List of Professorships in Alphabetical Order (G–M)

Goh Tjoei Kok Professorship in Business Management (1996)

The Goh Tjoei Kok Professorship in Business Management was established in 1996 to honour the legacy of the late Mr Goh Tjoei Kok (1905-1994), founding Chairman of Tat Lee Bank Group. Known for his exemplary leadership and dedication to corporate excellence, he has made significant and lasting contributions to Singapore's growth and development.

The Professorship enables NTU to appoint distinguished professors who pioneer research and education in business management. It empowers faculty to develop insights that prepare students and professionals to lead responsibly and drive economic growth in Asia and globally.

Irene Tan Liang Kheng Chair Professorship in Neuroscience (2018)

The Irene Tan Liang Kheng Chair Professorship in Neuroscience was set up in 2018 with funding support from the Irene Tan Liang Kheng Memorial Fund.

The late Madam Tan was an investor and philanthropist, known for her gentleness and love towards her husband, family, and friends. In her later years, Madam Tan became active with charity work and meticulously planned her will to ensure that the legacy of giving would continue even after her passing. Madam Tan passed away on 13 February 2016.

The Professorship supports LKCMedicine’s research into neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. It is a boost to the school's research thrusts in neuroscience and mental health that seek a better understanding of the causes so that more effective treatments can be developed.

Koh Choon Joo Professorship in Education (2002)

The Koh Choon Joo Professorship in Education was established in 2002 in honour of the late Mr Koh Choon Joo (1901-1997). A philanthropist and community leader, Mr Koh firmly believed that education was the most powerful means of uplifting society.

Mr Koh was remembered as a quiet and reserved individual. He enjoyed writing poetry and fiction, and was an artist and avid art collector. Other than being a lawyer, he also served as a magistrate in the Juvenile Court in Singapore in an honorary capacity.

This Professorship supports the National Institute of Education (NIE) in attracting eminent scholars who shape teaching practice and policy. Each year, outstanding professors in the field of education are hosted by the NIE under this Professorship.

Since the set-up of the Professorship, 17 recipients have been appointed as Visiting Professors, including Professor Pam Grossman, Professor George Siemens, Professor Justine Dillon and Professor Christopher Chapman.

Lee Kong Chian Distinguished Professor Series (2005)

The Lee Kong Chian Distinguished Professor Series at NTU’s Institute of Advanced Studies honours the legacy of the late Mr Lee Kong Chian (1893-1967), a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist whose impact shaped modern Southeast Asia.

The late Mr Lee built a vast business empire spanning rubber, banking, and real estate, earning him the title “Rubber and Pineapple King”. His philanthropic vision was driven by the belief that education is the foundation of progress and social harmony.

Established in 2005, the Professor series aims to advance frontier research in science and mathematics at NTU by fostering global academic exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Professor series made possible numerous lectures, seminars, workshops and conferences, bringing together notable scientists, mathematicians and Nobel Laureates from around the world. It also facilitates one-on-one consultations with NTU faculty, offering expert insights to enhance research outcomes.

Lien Foundation Chair Professorship (2020)

Lien Foundation was set up in 1980 by Dr George Lien Ying Chow (1906-2004). An eminent banker, hotelier and community leader, Dr Lien’s influence surpassed sector boundaries, reaching far beyond Singapore. He co-founded Nanyang University and is the founder of Overseas Union Bank.

Dr Lien carved a path of progress through education initiatives, ensuring that younger generations were not deprived of learning opportunities. His vision encompassed not only access to education but also the aspirations for a brighter future, motivating them to strive for excellence.

The Lien Foundation Chair Professorship was set up at the National Institute of Education (NIE) in 2020 with a gift from Lien Foundation as part of 'Project Genie' (Greatly Enhanced Networks in Education). The Professorship aims to attract global experts to the university and bolster inclusive education research. Activities include impact grants, public lectures, symposia, and collaboration platforms to elevate Singapore's education practices.

Professor Kenneth Poon Kin Loong is the inaugural and current recipient of this Professorship. A trained clinical psychologist, he is also Dean, Education Research, as well as Centre Director of the Centre for Research in Child Development at NIE.

