NTU vice-president Kuan Jimmy Hsia leaves Singapore for new Chinese university

K. Jimmy Hsia, a renowned researcher in interdisciplinary mechanics and former vice-president of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, has returned to China to take up a position at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in Ningbo.

Hsia, an AAAS fellow and professor at UIUC, CMU, and NTU, joined EIT for the chance to create a new education system unencumbered by institutional constraints. He aims to leverage the expertise of globally recognized universities to develop a system that aligns with both domestic development and international standards.

Hsia's academic journey began in 1978 at Tsinghua University, where he pursued a bachelor's degree in mechanics. Following his graduation in 1982, he obtained a master's degree from Beihang University in 1984. He then pursued a PhD in mechanical engineering from MIT, completing his studies in 1990.

Hsia held various positions at UIUC, including associate professor and W. Grafton and Lillian B. Wilkins Professor. His research interests span material deformation, micro/nanomechanics, and biomaterials. He has also held leadership roles at the NSF and was the founding director of the NSF's nano and biomechanics programme.

Before his move to Singapore, Hsia served as vice-provost for international programmes and strategy at CMU, where he oversaw the university's global expansion. He was also the inaugural dean of NTU's Graduate College, where he mobilized alumni worldwide to help the university address the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

With his extensive background in research and administration, Hsia is set to contribute significantly to EIT's mission of creating a new education system that suits domestic development and meets international standards.