🚀 A New Era of Philanthropy at NUS

On January 29, 2026, the National University of Singapore (NUS) marked a significant milestone with the formal signing of the Wong Ngit Liong & Family Scholarship agreement. This generous gift from Dr. Wong Ngit Liong, a visionary leader in Singapore's technology sector, aims to empower outstanding postgraduate students pursuing advanced studies in critical fields. The scholarship underscores NUS's commitment to fostering innovation and leadership amid Singapore's push towards becoming a global hub for engineering and biomedical excellence.

The announcement, shared across NUS platforms, highlights Dr. Wong's enduring dedication to his alma mater. As Executive Chairman of Venture Corporation, he has long championed education as a driver of national progress. This initiative equally supports students at the NUS College of Design and Engineering (CDE) and Duke-NUS Medical School, targeting areas vital to Singapore's future economy.

NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye praised the contribution, noting, "Dr Wong may have handed the reins of the NUS Board of Trustees over to Mr Hsieh Fu Hua eight years ago, but today he is still spurring us towards greater ambitions, through his incredible generosity." Dr. Wong echoed this sentiment, stating, "I see this gift as a conduit to drive Singapore’s transformation through education, and I hope these students will be the ones to lead the charge for our nation’s future."

Dr. Wong Ngit Liong: Architect of Singapore's Tech Legacy

Born in 1941 in Johor, Malaysia, Dr. Wong Ngit Liong exemplifies the transformative power of education. A top student, he secured multiple scholarships and earned a Bachelor of Engineering (First Class Honours) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Malaya—NUS's predecessor institution. He furthered his studies with a Master of Science in Electronics Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, as a Fulbright Scholar, and an MBA (with Distinction) from McGill University.

Dr. Wong's career began at Hewlett-Packard (HP), where he expanded operations in Singapore and Malaysia. In 1984, he founded Venture Corporation, growing it from a startup into a global technology services powerhouse with over 12,000 employees and significant contributions to electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, and life sciences. Under his leadership, Venture has bolstered Singapore's position as a high-tech manufacturing hub.

His impact extends to public service: Chairman of the NUS Board of Trustees (2004-2016), where he oversaw corporatisation and reforms elevating NUS to world-class status; member of the Economic Development Board and other key committees. In July 2025, NUS conferred him an Honorary Doctor of Letters. Awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and Distinguished Service Order. Through this scholarship, Dr. Wong continues paying forward the opportunities he received.

For aspiring leaders, explore tips on crafting a winning academic CV to stand out in competitive fields like those Dr. Wong supports.

Core Details of the Wong Ngit Liong & Family Scholarship

This endowment provides comprehensive financial support for Master's and PhD students, covering tuition and living expenses—though exact values are tailored to needs and aligned with NUS standards. Allocations are equal between CDE and Duke-NUS, ensuring balanced advancement in engineering and medicine.

Eligibility targets outstanding candidates demonstrating academic excellence, research potential, and leadership qualities. While specific application details are forthcoming on NUS portals, prospective applicants should prepare strong research proposals, academic transcripts, and references. No bond is mentioned, emphasizing merit over service commitments.

The scholarship aligns with Singapore's broader ecosystem, where over 90% of NUS PhD students receive funding, amplifying its reach. Visit the official NUS announcement for updates.

• Level: Master's and PhD
• Institutions: NUS CDE and Duke-NUS Medical School
• Purpose: Cultivate leaders in high-impact tech and health sectors
• Selection: Based on merit, innovation potential

Interested? Check more scholarships available through AcademicJobs.com.

Engineering Excellence: Key Focus Areas at CDE

The scholarship prioritizes transformative fields at CDE: artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, semiconductors, and hyperscale data centres. These align with Singapore's semiconductor leadership—home to global giants—and RIE2030's S$37 billion investment, including quantum and AI pushes.

CDE programmes equip scholars with cutting-edge skills. For instance, AI initiatives tackle real-world challenges like smart nation technologies, while semiconductor research supports the industry's 37% job growth projection. Robotics and automation address manufacturing evolution amid talent shortages listed in MOM's 2026 Shortage Occupation List.

Graduates often secure roles in research or industry, contributing to Singapore's 15,700 new high-skill jobs by 2030.

Medical Innovation: Life Sciences and MedTech at Duke-NUS

At Duke-NUS, funding targets life sciences and medical technology (MedTech), crucial for an ageing population and biotech growth. Singapore's healthcare sector faces shortages, with roles on the 2026 list. Duke-NUS, a collaboration with Duke University, excels in clinician-scientist training.

Scholars will advance precision medicine, drug discovery, and devices—fields boosted by RIE2030. NUS Medicine ranks #13 globally (THE 2026) and #1 in Asia (QS 2025), ensuring world-class mentorship.

CDE site and Duke-NUS offer programme insights.

Singapore's Urgent Need for Engineering and Medical Leaders

Singapore grapples with talent gaps: 72% of employers report shortages in AI, engineering, and healthcare (2026 surveys). Engineering jobs surged 19%, yet demand outpaces supply. RIE2030 allocates billions to semiconductors and MedTech, creating 23% R&D jobs paying above S$5,000.

This scholarship addresses these by nurturing homegrown talent, reducing reliance on foreign experts (COMPASS updates 2026). It mirrors national strategies like SkillsFuture, positioning Singapore as an innovation powerhouse.

• Shortage List 2026: Engineering specialists, biomedical engineers, physicians
• RIE2030: S$10.8B for AI/compute, ageing solutions
• Impact: 24,800 jobs added Q3 2025, more projected

NUS CDE: Globally Ranked Hub of Innovation

CDE ranks #9 worldwide for Engineering (THE 2025), top 10 in six QS subjects including Civil Engineering (#2 Asia). With state-of-the-art labs, it drives AI-robotics integration and semiconductor R&D, partnering industry leaders.

Postgraduates benefit from interdisciplinary approaches, preparing for faculty or research jobs. Alumni lead Singapore's tech ecosystem.

Duke-NUS: Pioneering Biomedical Frontiers

Duke-NUS fosters clinician-scientists, ranking high in life sciences. Its MD-PhD tracks yield breakthroughs in oncology and neuroscience. The scholarship enhances access, amplifying Singapore's biotech cluster.

Explore postdoc success strategies.

Enhancing Postgraduate Accessibility in Singapore

NUS offers myriad scholarships (e.g., President's Graduate Fellowship up to S$4,800/month), funding 90%+ PhDs. This addition diversifies support, complementing SINGA and AI Singapore awards.

Stakeholders praise it for merit-based aid, inspiring similar philanthropy amid rising costs.

Photo by Hoi An and Da Nang Photographer on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Transforming Singapore's Landscape

Scholars will propel RIE2030 goals, innovating in AI-driven healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Expect spin-offs, patents, and policy influence, solidifying Singapore's edge.

Dr. Wong's vision promises generational impact. For opportunities, visit university jobs, rate professors, higher ed jobs, career advice, and Singapore listings.