To mark the first year of former NIE Director Professor Lee Sing Kong’s passing, a Tembusu tree was planted on campus on 23 May 2018. The Tembusu tree, a gift from the National Parks Board (NParks) to NIE, is a fitting memorial for the passionate educator, widely respected academic and groundbreaking horticulturist. The late professor’s early career in greening Singapore through tree planting as NParks’ former Deputy Commissioner had been akin to his vision and passion for nurturing teachers, both of which have been his lasting legacy to our nation.
The species of the Tembusu tree that was planted had been specially selected by Mrs Lee Sing Kong. The Tembusu tree is one of Singapore’s most distinctive trees, known for its fragrance and extremely resilient and hard wood. An image of the Tembusu tree can be found on the Singapore $5 note. | Read More |
In conjunction with the tree planting ceremony, NIE and NParks are raising funds for the Lee Sing Kong Endowment Fund. The Fund supports the establishment of the Lee Sing Kong Professorship in Early Childhood at NIE, as well as the Lee Sing Kong Bursaries to help needy students to pursue a quality education at NTU.
You can contribute to Professor Lee’s legacy by pledging trees to be planted across Singapore and giving generously to The Lee Sing Kong Endowment Fund. To pledge a tree and make a donation, please click here. For donations only, please click here.
Remembering Professor Lee Seng Kong
Professor Lee Seng Kong is fondly remembered for his flair in growing plants and nurturing teachers. At NIE, he often tapped into innovation and creativity, whether he was cultivating lettuces via aeroponics or inspiring people. It was his special gift to connect with people and to encourage them to push their boundaries that made him a great visionary in the hearts and minds of many.
As NIE Director from 2006 to 2014, Professor Lee made a significant impact on teacher education in Singapore and internationally. He led in the articulation of the 3:3:3 Roadmap, which outlined NIE's strategic directions from 2007 to 2012, and guided NIE in achieving its vision of becoming “An Institute of Distinction”.
A true educator and scientist at heart, Professor Lee saw a quality teaching force as the key to improving student-learning outcomes. His groundbreaking research and luminary service in education has led to a long list of impressive awards and honorary doctorate degrees.
After stepping down from the directorship in 2014, Professor Lee was appointed Vice President for Education Strategies at NTU, a role he relinquished in 2016. He was concurrently Vice President (Alumni and Advancement) and Director, Centre for Research and Development in Learning (CRADLE) at NTU. As CRADLE Director, he spearheaded research on tertiary education learning at NTU. He also worked tirelessly to champion the University’s outreach efforts, strengthen alumni participation and engage with donors.
Beyond his professional and personal accomplishments, he was a visionary leader, selfless mentor and great teacher. Humbly likening himself to a gardener, he once said that “education and farming share a very strong parallel – they involve the process of nurturing and the goals are to help unleash the potential of either a plant or a child”.