Nanyang Technological University’s new Dean of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences

Sept. 30, 2009 - PRLog -- Professor Alan Chan Kam-Leung, an internationally-acclaimed academic and professor of philosophy, assumes the new appointment of Dean, College of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, at Nanyang Technological University, with effect from Thursday, 1 October 2009. He takes over from the founding Dean of the College, Professor Lawrence Wong.

“Prof Chan possesses outstanding academic credentials, and brings with him a wealth of experience in university leadership and administration roles,” said NTU President, Dr Su Guaning. “Prof Chan possesses a clear vision of the pivotal role that Singapore can play as an educational hub and research centre, being located at the cross-roads of East and West.  He is also a strong supporter of interdisciplinary research, and affirms the competitive advantage that NTU has as a science and technology-based university, with established schools in the Humanities, Art, Digital Media and Communications.  His extensive experience will be invaluable to the College in its next phase of development,” Dr Su added.

Prof Chan is a philosopher by training, specialising in Chinese philosophy and religion. After receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, he taught at the Department of Religion, University of Manitoba, Canada, between 1986 and 1991. He joined the National University of Singapore (NUS) in July 1991 and was promoted to Full Professor in January 2004 – an outstanding achievement in the field of Humanities.  He was twice a recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award at NUS.  In January 2007, he was appointed Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education.  He also served as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, responsible for graduate studies, international relations, and research.

During his career, Prof Chan has acquired a deep understanding of the academic environment in Singapore. At the same time, he has established strong ties to international academic networks, and is affiliated to many overseas universities, including University of Toronto, University of Washington, Kansai University, Kyoto University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

The University wishes to place on record its appreciation to Prof Wong, who was the founding Chair of the School of Humanities until December 2008, and College Dean from August 2006 until September 2009, for his robust leadership and contributions in building up both the College and School in their early years.

Prof Wong played a critical and significant role in bringing the College to where it is today, laying a strong foundation for research, and building up the next generation of outstanding faculty members. Due to professional obligations and personal reasons, Prof Wong has decided to return to Hong Kong. However, he will continue to be associated with NTU and is expected to lead the Institute for China Studies Project which will house interdisciplinary research on China.


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Feisal Abdul Rahman, Senior Assistant Director, Corporate Communications Office
Tel: 6790 6687; Mobile: 9675 1517; Email: feisalar@ntu.edu.sg

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About Nanyang Technological University

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a research-intensive university with globally acknowledged strengths in science and engineering. The university has roots that go back to 1955 when Nanyang University was set up. Today, NTU has four colleges with 12 schools, and three autonomous entities, the National Institute of Education, the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, and the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

NTU provides a high-quality global education to more than 21,700 undergraduates and 9,400 graduate students. The student body includes top scholars and international olympiad medallists from the region and beyond.

Hailing from 55 countries, the university's 2,700-strong teaching and research staff bring dynamic international perspectives and years of solid industry experience.

For more information, visit www.ntu.edu.sg