NUS Professor Leong Ching Dies, Prompting Tributes from Ministers and Colleagues

Leong Ching, the National University of Singapore’s vice provost for student life, has died, prompting tributes from colleagues and senior government figures. The university academic was also a professor in behavioural public policy and previously served as NUS dean of students from January 2020 to January 2021. According to her NUS profile, Leong’s research covered water policy, environmental behaviour, public-sector reform and communications strategies. Her education included graduate degrees in philosophy, information technology and journalism. Before entering academia, she worked as a journalist. Senior Minister K. Shanmugam described Leong as a dear friend, recalling that they had worked together when he was a backbencher. He said she was kind, generous and lively, and expressed sadness that someone with so much potential had died so suddenly at a young age. Education Minister Desmond Lee also said he was deeply saddened by her passing. He remembered Leong for her care for students and her commitment to subjects ranging from public policy to sustainability. Lee recalled a conversation with her about the role of universities in a future shaped by artificial intelligence, the uncertainties involved in navigating unfamiliar territory, and how different societies respond to change. At the end of their discussion, Leong recommended William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus,” he said. Leong also wrote a commentary last October about what it means to be Singaporean today, according to the report. The tributes reflected the impact she had as an academic, public-policy voice and mentor to students.