The Announcement of a New Era at SIT
The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore's pioneering University of Applied Learning (UAL), has marked a significant milestone with the appointment of Professor Susanna Leong as its new Deputy President (Academic) and Provost, effective April 1, 2026. This leadership transition was unveiled during SIT Day 2026, signaling a fresh chapter for the institution amid its rapid expansion and focus on industry-aligned education. Professor Leong, who has been serving as SIT's Vice President (Applied Research), steps into this pivotal role previously held by Professor John Thong, bringing her extensive experience in applied research, lifelong learning, and academic innovation to steer SIT's academic direction.
This change comes at a crucial time for SIT, as it consolidates its position in Singapore's higher education landscape. With the recent opening of its state-of-the-art Punggol Campus and the launch of future-ready programs targeting the green and digital economy, the appointment underscores SIT's commitment to bridging academia and industry.
Professor Susanna Leong: A Trailblazer in Academia and Research
Professor Susanna Leong's career is a testament to versatility and excellence across law, engineering, and education. Holding a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge (2006), an MPhil from the same institution, and an LLB (Hons) from the National University of Singapore (NUS), she began her professional journey as a legal assistant before transitioning into academia. At NUS, she rose to become Vice Provost (Masters' Programmes and Lifelong Education), Dean of the School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE), and a Professor of Law at the NUS Business School, where she oversaw flagship programs like the NUS MBA and EMBA.
Her expertise spans intellectual property law, business strategy, biochemical engineering, and synthetic biology. As an Adjunct Associate Professor in NUS's Department of Biochemistry, her research has earned accolades such as the Tan Chin Tuan Fellowship in Engineering and recognition as the most cited author in 'Food and Bioproducts Processing.' Professor Leong's dual background in law and engineering uniquely positions her to navigate the interdisciplinary challenges of modern higher education.
Prior to her current role at SIT, she served as Cluster Director for Food, Chemical, and Biotechnology, and Assistant Provost (Applied Learning), roles that honed her ability to integrate research with practical education.
From NUS to SIT: Building Bridges in Lifelong Education
Professor Leong's tenure at NUS was marked by innovative initiatives in lifelong learning, where she championed accessible, industry-relevant programs for working professionals. As Vice-Dean of Graduate Studies, she expanded executive education offerings, ensuring they aligned with Singapore's evolving economy. This experience directly translates to SIT's mission, where applied learning—characterized by the Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP)—forms the core of its pedagogy.
Transitioning to SIT, she has driven applied research collaborations, such as the partnership with Rolls-Royce on automation for harbour crafts, demonstrating her prowess in fostering industry ties. Under her leadership as VP Applied Research, SIT has seen growth in biomolecular engineering projects addressing food security and sustainability—key priorities for Singapore.
Professor John Thong's Enduring Legacy
Professor John Thong, who assumed the role of Deputy President (Academic) and Provost in 2021, has been instrumental in scaling SIT's academic framework. Overseeing curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and quality assurance, he guided SIT through the pandemic and the shift to the Punggol Campus. His emphasis on academic policies that prioritize student outcomes contributed to SIT's high graduate employability rate—nearly 90% within six months for the Class of 2024, with rising median salaries.
Thong's tenure saw the introduction of new degree programs and strengthened international partnerships, laying a robust foundation for his successor. While specific reasons for his departure remain undisclosed, the seamless transition highlights SIT's stable leadership pipeline.
Understanding the Deputy President (Academic) Role at SIT
The Deputy President (Academic) and Provost at SIT is responsible for the university's academic vision, including program design, teaching excellence, research strategy, and student success metrics. This role ensures alignment with Singapore's SkillsFuture agenda, emphasizing stackable credentials and lifelong upskilling. Professor Leong will oversee approximately 20,000 students across diverse clusters like engineering, health sciences, and digital communications, driving SIT's goal to produce 'industry-ready' graduates.
In practical terms, this involves curating curricula co-developed with over 700 industry partners, managing the 8-12 month IWSP mandatory for all undergraduates, and expanding research output to support Singapore's R&D targets.
SIT's Distinct Applied Learning Model
Unlike traditional research-intensive universities, SIT's model integrates real-world problem-solving from day one. Students engage in apprenticeships, live projects, and overseas exchanges, with 95% reporting enhanced employability skills. This approach, rooted in German dual-education systems, differentiates SIT in Singapore's competitive HE sector, where NUS and NTU dominate global rankings.
- Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP): 8-12 months of paid industry immersion.
- Cluster-Based Learning: Multidisciplinary programs like Sustainable Urban Solutions.
- Capstone Projects: Solving actual industry challenges.
Professor Leong's research background will likely amplify this model, incorporating cutting-edge biotech and sustainability into curricula.
Punggol Campus: A Catalyst for Innovation
SIT's Punggol Digital District campus, fully operational since May 2025, spans cutting-edge labs, living labs for industry co-creation, and community spaces. Designed for 20,000 students, it features sustainable architecture and AI-enabled learning environments. This relocation from multiple sites enhances cohesion and facilitates partnerships with nearby tech firms.
New 2026 intakes include a four-year Civil Engineering degree and green economy programs, aligning with Singapore's net-zero goals.
Implications for Students, Faculty, and Industry
For students, expect enhanced research opportunities and personalized learning paths under Leong's lifelong education ethos. Faculty will benefit from bolstered applied research funding, building on SIT's 2026 initiatives like the 'Design Your Futures' career coaching extended to alumni. Industry partners anticipate deeper collaborations, as seen in Leong's Rolls-Royce project, potentially accelerating tech transfer in biotech and automation.
SIT in Singapore's Higher Education Ecosystem
Singapore's HE sector, comprising six autonomous universities, balances research excellence (NUS #8 QS 2026, NTU #12) with applied focus (SIT, SUTD). SIT@RP and overseas partnerships expand access, supporting 40,000+ annual poly/JC graduates. Amid 2026 trends like AI integration and green skills, SIT's employability edge—89% placement rate—positions it strongly.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Future Outlook: Innovation and Impact
With Professor Leong at the helm, SIT is poised to lead in applied innovation, targeting R&D growth and international benchmarks. Her vision likely includes expanding CET offerings via SITLEARN and leveraging Punggol's ecosystem for startups. Stakeholders anticipate sustained high employability and contributions to Singapore's Smart Nation vision, ensuring SIT remains a beacon for practical higher education.
