Nazarbayev University has announced the appointment of internationally recognized biomedical scientist Professor Huck-Hui Ng as Vice President and Dean of the School of Medicine. The decision marks a new stage in the development of the University’s medical education and research ecosystem, DKNews.kz reports.
The appointment reflects the University’s ambition to strengthen its global standing in medical science, education, and integrated clinical care.
From global academia to national research leadership
Professor Ng has built an extensive academic and research career across leading institutions. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the National University of Singapore, completed his doctoral studies at the University of Edinburgh, and later undertook postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School.
He began his academic path as an Assistant Professor before continuing his career at Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, the country’s key national research organization. There, he advanced from Group Leader at the Genome Institute of Singapore to Assistant Chief Executive for Research and Talent Development. Alongside this work, he has held adjunct professorships at both the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University.
Research excellence and strategic vision
Professor Ng is widely regarded as a leading figure in biomedical science. His research publications have been cited more than 48,000 times, underscoring their international impact. In addition to his scientific work, he has overseen the implementation of major national research programs, combining academic excellence with institutional leadership.
This balance of research depth and strategic management is seen as particularly valuable as Nazarbayev University continues to expand its role in the regional and global medical research landscape.
University perspective
Welcoming the appointment, NU President Waqar Ahmad highlighted the University’s long-term goals:
“We have high ambitions for the University, and especially for NU Medicine, which comprises an outstanding medical school, internationally respected teaching hospitals, and exceptional students, faculty, clinicians, and staff. Prof. Ng has both the credentials and the drive to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Prof. Massimo Pignatelli, and, together with colleagues and students, to propel NU Medicine to international prominence in research, teaching, and integrated clinical care.”
Looking ahead
Commenting on his new role, Professor Ng emphasized collaboration and innovation as key priorities:
“It is a tremendous honor to join the leadership of Nazarbayev University. I have been deeply impressed by the dedication of the faculty, the brilliance of the students, and the unwavering commitment of the clinicians, who together form the foundation of a world-class academic medical center. By fostering a culture of quality and innovation through close collaboration, we will further advance NU’s excellence, transforming education, research, and patient care across the region and beyond.”
Planned leadership transition
From April this year, Professor Huck-Hui Ng will formally succeed Professor Massimo Pignatelli as Dean of the School of Medicine. Professor Pignatelli led the School for more than ten years and played a foundational role in its establishment and growth.
The transition is viewed as a step toward continuity and renewal, as Nazarbayev University prepares for the next phase of development in medical education and research.
