About Us
Association Profile
Innovative Pedagogy
The SMART Education Association is dedicated to promoting academic excellence in the fields of Science, Mathematics, AI, Robotics, and Technology. We work closely with leading institutions such as National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to champion innovative teaching approaches that integrate AI and technology, nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for tomorrow's leaders.
Interdisciplinary Focus
Our association promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration, bridging the gap between traditional academic silos to cultivate well-rounded SMART professionals. Our focus on interdisciplinary learning promotes holistic understanding and problem-solving skills.
Advisory Excellence
Guided by our distinguished Advisory Council comprising professors and academics from , we uphold academic rigor and relevance, ensuring our initiatives align with emerging trends and best practices.
Industry Integration
We foster strategic partnerships with industry leaders in the tech and education sectors to bridge the gap between academia and real-world applications, offering real-world exposure and mentorship opportunities to equip members with practical skills and industry insights.
Community Engagement
We cultivate a vibrant community of learners and educators through interactive workshops, hackathons, competitions, and outreach initiatives that inspire curiosity and creativity to nurture the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Global Leadership
Positioned at the forefront of SMART education, we drive thought leadership and policy advocacy to embrace SMART education and pedagogies thus shaping the future of learning.
Global Impact
While rooted in Singapore and embodying a spirit of innovation and collaboration, we differentiate ourselves by fostering a dynamic ecosystem that empowers individuals to thrive in the evolving landscape of SMART education.
By articulating a clear mission, vision, and profile, the SMART Education Association of Singapore cultivates a dynamic and inclusive community dedicated to advancing SMART education with passion and purpose, establishing ourselves as a leading authority in the fields of Science, Mathematics, AI, Robotics, and Technology, contributing to the academic, economic, and technological advancement of Singapore and beyond.
Vision:
To be the catalyst and standard setting for interdisciplinary SMART education experiences, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technological innovation.
Mission:
To advance Singapore's leadership in SMART (Science, Mathematics, AI, Robotics, and Technology education by pioneering interdisciplinary approaches through competitions, innovative programs, research, and collaborations that empower students, educators, and professionals to excel in the digital era
President Foreword
Welcome to the SMART Education Association of Singapore (SEAS), where we are redefining education for the digital age.
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In a world shaped by rapid technological advancements, interdisciplinary learning in (SMART) Science, Mathematics, AI, Robotics, and Technology is essential. At SEAS, we empower students, educators, and professionals with the skills and mindset to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Through innovative programs, competitions, and partnerships with leading institutions like NUS and NTU, we bridge academia and industry, fostering creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.
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Guided by our distinguished Advisory Council, SEAS is committed to excellence and relevance in SMART education. Our vibrant community of learners and innovators drives thought leadership, shaping the future of education in Singapore and beyond.
Join us as we inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators. Together, let’s embrace the possibilities of SMART education and create a brighter future.
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Warm regards,
Dr. Chen Zhong
President, SMART Education Association of Singapore (SEAS)
Management Committee
President
Dr. CHEN ZHONG (BMedSci; PhD)
Graduated from Peking University with a medical degree and from National University of Singapore with a PhD in life science, Prof Chen was an assistant professor at National Institute of Education and residential professor at Nanyang Technological University, skilled in developmental epigenetics, biotech & biomaterials, and STEAM education. He is the EMBO fellow and SIBiol fellow, and a principal coach of Singapore Team to International Biology Olympiad.
Vice-President
ELLEN SHAO
Ms. Ellen Shao is an experienced entrepreneur with a strong background in business and international trade. She holds an Executive MBA from the National University of Singapore and a degree in International Economy and Trade from the University of International Business and Economics, China. Passionate about fostering connections within the education and business communities, Ms. Shao serves as the Vice Secretary of the NUS Business School Mandarin Alumni, where she actively contributes to alumni engagement and development initiatives. She leads three Singapore-based companies spanning management consultancy and accounting services, media and digital marketing, and international student recruitment and immigration consultancy. Her diverse expertise and leadership across industries bring valuable insights to the association’s mission of promoting educational excellence and cross-border collaboration.
Secretary
LOUIS CHAN
Mr. Louis Chan, a National University of Singapore alumnus and Managing Partner at AR iCapital LLP, brings over a decade of expertise in finance and cross-border business strategy (Singapore-China). A seasoned board member, including an Executive Director role at an SGX-listed company, he advises foreign firms expanding into Southeast Asia. Passionate about education, he mentors startups and investors in Singapore and China, and teaches entrepreneurship modules at NTU, shaping the next generation of business leaders.
Committee Member
Prof NI RAN (CCEB, NTU)
Prof. Ni is an accomplished physicist and academic, specializing in computational studies of self-assembly in colloidal systems and polypeptides. He earned his Ph.D. from Utrecht University and conducted postdoctoral research there before joining Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2016. Promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2021, he has received prestigious awards, including the NWO VENI Fellowship and the COST Action Best Research Prize. His work bridges physics, engineering, and soft matter research, earning him international recognition.
Treasurer
LIBBY LI
Ms. Libby Li is an accomplished professional with a strong educational foundation, holding a degree in Political Science and Administration from South China Normal University. With over a decade of experience in media and communications, she has contributed to organizations like Southern Power Grid Media Company and People’s Daily Online. Currently, as a Project Manager at Air Media International (S) Pte Ltd, she combines her academic expertise and industry experience to drive successful projects.
