Named Professorships at the National University of Singapore (NUS) represent more than just a title; they are a powerful testament to the intersection of excellence and impact in academia, as well as society at large.
Named Professorships are endowed positions funded by philanthropic gifts, often carrying the names of the benefactors or esteemed figures in academia. These titles enable researchers to pursue groundbreaking work without the constant worry of clinching funding, fostering an environment where innovation and high-impact philanthropy flourish.
Through these endowed positions, NUS attracts and retains top-tier talent and drives cutting-edge research and innovation that positively impact society. Read on to find out more about some of the Named Professorships in the University and the esteemed Named Professors that have been contributing to the University, and Singapore at large, through their work.
Prof Zhou Weibiao | Cheng Tsang Man Professor in Food Science and Technology
The Cheng Tsang Man Professorship in Food Science & Technology, established in 2021, exemplifies the pivotal role that Named Professorships play in addressing critical global challenges such as food sustainability and food security.
Professor Zhou Weibiao, a leading expert in food engineering and processing, currently holds this esteemed position. His research focuses on adding the natural plant pigment anthocyanin into bread, which inhibits digestive enzymes and enables the bread to be digested at a slower rate. This improves blood glucose control, resulting in a diabetic-friendly bread. This groundbreaking work has garnered Prof Zhou and his team international attention from media outlets like The Straits Times, CNN, and FOX News for its potential to impact the lives of people living with diabetes or other insulin control-related diseases.
In addition to advancing food science through a medical lens, Prof Zhou’s work could also help tackle food sustainability and security concerns. Bread that can be digested at a slower rate while still offering the same nutritional value could potentially bridge nutritional gaps in areas facing food scarcity and insecurity. This underscores how impactful research, driven by philanthropy, has the potential to improve health outcomes and quality of life for populations around the globe.
Prof Aung Tin | Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Professorship in Ophthalmology
Currently holding the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Professorship in Ophthalmology under the Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Professor Aung Tin (Medicine ’90) leads pioneering research in sight-saving technologies.
His work focuses on identifying those at risk for angle closure glaucoma, where the iris is enlarged leading to fluid build-up in the eye and a rise in intraocular pressure. By enhancing imaging techniques and exploring genetic links, Prof Aung’s research aims to develop more effective screening programmes, early detection methods, and treatments, significantly reducing the incidence of vision loss.
This Professorship highlights how targeted research funding can drive medical advancements in Ophthalmology, ultimately improving health tech and patient outcomes in sight-saving technologies globally.
Prof Saw Seang Mei | Wallace Foulds Professor
As the current Wallace Foulds Professor under the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Professor Saw Seang Mei (Medicine ’88) has made significant strides in ophthalmology, particularly in combating myopia in children. Her team’s groundbreaking discovery of low-dose atropine eye drops to treat myopia has revolutionised paediatric eye care. Atropine, in low doses of less than 1%, enlarges the pupil so that more light can enter the eye. It also blocks the eye’s muscarinic receptors, which control the contraction and relaxation of the ocular muscles. This helps reduce the strain on the eye, slowing down the progression of myopia.
Additionally, their development of FitSight, a wearable device to monitor and manage children’s eye health, underscores the innovative approaches fostered by Named Professorships. Enabled by high-impact philanthropy, Prof Saw’s work in smart technology continues to benefit countless children in Singapore, reducing the prevalence and severity of myopia and improving long-term eye health.
Prof Sumit Agarwal | Low Tuck Kwong Distinguished Professor
Professor Sumit Agarwal, the current Low Tuck Kwong Distinguished Professor at the NUS Business School, focuses on various financial issues, including household finance, behavioural finance, and urban economics.
His prolific research on financial decision-making and market dynamics provides valuable insights into economic behaviours and policies. His book Kiasunomics, for instance, examines the economic behaviours of Singaporeans, illuminating how Singapore’s unique political landscape affects its citizens’ everyday decisions, while his op-ed commentaries for media outlets, such as Channel NewsAsia, examine everything from talent shortages in green finance to runaway inflation to the interplay between consumer behaviour and environmental waste.
This Professorship illustrates the profound impact that sustained research funding can have on societal and economic well-being, allowing us to better understand microeconomic decisions against the backdrop of the specific societal milieus they’re conducted in.
Prof Danny Quah | Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics
Professor Danny Quah, the current Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics and Dean at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, explores critical issues such as income inequality, economic growth, and international economic relations. His research on the global power shift and the rise of the East offers a nuanced understanding of contemporary world order and economic dynamics.
By examining the supply and demand of global power, Prof Quah’s work provides crucial insights into international relations and economic policies. Named Professorships like this provide research funding that enables researchers to delve deep into complex socio-economic issues, fostering a better understanding of global challenges and potential solutions.
How to Contribute to the Positive Impact of Named Professorships
Named Professorships represent a significant investment in the future of research and innovation. These positions are funded by generous donors who understand why philanthropy is important for driving long-term academic pursuits and societal benefits. Contributions to Named Professorships not only support the University’s groundbreaking research but also leave a lasting legacy linked to the benefactor's name.
Donors play a critical role in enabling such high-impact philanthropy, ensuring that scholars have the resources they need to push the boundaries of knowledge and make meaningful contributions to society. By supporting Named Professorships, you can support the leading researchers and innovators at NUS, fostering a brighter future for our world.
To learn more about how you can contribute to Named Professorships, visit NUS Giving and explore the various research funding opportunities available. Your support can make a lasting difference, drive research and enable innovations that have the power to transform the world.
