ADSC names Heng as new deputy director

Jeremy Heng has been named the Deputy Director of the University of Illinois’ Advanced Digital Sciences Center in Singapore.

Heng, who stepped into his role on Jan. 8, will be responsible for carrying out many of ADSC's programs and activities, helping to build partnerships with industry and other researchers and managing the day-to-day operations of the center. ADSC draws on the collective strength of Illinois' College of Engineering and was a special initiative of the Coordinated Science Laboratory and the Information Trust Institute.

“I am enormously pleased and delighted to have Jeremy on board,” said Marianne Winslett, Director of ADSC and a professor of computer science at the University of Illinois. “His familiarity with the Singapore technology industry, plus his management skills, make him an asset to ADSC in every aspect.”

Heng joins ADSC from Gemalto, an Amsterdam-based digital security company, where he is director for business development and analysis. Previously, he was a regional marketing manager at Infineon Technologies, associate director at Temasek Holdings and also has founded two start-up companies that specialize in travel, education and hospitality and in hand phone accessories.  

Before that, he worked for the National Science and Technology Board, a Singapore government agency now known as the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). A*STAR funds the Advanced Digital Sciences Center, which is located in the landmark Fusionopolis complex. In that position, he helped develop a scheme for investment in startups and implemented the administrative process, along with other responsibilities.

Heng is currently a member of the City Chapter of the Junior Chamber of Singapore, an organization that promotes leadership development and training for young leaders and entrepreneurs. He is active in various community projects and is on the committee to organize City Change, a conference/exhibition for entrepreneurs and businessmen within JCI Asia.

Heng’s experience with start-ups and innovation will complement the mission and vision of ADSC, which seeks to transform human-machine interaction and help build a knowledge-based economy in Singapore and the world.

"I am excited to be part of the team for Illinois’ first overseas research center and look forward to contributing to its success," he said.