[31 August 2010]
Mr Yong Pung How appointed new Chancellor of SMU
Currently Chairman of the Advisory Board of the School of Law, Mr Yong takes over from Dr Richard Hu who has served as Chancellor for eight years.
Singapore, 31 August 2010 – The Singapore Management University is pleased to announce that Mr Yong Pung How (???), former Chief Justice of Singapore, has been appointed Chancellor (????) of SMU with effect from 1 September 2010. His appointment is made by the Minister for Education for a term of five years. Mr Yong takes over from Dr Richard Hu (???), former Minister for Finance, who has served as Chancellor of SMU since July 2002.
The Chancellor is the key university official who presides over all major formal ceremonies involving the university. He is regarded the top ceremonial officer at Convocation (inauguration ceremony for freshmen) and Commencement (graduation ceremony).
Currently the Pro-Chancellor of SMU, Mr Yong Pung How is also Chairman of the Advisory Board and Distinguished Fellow of the School of Law at SMU where he has been actively involved in providing guidance and leadership to build the law school during its formative years. In July 2007, he was conferred the Doctor of Laws, honoris causa – SMU's honorary degree for special individuals whose exceptionally insightful and distinctive achievements contribute significantly to the study and practice of law. Mr Yong has been instrumental in shaping and transforming the Singapore legal system since he was appointed Chief Justice in 1990. In his 16 years heading the Singapore Judiciary, he built up the judiciary and legal system to uphold the rule of law and administration of justice. During his term, he initiated wide-ranging reforms. His leadership resulted in a judiciary that has a high standing internationally. Mr Yong also served as Chairman of the Presidential Council on Minority Rights during his term as Chief Justice.
Dr Richard Hu is an eminent figure in the public and financial sectors with a high standing in the Singapore community. Having dedicated over 20 years to Shell in his early career rising to the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive, he later became concurrently the Managing Director of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) and Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore in 1983. Dr Hu entered politics in 1984 when he was elected Member of Parliament. He held several key ministerial positions, the most notable one being Minister for Finance from May 1985 to November 2001. After his retirement from politics, Dr Hu continued to serve in the corporate world. He is currently Chairman of CapitaLand Group and Fullerton Financial Holdings and a member of the GIC Board. His previous appointments were Chairman of GIC Real Estate Pte Ltd and Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd.
“SMU enjoys a special relationship with Mr Yong who has been a close friend of the university. He has been instrumental in providing wisdom and guidance in his leadership of the advisory board of the School of Law. SMU is deeply appreciative of Mr Yong's gracious contributions and is very proud to have him as our new Chancellor. We also want to register our gratitude to Dr Hu for his eight years of service as Chancellor during which he has given us his encouragement and confidence as SMU finds its unique position in the higher education space,” said Professor Howard Hunter, President, Singapore Management University.