Heng Swee Keat, who previously held the position of Deputy Prime Minister in Singapore, has been named the inaugural chancellor of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), with his term commencing on June 1, 2026. His appointment will span five years, concluding on May 31, 2031. As the university’s chancellor, Heng will assume the role of the highest ceremonial office-holder, acting as a key representative and ambassador for the institution.
In his capacity as chancellor, Heng will oversee prominent university events such as graduation ceremonies and will represent SIT at significant institutional and external functions. The university highlighted that Heng’s extensive leadership background and established professional networks are expected to bolster partnerships and support key strategic priorities, including collaborations with industries and philanthropic efforts. The introduction of the chancellor position underscores SIT’s ongoing evolution as a higher education institution committed to producing graduates who are ready to meet industry demands through practical learning, research, and active engagement with business and industry partners.
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Heng emphasized the critical role of applied research and robust industry partnerships in contemporary education. He stated his eagerness to collaborate closely with the university community to further SIT’s mission. Singapore’s Education Minister, Desmond Lee, extended his congratulations to Heng, noting his confidence that Heng’s experience and leadership would effectively guide SIT’s future growth and its contributions to Singapore’s higher education landscape.
Beyond his upcoming responsibilities at SIT, Heng currently holds the position of chairman at the National Research Foundation and serves as a director at GIC, where he is also a member of the Investment Strategies Committee. His past roles include serving as Deputy Prime Minister from 2019 to 2025, as well as holding the positions of Education Minister from 2011 to 2015 and Finance Minister from 2015 to 2021. These extensive experiences are anticipated to bring valuable insights and direction to SIT as it continues to develop and expand its educational offerings.
