In Memoriam: Professor Eddie Kuo (Guo Zhenyu), Founding Dean of WKWSCI
The Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information mourns the passing of Professor Eddie Kuo (Guo Zhenyu), Emeritus Professor and Founding Dean of WKWSCI, who passed away peacefully on 23 March at the age of 85.
Professor Kuo was a pivotal figure in the history of WKWSCI. As Founding Dean, he shaped the School in its earliest years, establishing its academic direction, building its programmes, and laying the intellectual foundations that continue to guide its development today. His vision and leadership were instrumental in positioning the School as a leading centre for communication and media studies in Singapore and the region.
Beyond his leadership at WKWSCI, Professor Kuo made significant contributions across NTU and Singapore’s higher education landscape. He also served as Acting Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at NTU, and earlier as Founding Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the National University of Singapore. Through these roles, he helped shape the development of communication as a discipline in Singapore.
A distinguished scholar of media, language, culture, and society, Professor Kuo was deeply committed to scholarship, teaching, and public engagement. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he contributed to important conversations on multiculturalism, identity, and social change, and was widely respected for his ability to bridge academic insight with public discourse.
Even after his formal leadership roles, Professor Kuo remained closely connected to the WKWSCI community. He continued to engage with colleagues, students, and the broader academic and cultural circles, leaving a lasting impression through his generosity, wisdom, vision, and quiet strength.
Professor Kuo’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of WKWSCI and NTU. His contributions will continue to inspire generations of scholars and students.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
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