Professor Eddie Kuo, the pioneering founding dean of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), passed away on Monday, March 23, at the age of 85.
In a statement on Facebook, WKWSCI described Prof Kuo as a “pivotal figure” whose vision and leadership shaped the school during its formative years, laying a foundation that would allow it to grow into one of Asia’s leading institutions in communication and information studies.
“His contributions to NTU and to the development of communication as a discipline in Singapore have left a lasting legacy,” the school said. “He will be remembered with great respect and affection and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Emeritus Professor Ang Peng Hwa, who succeeded Prof Kuo as dean of WKWSCI—then known simply as the School of Communication and Information—reflected on his late colleague’s profound influence. Prof Ang noted that Prof Kuo “played a defining role in the development of communication studies in Singapore” and that his leadership helped elevate WKWSCI to regional prominence.
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Professor Kuo during my time at NTU,” Prof Ang said. “He created an environment where ideas could be explored seriously and respectfully. He defended both faculty and students when we were accused of being ‘overly critical.’ His contributions to the university and to the broader field of communication will have a lasting legacy.”
Beyond NTU, Prof Kuo also served as an honorary advisor for the Centre for Chinese Studies (CCS) at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). In a statement, SUSS described him as “a respected academic who made significant contributions to the study of language policy and national integration, as well as to the sociology of multilingualism and communication studies.”
Prof Kuo championed the concept of “Cultural China,” guiding and enriching the work of the CCS. He served as the academic advisor for SUSS from 2008 to 2022, the founding director of the CCS from 2012 to 2016, and most recently as its honorary adviser from 2023. Through these roles, he helped shape initiatives that strengthened academic research and student support at the university.
“He was a strong advocate of the SUSS Student Care Fund since its inception, which provides critical financial assistance to students facing sudden hardship arising from unexpected life circumstances,” the university said.
In addition, Prof Kuo contributed to the Eddie Kuo Fund for Chinese Studies, supporting the study and appreciation of Chinese language, literature, culture, and the arts in Singapore and across the region.
Professor Eddie Kuo’s decades of dedication to education, research, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on Singapore’s academic landscape. He will be remembered not only for his scholarship and leadership but also for his unwavering support of students and colleagues who were fortunate to learn from him.