Founder of ACRES, Louis Ng, who was previously a Member of Parliament for the People's Action Party, now affiliates with the National University of Singapore.
Louis Ng Returns to National University of Singapore as Associate Professor
Louis Ng, a well-known figure in Singapore's political and environmental circles, has returned to the National University of Singapore (NUS) as an Associate Professor under the practice track at NUS College (NUSC). This marks his return to academia after 21 years, having graduated from the same institution in 2002.
Ng's new role at NUS will see him teaching elective courses, potentially on legislative processes and policymaking, and supervising student projects that benefit communities, particularly in Southeast Asia. He will be teaching "Making Connections" courses and supporting the development of the college’s Impact Experience programmes and initiatives, aimed at students devising sustainability solutions in local and regional communities.
Ng's background in politics and environmental activism will undoubtedly enrich his academic contributions at NUS. As the founder of the animal welfare charity ACRES and a two-term Nee Soon Member of Parliament (2015-2025), Ng has championed various causes including greater protections for Singapore's wildlife, reduction in single-use plastic consumption, a ban on migrant workers being transported on the back of lorries, and allowing cats in public housing blocks.
Ng's work and activism continue to focus on these causes, with his role at NUS aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Cities), 13 (Climate), 14 (Oceans), and 15 (Biodiversity). His teaching and work at NUS are focused on sustainable development, wildlife trade, nature, and biodiversity.
In a notable move, Ng has announced his retirement from politics prior to the 2025 general election. His departure from parliament leaves a significant gap, as he was the most active politician, asking 1,055 questions over 10 years. With his departure, ACRES' co-chief executive Anbarasi Boopal stepped down in April, with long-serving staffer Kalai Vanan now leading the charity.
Despite his departure from politics, Ng's passion for making a difference remains unwavering. His return to academia is a testament to his commitment to educating the next generation of leaders and fostering sustainable development in Southeast Asia.
[1] Straits Times, Louis Ng joins National University of Singapore as Associate Professor, July 1, 2025. [2] Channel NewsAsia, Louis Ng to teach at National University of Singapore, July 1, 2025.
- Louis Ng's work at the National University of Singapore is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 11 (Cities), 13 (Climate), 14 (Oceans), and 15 (Biodiversity), focusing on sustainable development, wildlife trade, nature, and biodiversity.
- Ng's role at the National University of Singapore involves teaching "Making Connections" courses and supervising student projects aimed at devising sustainability solutions in local and regional communities, thereby fostering personal growth and learning in education-and-self-development.
- Ng's retirement from politics does not lessen his commitment to making a difference; his return to academia is a step towards educating the next generation of leaders and promoting sustainable development and carbon reduction in Southeast Asia, furthering the SDG agenda.
