NUS Provost Prof Ho Teck Hua helms Singapore’s national academy for engineering

In June 2022, the Academy of Engineering, Singapore (SAEng) elected NUS Senior Deputy President and Provost Professor Ho Teck Hua as its president. Prof Ho took over from Professor Cham Tao Soon, who led SAEng since its founding in 2011.

SAEng is a professional organisation comprising eminent engineers committed to providing leadership, advancing education, and recognising excellence in engineering in Singapore. The academy aims to strengthen engineering skills and expand the engineering knowledge base in Singapore to support the long-term development of the nation and the engineering industry.

SAEng hosts five expert groups, led by prominent engineers who provide policy recommendations on water resources, land transportation, environmental preservation, the connected city, and cybersecurity.

The academy also provides advice on education, research, development and innovation in engineering. It works closely with institutes of higher learning and stakeholders in Singapore’s engineering sector on initiatives to ensure that the nation has a deep pool of engineering talent. These initiatives have been created to increase student interest in engineering, attract and retain engineering talent, promote innovation in engineering, and provide doctoral training to produce industry-ready postgraduates.

Another key objective of SAEng is to recognise excellence in contributions made by engineers to the Singapore economy. Members of the academy elect fellows through a rigorous peer-review process that evaluates individuals on the basis of their leadership and career achievements in engineering. Currently, 139 eminent engineers, scientists, public officials and distinguished leaders in academia and the business community have been elected as fellows.

The academy also plays an important role in developing and maintaining relations with other professional engineering organisations, academies, and learned societies in Singapore and abroad.

“I am deeply honoured and excited by the opportunity to lead this eminent group of engineer-leaders from the public and private sectors, and to contribute to making Singapore an innovation-driven and sustainable city in the coming decades", said Prof Ho.