Temasek Defence Professor

Professor Lui Pao Chuen Appointed as the Inaugural Temasek Defence Professor

Congratulations to Professor Lui for his appointment as Temasek Defence Professor for the second term from 1 January 2024! This appointment at Temasek Defence Systems Institute (TDSI) is in recognition of his outstanding and impactful scholarly accomplishments, which are internationally acknowledged.

TDSI aspires to be constantly on the forefront of systems thinking, systems design & improvement, and systems engineering. As a Temasek Defence Professor, Professor Lui is well suited to promote and strengthen the capability in defence systems-related cross disciplinary research in NUS, and contribute to the growing international profile and standing of the university. Commenting on the appointment, Professor Lui said:

I am delighted by the honour that NUS has conferred on me. I look forward to sharing the lessons learnt in the planning and development of defence systems to large scale systems at the national level - like Changi Airport, Tuas Mega Port and Climate Change Defences.

Widely known for his expertise in defence technology and large-scale systems engineering, Professor Lui will continue to nurture the next generation of defence scientists and systems engineers through the teaching of the Master of Defence Technology and Systems programme and short courses. Professor Yoon Soon Fatt, former Director of TDSI, said:

Professor Lui brings with him deep expertise in defence technology and outstanding commitment to systems engineering and systems thinking. Under his mentorship, TDSI looks forward to further enhance strong interests in cross-disciplinary research, and to pursue collaborative opportunities with our partner universities and other institutions. I wholeheartedly welcome Professor Lui into the TDSI team.

Once again, congratulations to Professor Lui on his new appointment to the Professorship!

About Professor Lui Pao Chuen

Professor Lui has served in the Ministry of Defence for 41 years in various key capacities, including 22 years as Chief Defence Scientist before his retirement in 2008. He continues to contribute his expertise professionally to numerous committees in universities, government agencies and corporations. He is a Member of the Senate of the Management Development Institute of Singapore; a Member of the Management Board of the Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) and the Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing (CRISP) at the National University of Singapore. He serves as Member of the Steering Committee for the development of Singapore Tuas Port and a Member of Executive Committee for Airport Development (ECAD) and the Technology and Systems Committee of Changi Airport Group. He is also a Member of the International Advisory Panel of the Aviation Transformation Programme Committee (ATPC).

Professor Lui has served or is serving as Chairman of various entities such as the Advisory Council of the Singapore Space Technology Ltd., the Development Projects Advisory Panel of the Ministry of Finance, the Board of Directors of Sembcorp Specialised Construction, the Management Board of Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative (SNRSI) and the Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund Steering Committee. He acts as Adviser to Land Transport Authority (LTA) on technology.

Accolades

National Science & Technology Medal

“For his outstanding leadership in the build up of science and technology capability for the nation and its exploitation for major systems of national impact”.

Inducted into Naval Postgraduate School Hall of Fame

“Professor Lui Pao Chuen has modernised the Singapore military, establishing an operations analysis organisation within the Ministry of Defence that focuses on information technology, systems engineering, and operations research. He also established a cooperative education program between the NPS and the National University of Singapore.”

The NPS Hall of Fame recognises the accomplishments of distinguished alumni and friends, who through the attainment of positions at the highest levels of public service, have made the greatest contributions to society, their nations and to the NPS.

Pioneer Award of International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)

"For dedicating his life to systems thinking and application, resulting in both an unparalleled impact in Singapore, and advances in the development of systems engineering around the world."

Conferred an Honorary Fellow of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations

Institute of Physics of Singapore President Medal

IES the Lifetime Engineering Achievement Award

Scout distinguished service silver award from President Dr Tony Tan

Defence Technology Medal (Outstanding Service) from Ministry of Defence

Aviation Pioneer Award from the Singapore Institute of Aviation Engineers