07
January
2016
|
22:11
Asia/Singapore

Prominent scientists return home

Prominent scientists Professor Andrew Lim Leong Chye and Dr Aaron Thean Voon Yew have returned to Singapore to contribute to NUS’ vibrant research community. Both scientists were recruited under the Returning Singapore Scientists (RSS) Scheme which seeks to attract outstanding overseas-based Singaporean scientists back home to lead research in areas integral to the country’s growth.

Prof Lim, an expert in computational management science, joined NUS Engineering on 8 January as Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. His work combines knowledge in the fields of computing, engineering and business to develop new tools and processes for organisations to achieve high levels of competitiveness and long-term success.

Prof Lim spent more than a decade in Hong Kong and China where he held professorships in City University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Nanjing University, researching into large-scale problems in transportation, logistics and supply chains. He also founded a high-tech company which spearheaded several industry-based research projects.

Prof Lim’s role at NUS will be to look into developing innovative solutions that address problems in healthcare, transport and education. He will also play a lead role in the upcoming data analytics cluster and Operations Research Centre, working on demand generation and supply management issues. His experience as a technopreneur will also help spur the entrepreneurial spirit within the NUS community.

Dr Thean, an innovator with more than 50 patents in advanced electronics, will join NUS Engineering in May as a Professor of Electrical Engineering. He is currently the Vice President of Process Technologies and Director of the Logic Devices Research at IMEC, a nanoelectronic research institute based in Belgium, and under his leadership, nanotechnology research has brought about significant societal and economic impact.

Dr Thean will conduct cutting-edge research at NUS on embedding electronic intelligence into materials and systems. He will also spearhead nanoelectronic and spintronic device research at NUS’ upcoming Data Science Institute to build on the University’s expertise in data analytics, advanced materials, and communication and computation system research. This is expected to boast widespread applications in areas such as the Internet of Things, Intelligent Technologies for Health Care, and Big Data Infrastructure, contributing to the national vision of a Smart Nation.

NUS Deputy President (Research and Technology) Professor Ho Teck Hua, who was the first Singaporean researcher recruited under the RSS Scheme, applauded the move. “NUS is excited to welcome Prof Lim and Dr Thean home to contribute towards growing research capabilities that are strategic to Singapore’s long-term progress,” he said.

See press release and media coverage.