Committee Member
Prof CAI YIYU (MAE, NTU)
Professor Yiyu Cai is a leading researcher in VR, AI, and robotics, with applications in healthcare, construction, and education. He heads the Computer-aided Engineering Labs and Digitalization Cluster at NTU’s Energy Research Institute and serves as Deputy Director of NTU’s Center of Augmented & Virtual Reality. A prolific innovator, he holds 10 international patents, has published 9 books and over 200 articles, and organized 20+ international conferences. He champions interdisciplinary research and global collaboration, partnering with top institutions worldwide.
Committee Member
KENNETH CHIAM
Mr. Kenneth Chiam, an NTU alumnus (B.Acc, MSc. TIP), is an entrepreneur and educator. Founder of Global Homestay Services and Principal Consultant at Solutionz Consulting, he specializes in business strategy and start-up advisory. Since 2006, he has taught entrepreneurship at NTU, focusing on venture formation and innovation. Awarded SIM’s Teaching Merit Award (2016) and Teaching Excellence Award (2017, 2022), he is also a certified Specialist Adult Educator under Singapore’s SkillsFuture framework
Committee Member
Dr. ZHU YAO
(Deputy Head, IME A*STAR)
Dr. Zhu Yao is Deputy Head of the Sensors, Actuators, and Microsystems (SAM) department at A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME). Specializing in MEMS devices for sensing, actuation, and communication, as well as emerging memory technologies for in-memory edge computing, she is a leading researcher in microelectronics. Dr. Yao holds both her Bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees from Nanyang Technological University, where she developed a strong foundation for her impactful work in advanced microsystems and memory solutions.
Committee Member
Dr. WEI XIAONA
(Data Science and Analytics Lead, Nestle)
Dr. Wei Xiaona is a Data Science and Analytics Lead at Nestlé, leveraging her expertise in computational biology, clinical data management, and advanced analytics. With a Ph.D. in Biology from the National University of Singapore, she has held key roles at MSD, A*STAR, and the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore. Skilled in MySQL, copy number variation analysis, and biology, Dr. Wei excels in driving data-driven solutions and innovation in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.
Committee Member
Dr. ZHENG ZEJUN
(SVP, Lead AI/ML Standard Chartered Bank)
Dr. Zheng Zejun is a Senior Vice President and Lead for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Standard Chartered Bank. With a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from Nankai University, he brings extensive experience from roles at BNY Mellon, Traveloka, Sense Infosys, A*STAR, and Nanyang Technological University. A seasoned expert in AI, machine learning, and bioinformatics, Dr. Zheng combines his deep technical knowledge with leadership to drive innovation and data-driven solutions in the financial and tech industries.
Academic Council
Professor Chen Xiaodong
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School of Material Science and Engineering, NTU· Distinguished University Professor
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· President’s Chair in Materials Science and Engineering
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· Professor, School of Materials Science & Engineering
· Professor, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (Courtesy Appointment)
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· Deputy Director, Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science (IDMxS)
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· Director, Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFlex)
Dr. Chen Xiaodong is a Distinguished University Professor at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, with appointments in Materials Science, Chemistry, and Medicine. His research spans mechanomaterials, flexible electronics, cyber-human interfaces, and carbon-negative technology. He has received prestigious awards like the Singapore President’s Science Award and leads ACS Nano as Editor-in-Chief. Professor Chen is a Fellow of multiple global academies and an esteemed leader in science and innovation.
Associate Professor Liu Xiaogang
SUTD Honours and Research Programme, SUTD
Programme Director (SHARP)
Dr. Liu Xiaogang is an Associate Professor at SUTD with a background in engineering, materials science, and physical chemistry. His research focuses on designing high-performance organic fluorescent dyes and sensors for imaging, diagnostics, and solar cells. A Council Member of the Singapore National Institute of Chemistry, he actively contributes to education and community initiatives, including chairing postgraduate committees and supporting the Singapore Junior Chemistry Olympiad.
Assistant Professor Long Yuchen
Faculty of Science (Department of Biological Sciences), NUS
NUS Presidential Young Professorship (PYP)
Dr. Long Yuchen is an Assistant Professor at NUS and a Presidential Young Professor. He specializes in plant developmental biology, biomechanics, and tissue hydraulics. His research explores how mechanical forces influence plant growth and development. Using molecular biology, live imaging, and micromechanical measurements, his lab uncovers how plants integrate physical and biological signals to make developmental decisions.
Dr Liu Shukui
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School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, NTU
Senior Lecturer
Dr. Liu Shukui is a Lecturer at NTU’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from Harbin Engineering University and a PhD from NTUA. His research focuses on applied marine hydrostatics and hydrodynamics, including seakeeping, maneuvering, wave loads, and ship safety, with experience in large-scale projects for the European Commission and industry.
Dr Nie Xin
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Thermo Fisher Scientific
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Senior Product Specialist
Dr. Nie Xin is a Senior Product Specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, based in Waltham, Massachusetts. He earned his Ph.D. in 2011 from the National Technical University of Athens, focusing on the numerical simulation of large amplitude ship motions and their applications to ship design and safety. Before joining Thermo Fisher, Dr. Nie held research positions at the National University of Singapore and Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, contributing to projects on gene expression and molecular genetics.