Prof. Chua Kee Chaing, President of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), on Applied Learning and Innovation

Prof. Chua Kee Chaing, President of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), on Applied Learning and Innovation

• First in his family—and the youngest of seven siblings—to attend university
• Grew up in a single-parent household, developing resilience and a strong work ethic through his mother, who ran a convenience store

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The latest episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY) features Prof. Chua Kee Chaing, President of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). The conversation explores his remarkable career journey, Singapore’s pioneering approach to higher education, and SIT’s innovative initiatives that position the university as a future-ready institution. Discover the key highlights from this insightful discussion.

01:18-What were the major inflection points and motivations in Prof. Chua’s early life?

• First in his family—and the youngest of seven siblings—to attend university
• Grew up in a single-parent household, developing resilience and a strong work ethic through his mother, who ran a convenience store
• Developed an early fascination with tinkering and engineering, leading him away from medicine and toward electrical engineering
• Encouraged by his family to pursue academic excellence

06:46-How did Prof. Chua’s career evolve across academia, research, and industry?

• Earned undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees in electrical and computer engineering
• Began his academic career at the National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Progressed through leadership roles including Lecturer, Head of Department, Vice Dean, and Dean of Engineering
• Served as Deputy Director of the Centre for Wireless Communications (now part of A*STAR)
• Collaborated with global technology leaders including Motorola, NTT DoCoMo, Ericsson, and Siemens on mobile and broadband communications
• Held a leadership role at the National Research Foundation within Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office

21:23-What makes the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) unique within Singapore’s higher education landscape?

• Singapore’s first university of applied learning, designed to provide a progression pathway for polytechnic graduates
• Strong emphasis on applied, industry-integrated education through authentic, hands-on learning
• Close collaboration with industry, supported by a high proportion of adjunct faculty and industry practitioners
• Agile curriculum designed to respond quickly to evolving workforce needs

29:12-How does SIT’s Competency-Based Stackable Micro-Credential Pathway work, and why is it innovative?

• Competency-based education emphasizes mastery and practical application over traditional assessment models
• Standalone micro-credentials allow learners to upskill and reskill without committing immediately to a full degree
• Stackable credentials enable learners to accumulate credits toward undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications
• Recognition of prior learning and flexible asynchronous learning support working professionals
• Success Coaches help adult learners confidently return to education

36:26What is the Learn for Life program, and how does it promote lifelong learning?

• Alumni can take one complimentary module every five years after graduation
• Helps graduates stay current with technological change and evolving career opportunities
• Simplifies the process for alumni returning to pursue postgraduate studies at SIT

39:18-What is the Punggol Digital District, and how does SIT’s new campus integrate with industry?

• SIT’s new campus is co-located with businesses in the Punggol Digital District, creating a seamless connection between education and industry
• Functions as a living laboratory and testbed for emerging technologies, including robotics and embodied AI
• Creates a connected ecosystem of businesses, learners, researchers, and residents within Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Prof Chua Kee Chaing: LinkedIn 

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One idea explored during the conversation was Prof. Chua’s decision to pursue engineering after discovering that biology did not inspire him as much as expected for a medical career. That early conviction became the foundation for a lifelong journey of curiosity, innovation, and leadership.

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Thanks for listening!

• Chua Kee Chaing is the President of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), leading its vision for applied, industry-focused higher education.
• With extensive experience in academia and engineering, he has played a key role in advancing innovation, research, and university–industry collaboration.
• Prof. Chua champions future-ready education by integrating experiential learning, technology, and strong partnerships with industry to prepare graduates for evolving careers.