26
October
2016
|
17:00
Asia/Singapore

NUS Chairman Wong Ngit Liong to step down, succeeded by Hsieh Fu Hua

Mr Wong (left) will be stepping down as NUS Chairman on 31 December 2016 and will be succeeded by Mr Hsieh on 1 January 2017

NUS Board of Trustees Chairman Mr Wong Ngit Liong will be stepping down on 31 December 2016, after more than 12 years of distinguished leadership. Mr Wong will be succeeded by Mr Hsieh Fu Hua on 1 January 2017.

Mr Wong was first appointed on 1 August 2004 as Chairman to the then NUS Council. He was subsequently re-appointed on 28 March 2006 as Chairman of the NUS Board of Trustees following the corporatisation of the University.

During his 12 years at NUS, Mr Wong played an instrumental role in steering NUS through the corporatisation of the University. He appointed several new board members to establish a new culture of collaborative work between the management and Board. In addition, Mr Wong successfully oversaw the implementation of major changes to the University’s corporate governance, and the setting up of new and enhanced administrative systems and capabilities. He also managed the smooth transition between university presidents.

Mr Wong’s passion, commitment and remarkable leadership have been instrumental in transforming NUS into a leading global research-intensive university, widely respected for pioneering innovations in education. He is also credited with putting in place a robust leadership development and succession planning framework at the University.

During his tenure as Chairman, Mr Wong led the University through a physical transformation of the NUS Kent Ridge Campus, which included the development of University Town and Singapore’s first residential colleges; strengthened the University’s balance sheet and financials; deepened engagement with the wider Singaporean community; and oversaw a rapid rise in NUS’ reputation around the world.

“It has been a greatly rewarding experience to work with the Board of Trustees, management, faculty, students, staff, benefactors, and alumni of NUS,” said Mr Wong. “I am grateful to the University community, and the many friends of NUS, for working with me in my 12 years as Chairman to transform NUS into a leading university that is highly respected both in Singapore and around the world. It has been an immensely enriching journey and a fulfilling experience. I leave with full confidence that the incoming Chairman, Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, will strengthen NUS as the University continues on its upward trajectory.”

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Mr Hsieh is a highly regarded leader in the social sector and business

Mr Hsieh, an NUS alumnus, was first appointed to the NUS Council on 20 August 2003, and later to the NUS Board following the University’s corporatisation in 2006.

During his time on the Board, Mr Hsieh was Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Board’s Executive Committee as well as its Nominating Committee. Although he stepped down in March 2012, Mr Hsieh maintained close ties with the University.

Mr Hsieh is active in the social sector, and business. He is Chairman of the National Gallery Singapore, the National Council of Social Service, and Jurong Health Services. He is also Chairman of the UOB Group, a member of the GIC Board, Co-Founder and Adviser to PrimePartners Group, and Chairman of the Stewardship Asia Centre.

“Mr Wong Ngit Liong, together with Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, have built a strong leadership team and top notch faculty at NUS,” said Mr Hsieh. “I am privileged to be the new Chairman of this leading university, and look forward to working with the University community to continue Ngit Liong’s good stewardship.”

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Mr Ong (right) said that Mr Wong’s strong guiding presence for the past 12 years has enabled NUS to become a globally leading university

Said NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, “We are deeply grateful to Mr Wong Ngit Liong for his outstanding leadership as Chairman of the NUS Board of Trustees. He has guided the University with vision and wisdom, and played a key role in the formulation of NUS’ goals and strategies in education, research and entrepreneurship. He has worked incredibly hard and personally touched the lives of many in our NUS community. We thank him for his visionary leadership and selfless dedication in service of NUS and Singapore.

We look forward very much to working with Mr Hsieh Fu Hua as he takes on the role of Chairman of the NUS Board of Trustees. My colleagues and I are thrilled to welcome him back to the University community, and will look to his strategic leadership and wise counsel as NUS strives to strengthen its position as a leading global university centred in Asia.”

Said Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Mr Ong Ye Kung, “As Chairman of the NUS Council and subsequently Chairman of the first NUS Board of Trustees, Mr Wong Ngit Liong has played an instrumental role in leading NUS through the corporatisation of the University in 2006. His dedication and contributions for the past 12 years have enabled NUS to become a globally leading university with high standards of teaching and research.

Mr Wong also strengthened the nexus between NUS, the industry, and the professional community, with many distinguished private sector leaders taking up his call to contribute to the University’s development in diverse ways. While we will miss the strong guiding presence of Mr Wong, we will welcome to its helm another senior corporate and community leader in Mr Hsieh Fu Hua. I am confident that Mr Hsieh will build on the good work of Mr Wong to lead NUS in its next chapter, in contributing to the growth and development of the Singapore economy and society.”

See press release and media coverage.