In Memoriam: Professor Theng Yin Leng

The Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Theng Yin Leng, President's Chair Professor in Information Studies at WKWSCI, who passed away peacefully on 10 July.

Professor Theng was a distinguished university leader who served as Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs (2020–2024), Deputy Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs (2019–2020), and Research Director for Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences in the President's Office (2013–2019). Through her leadership, she championed faculty development, strengthened the university's research enterprise, and played a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives that advanced NTU’s academic and research excellence.

Beyond her distinguished leadership, Professor Theng was an internationally renowned scholar and educator. Her pioneering work shaped research in human-computer interaction, information studies, and technology for ageing. At the heart of her scholarship was a deep conviction that research finds its fullest purpose when it uplifts people, exemplified by her work on how technology could better support healthy ageing and improve older adults' quality of life, addressing the challenges of an ageing society.

As Founding Director of the Ageing Research Institute for Society and Education (ARISE), and the Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Cities (CHESS), Professor Theng gave institutional form to her deep commitment to scholarship that serves the public good, collaborating with researchers, policymakers, and industry partners. Her interdisciplinary reach was further evidenced by her courtesy professorship at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, connecting scholarship across disciplines.

At WKWSCI, she served as the Associate Chair for Research (2007–2013), providing visionary leadership that elevated the School's research culture. She inspired generations of students, researchers, and scholars through her intellectual curiosity, generosity, and unwavering commitment to research excellence. A dedicated mentor, she encouraged colleagues and students to pursue knowledge with integrity, creativity, and purpose. To all who worked alongside her, she was a cherished colleague and friend, known for her warmth, humility, and the genuine care she extended to everyone around her.

Professor Theng's legacy will continue to be felt through the many students, colleagues, collaborators, and communities whose lives she enriched. She will be profoundly missed by the WKWSCI community and all who knew and worked with her, for her scholarship and leadership, and for the warmth and humanity she brought to everything she did.

Our deepest condolences to Professor Theng's family and loved ones; our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

Remembering Professor Theng

WKWSCI will hold a memorial for Professor Theng on 2 September, bringing together those who knew and worked with her to celebrate her life, share their personal memories and reflect on the values they carry forward from her.

In Professor Theng’s memory, the Theng Yin Leng Collegiality and Service Award was established, recognising faculty members for their positive influence, collegial spirit and dedication to service, qualities that she exemplified throughout her time at WKWSCI.