Lien Ying Chow Visiting Professorship (2020)

Launched in 2020, the Lien Ying Chow Visiting Professorship is named after the late Dr George Lien Ying Chow (1906-2004), a community leader, diplomat and philanthropist with a passion for education and a commitment to the community. He co-founded Nanyang University and is the founder of Overseas Union Bank.

The Visiting Professorship brings global thought leaders to the National Institute of Education for short, high-impact residencies.

Amongst the Visiting Professors appointed are Professor Vivienne Riches, Professor Sharon Vaughn and Professor Meghan Burke.

Lim Wee Chai Visiting Professorship in Health and Wellness (2023)

Malaysian businessman and philanthropist Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai firmly believes that health is wealth and has consistently championed health and wellness initiatives. The executive chairman and founder of Top Glove – a leading international manufacturer of disposable gloves – hopes to propagate the understanding of health and wellness to the wider community through the Lim Wee Chai Visiting Professorship in Health and Wellness at NTU.

Set up in 2023, the Professorship will support the university’s initiative of providing quality teaching, impactful academic and research programmes that can benefit students and researchers in shaping the future healthcare landscape.

The Professorship will invite distinguished faculty from renowned universities worldwide to engage with the NTU community through teaching and research collaborations. The appointed Visiting Professors will also share their expertise with the public through seminars focused on health and well-being and contribute to the advancement of public knowledge and awareness in healthy living.

MediaTek Professorship in IC Design (2011)

MediaTek is among the world’s top 10 fabless semiconductor companies, creating pioneering products for smartphones, automotive, Internet of Things, home entertainment and mobile devices.

Established in 2011, the MediaTek Professorship in IC Design at NTU’s College of Engineering symbolises both institutions’ common vision of pushing the frontiers of research and innovation in integrated circuit (IC) design.

The Professorship provides for the appointment of a leading expert who will spearhead R&D in strategic IC design technologies. The appointed professor also helps foster a pipeline of engineering talent in the IC design domain of semiconductor industry.

Michael Fam Chair Professorship in Food Science and Technology (1996)

The Michael Fam Chair Professorship in Food Science and Technology was established in 1996 in honour of the late Dr Michael Fam, former F&N Group Chairman and a respected figure in Singapore’s food and beverage sector known for his visionary leadership and dedication to food innovation. Dr Fam was also the founding Chairman of the Nanyang Technological Institute (now NTU) from 1981 to 1993. Read more about Dr Fam’s story here.

As a long-standing advocate for food safety and sustainability, Dr Fam has helped position Singapore as a forward-looking hub in food science. His philanthropic efforts focus on nurturing research that addresses nutrition, food security and sustainable production.

The Professorship aims to catalyse high-quality research in food science and technology, improving food safety and achieving food security. It will be a key driver and bring expertise and new knowledge to the field for Singapore, regionally and globally.

The current holder of the Professorship is Professor William Chen Wei Ning, who also serves as Director of the Food Science and Technology Programme (NTU FST), Director of Singapore Agri-food Innovation Lab (SAIL), as well as Director of Singapore Future Ready Food Safety Hub (FRESH).

MPA Endowed Chair Professorship in Maritime Management (2003)

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has been instrumental in transforming Singapore into a leading global maritime hub. Established in 1996, MPA’s forward-looking policies, innovation, and commitment to sustainability have shaped the maritime industry regionally and worldwide.

Set up in 2003, the MPA Endowed Chair Professorship in Maritime Management supports research in maritime management, logistics, and port operations – critical areas that ensure Singapore’s competitive edge and sustainable growth. It also supports visiting academics and industry experts across three tiers – Visiting Professors, Fellows, and Distinguished Visitors – who lead specialised undergraduate and postgraduate programming, seminars and workshops.

Renowned maritime scholars from institutions across Europe and Asia, including Professor Theo Edmond Notteboom, Professor Song Dong-Wook, Professor Chang Young-Tae and Professor Emmanuouil Kavoussanos, have contributed their expertise, helping elevate Singapore’s maritime leadership and education.