Public policy leader and acclaimed scholar Professor Joseph Liow to helm NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

The National University of Singapore (NUS) has appointed Professor Joseph Liow as the third Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), with effect from 15 October 2025.

A renowned scholar of international relations and Asian strategic affairs, Prof Liow brings to LKYSPP a distinguished record of academic excellence and institutional leadership experience. He will succeed Associate Professor Leong Ching who has served as Acting Dean of LKYSPP since 1 July 2025.

Prior to joining NUS, Prof Liow spent 28 years of his academic career at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), progressing from a researcher to Chair Professor, and advancing towards senior leadership roles which include Dean of the NTU S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, and Dean of the NTU College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Prof Liow has joined LKYSPP as the Wang Gungwu Professor in East Asian Affairs on 1 October 2025.

His research specialises in subjects of Muslim societies and politics in Southeast Asia, the international relations of Southeast Asia, US foreign policy, and the geopolitics of East Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Widely regarded as a leading voice on Southeast Asian affairs, Prof Liow’s insights on these matters have informed and influenced policymakers, diplomats, and international institutions across the region.

Beyond academia, Prof Liow has served as an advisor and commentator on regional and global policy issues, including engagements with international organisations, think tanks, and government agencies. His ability to bridge scholarly rigour with real-world relevance has made him a trusted interlocutor in global policy circles.

Prof Liow is currently Chairman of the Middle East Institute at NUS, a position he assumed in September 2024, and previously held the Tan Kah Kee Chair in Comparative and International Politics at NTU.

In his new role, Professor Liow will lead LKYSPP in advancing its mission to develop future public leaders, contribute cutting-edge research, and engage with pressing policy challenges across Asia and beyond.

NUS President, Professor Tan Eng Chye, said: “Professor Joseph Liow has built a stellar career in advancing academic thinking on regional and global affairs, and engaging with the public, policymakers, academics and students in constructive and impactful ways. His academic breadth, respected scholarship, outstanding leadership and genuine commitment to public service make him uniquely suited to lead the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy into its next chapter. I am confident he will build on the School’s strong foundations and further its mission as a centre of excellence in public policy education, research and engagement.”

“The University also expresses its deep appreciation to Assoc Prof Leong for her strong stewardship and commitment to the School as Acting Dean during this period of transition. Her leadership at this pivotal time has put the School on a strong footing for the trajectory ahead,” Prof Tan added.

Reflecting on his appointment as Dean, Professor Liow said: “It is a privilege to join the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, an institution that plays a vital role in shaping policy discourse and public leadership. These are exciting yet challenging times for Asia and the rest of the world. As societies grapple with complex challenges and transitions on issues like sustainability, technology and geopolitics, public policy and governance has never been more critical or contested. I look forward to working closely with the School’s outstanding faculty, students, staff and alumni to build on its strong foundations and expand its regional and global contributions.”

Founded in 2004, the NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy is one of Asia’s leading institutions for public policy education and research.

Please refer to Annex A for the biography of Prof Joseph Liow.