Office of the President

Past Presidents

Past Presidents and Vice Chancellors


Other Past Presidents & Vice Chancellors:

Dr TOH Chin Chye

1968-1975



Dr Toh Chin Chye’s association with the University began in the 1940s as a student reading for a Diploma in Science at Raffles College. He joined the University of Singapore’s Department of Physiology in 1953. As Vice Chancellor, Dr Toh was the prime mover for establishing the University’s new home at Kent Ridge. Streamlining higher education to support national development, he established the Faculties of Engineering and Architecture, areas previously offered by Singapore Polytechnic. He also launched the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences to promote the flow of talent and ideas across a larger community. Under his leadership, faculty members were encouraged to serve on statutory boards and to extend their service to the nation.

Concurrent with his tenure as Vice Chancellor, Dr Toh was also the Minister for Science and Technology (1968-1975). He was one of the founder members of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and held several cabinet appointments as Deputy Prime Minister (1959-1968) and Minister for Health (1975-1981). Dr Toh is currently retired from the political scene.

Education

  • Secondary education in Perak
  • Raffles College
  • University of London
  • PhD (National Institute for Medical Research, London)

Career

  • 1954 Founder member of PAP
  • 1958-64 Reader in Physiology, University of Singapore
  • 1964 Research Association, University of Singapore
  • 1959-88 Member of Parliament
  • 1959-68 Deputy Prime Minister
  • 1968-75 Minister for Science & Technology
  • 1968-75 Vice-Chancellor, University of Singapore
  • 1975-81 Minister for Health

Offices held

  • Chairman, Board of Governors, Singapore Polytechnic
  • Chairman, Regional Inst. Of Higher Education
  • Member, Administration Board, Assoc. of Southeast Asian Inst. Of Higher Learning
  • Chairman, Applied Research Corporation

Honours

  • Hon. Doctor of Letters (University of Singapore)
  • Darjah Utama Nila Utama (Order of Nila Utama, First Class)
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