A*GN Platinum Fireside Chat with Mr. Heng Swee Keat

A Conversation on Leadership, Service, and Singapore’s Future

On 23rd April 2026, A*STAR Global Network (A*GN) was honoured to host the Platinum Fireside Chat with Mr. Heng Swee Keat, Chairman of the National Research Foundation Singapore, bringing together A*STAR staff, alumni, and distinguished guests for an evening of thoughtful dialogue, candid reflections, and shared learning. The Platinum Fireside Chat was supported by the EDB Society, with the kind sponsorship of the venue by CapitaLand. A*GN is grateful for their partnership in making this meaningful and well‑attended session possible.

Held at Capital Tower, the session offered a rare opportunity to hear from one of Singapore’s most respected leaders, whose decades of public service have spanned roles across security, economic development, education, and national leadership. Moderated by Juliana Chan, PhD, the evening unfolded as both a forward‑looking discussion on Singapore’s challenges ahead and a deeply personal reflection on leadership shaped by experience, responsibility, and service.

Reflections from a Lifetime in Public Service

Mr. Heng shared reflections from key chapters of his career, from his early days as a police officer, to serving as Principal Private Secretary to Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, and later holding senior leadership positions including Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Minister for Education, Minister for Finance, and Deputy Prime Minister.

Through these experiences, Mr. Heng offered insights into how decisions are made under uncertainty, how leaders navigate moments of crisis, and how humility and resilience are essential traits in public service. His reflections on releasing multiple national budgets during the COVID‑19 pandemic highlighted the complexity of leadership during extraordinary times, and the importance of keeping people and long‑term impact at the centre of policy decisions.

These stories, shared with honesty and warmth, resonated strongly with the audience and offered valuable lessons on leadership beyond titles and positions.

Navigating Change in an Increasingly Complex World

Beyond policy and technology, the fireside chat underscored the human dimensions of leadership. Mr. Heng spoke candidly about learning from mistakes, receiving tough guidance early in his career, and the importance of integrity, adaptability, and lifelong learning. These reflections offered meaningful perspective for professionals across different career stages, particularly those working within science, research, and innovation ecosystems.

The session was complemented by an opening address from Mr. Beh Kian Teik, which set a reflective and thoughtful tone for the evening, reinforcing the importance of dialogue, learning, and community within the A*STAR Global Network.

A Meaningful Evening of Exchange

The discussion was engaging and wide‑ranging, punctuated by moments of insight, humour, and thoughtful exchange. Participants welcomed the opportunity to reflect on Singapore’s journey, the responsibilities of leadership, and the role that science, technology, and talent play in shaping a resilient and inclusive future.

A*GN extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Heng Swee Keat for his candid and generous sharing, and to Juliana Chan, PhD, for expertly guiding a dynamic and engaging conversation. We also thank our event emcee, Dr. Chia Pei Ling, Senior Manager, Biomedical Sciences Industry Partnership Office (BMSIPO), and A*STAR National Science Scholarship (BS‑PhD), whose warm and professional hosting helped set the tone for the evening. We are grateful to our attendees for their strong interest and participation, which contributed to a vibrant and meaningful session.

We look forward to welcoming members of the A*STAR Global Network to future engagements that continue to foster dialogue, learning, and connection across our community.