strongly with SIT’s mission and educational ethos. Over the years, Mr Heng has also shown strong support for SIT and Singapore’s applied learning pathway through his engagement with the higher education sector and efforts to strengthen industry transformation and lifelong learning. We look forward to his wisdom and counsel as SIT continues to grow its impact on our students, industry and society.”

Mr Heng Swee Keat said: “I am honoured to be appointed SIT’s inaugural Chancellor. 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. I look forward to working with the SIT community to support the University’s continued growth and aspirations, and to help nurture future generations who will drive Singapore's progress and strengthen its resilience.”

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About Mr Heng Swee Keat

Mr Heng Swee Keat brings to the role a distinguished career spanning public administration, economic policy and national leadership at the highest levels. He currently serves as Chairman of the National Research Foundation, a Director on the GIC Board and a member of the GIC Investment Strategies Committee.

Mr Heng served as Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister from 2019 to 2025. Prior to that, he was Minister for Education from 2011 to 2015 and Minister for Finance from 2015 to 2021. His tenure as Minister for Education coincided with a significant period in Singapore’s higher education landscape and SIT’s own development. During this period, SIT was established as Singapore’s fifth autonomous university, amid a broader national emphasis on applied and industry-relevant education — an approach that Mr Heng strongly championed during his leadership at the Ministry of Education.

Throughout his years in government, Mr Heng played a key role in advancing Singapore’s education landscape, strengthening skills development and supporting the nation’s economic transformation efforts.

Before entering politics in 2011, 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. Between 1997 and 2000, he served as Principal Private Secretary to Singapore’s then-Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

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

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About the Singapore Institute of Technology

As the university for industry and Singapore's first university of applied learning, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) offers industry-relevant degree programmes that prepare its graduates to be work- and future-ready professionals. Its mission is to maximise the potential of its learners and to innovate with industry, through an integrated applied learning and research approach, so as to contribute to the economy and society.

The University’s unique pedagogy integrates work and study, embracing authentic learning in a real-world environment through collaborations with key strategic partners. Its focus on applied research with business impact is aimed at helping industry innovate and grow. SIT’s new centralised campus within the larger Punggol Digital District features a vibrant learning environment where academia and industry are tightly integrated with the community.

For more information, visit www.SingaporeTech.edu.sg