An engineer, entrepreneur, educator and lifelong learner
SkillsFuture Fellowships recipient Dr Neo Kok Beng’s keen curiosity has shaped his career in innovation and fuelled his desire to mentor the next generation of inventors.
From groundbreaking medical technology ventures such as creating the world’s first wearable artificial kidney to ambitious projects like a flying car, Dr Neo Kok Beng has had a hand in developing them all.
The founder and CEO of NEO Aeronautics has made it his life’s mission to push the boundaries of industry and discipline. For Singaporeans to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving economy, he believes it is essential to cultivate critical thinking and foster an analytical mindset. “It’s important to stay curious and adaptable,” he said. “Instead of asking ‘why’, I prefer asking ‘why not’?”
NURTURING TOMORROW’S ENTREPRENEURS AND LEADERS
Dr Neo is eager to instil a similar inquisitiveness in Singapore’s youth through his role as an educator at the Singapore Management University, where he teaches technological innovation. He also hopes to groom the next generation of future business leaders through his ASPIRE initiative, a collaboration between the Singapore Institute of Technology and the Science Centre Singapore, which encourages a hands-on approach to entrepreneurship in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Besides developing online training materials spanning various STEM topics, ASPIRE has formed a partnership with retired National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut Jeffrey Williams. Mr Wiliams has conducted engaging lectures and seminars on space exploration at educational institutions and the Science Centre Singapore, offering students valuable insights into the realm of space science.
Dr Neo has also made significant contributions as a co-convenor of ISO 56000 Innovation Management standards, where he was instrumental not only in assessing and developing innovation integration frameworks for Singapore-based companies, but also in training innovation managers.
As part of his commitment to nurturing leadership in the engineering sector, Dr Neo launched the Young Engineer Leadership Programme (YELP) – a joint development by the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) and the National Trades Union Congress – during his tenure as vice-president of the IES. The initiative’s goal is to equip young engineering talents with the leadership skills and technology management capabilities needed to become leaders who can address future organisational and societal challenges.
“Engineers provide value to society through their work, but they can also be business and community leaders,” noted Dr Neo, adding that since its first iteration in 2014, YELP has added Advanced and Global levels for engineers progressing through the ranks in their careers. The Advanced level offers learning opportunities for those who aspire to manage engineering departments, while the Global level seeks to develop the necessary skill sets for leading international engineering companies.
A FELLOWSHIP FOR FUTURE LEARNING
For his commitment to innovation and lifelong learning, as well as his passion for sharing his knowledge and expertise, Dr Neo was among the recipients of the recent SkillsFuture Fellowships.
Presented by the President of the Republic of Singapore, the SkillsFuture Fellowships recognise individuals who have exhibited skill mastery and made significant contributions to the development of future talent.
Recipients of the SkillsFuture Fellowships are granted S$10,000, which they can use to further their skills and competencies. Dr Neo intends to use this money to advance his knowledge on strategic forecasting and sustainability in the green economy.
“These disciplines will gain critical importance as we navigate the evolving landscape of technological innovation and its effects on our environment,” he shared.
Dr Neo believes that the development of Singapore’s knowledge-based economy hinges on continuous innovation. “The Government has invested heavily in science and technology, and these investments must eventually translate to added value through commercialisation and the introduction of new technologies. To achieve this, we need to cultivate the next generation of innovators,” he said.
Dr Neo finds fulfilment in witnessing the professional and personal growth of his mentees in the ASPIRE initiative and YELP. To help them chart clear paths in their careers, he takes the time to understand each individual’s aspirations, strengths and weaknesses.
Dr Neo also has advice for his mentees, drawn from his extensive experience in entrepreneurship and innovation: “The world is always evolving and the cutting-edge technology of today will become obsolete tomorrow. But when one door closes, another door will open as long as one continues to learn and grow.”
The SkillsFuture Fellowships are open for application until Mar 20, 2024.