A*STAR Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

A*STAR has 10 executives leading key functions including research strategy, operational management, and enterprise development.

Committed to advancing national priorities in health and sustainability, A*STAR drives innovation through scientific research to foster economic growth and future technological breakthroughs.

Leadership Roles at A*STAR

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Research) - Andy Hor
  • Deputy Director - Anisha Chawla
  • Deputy Director - Megan Ling Cyen
  • Deputy Director - Kenneth Koo
  • Deputy Director - Kaspar Chong
  • Deputy Director - Victor Wang
  • Deputy Director - Abdul Adam
  • Deputy Director - Kenny Chua
  • Deputy Director - Victor Zhuo
  • Deputy Director - HongJing Chung
  • Andy Hor - Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Research)

    Andy Hor, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Research) at A*STAR, directs the overarching scientific research agenda across diverse fields including electronics, chemistry, and materials science. Overseeing the integration of complex research programs, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Research) ensures alignment with national priorities in health and sustainability. This leadership role involves architecting high-impact initiatives such as sustainable molecular catalysts and energy-efficient AI systems to bolster the agency's global standing. By coordinating with various research councils and industry partners, Andy Hor facilitates the translation of laboratory discoveries into tangible enterprise solutions. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Research) maintains rigorous standards for scientific excellence while managing large-scale R&D portfolios. Through strategic oversight of these technical domains, Hor secures the long-term viability of the agency's research ecosystem, ultimately driving innovation that supports the broader economic and technological goals of the organization.

    Anisha Chawla - Deputy Director

    Anisha Chawla, the Deputy Director at A*STAR, manages the operational execution of infectious disease research programs. Focusing on the development of novel RNA-based molecular tools, the Deputy Director coordinates cross-functional teams to accelerate diagnostic and therapeutic innovation. This role involves streamlining laboratory workflows and ensuring compliance with international safety standards for biological research. By optimizing resource allocation across regional research hubs, Chawla enhances the efficiency of high-stakes scientific projects. The Deputy Director collaborates with external stakeholders to translate research findings into scalable health solutions. Anisha Chawla maintains a sharp focus on operational excellence, ensuring that all research activities remain aligned with the agency's mission to address critical health challenges. Through meticulous management of project timelines and technical assets, the Deputy Director supports the advancement of medical science, ultimately contributing to the agency's reputation for delivering impactful, evidence-based research outcomes.

    Megan Ling Cyen - Deputy Director

    Megan Ling Cyen, the Deputy Director at A*STAR, oversees the strategic implementation of water treatment and environmental sustainability initiatives. Managing the deployment of advanced filtration technologies, the Deputy Director ensures that research efforts directly address pressing ecological concerns. This leadership position involves coordinating with engineering teams to refine sustainable molecular processes for industrial application. By fostering partnerships with public and private sectors, Cyen expands the reach of environmental research across the Asia-Pacific region. The Deputy Director monitors project performance metrics to ensure that sustainability goals remain on track. Megan Ling Cyen drives the integration of green technologies into the agency's broader portfolio, emphasizing the importance of resource efficiency. Through the careful management of technical staff and research budgets, the Deputy Director secures the necessary support for long-term environmental projects, ultimately strengthening the agency's commitment to a sustainable future through rigorous scientific inquiry.

    Kenneth Koo - Deputy Director

    Kenneth Koo, the Deputy Director at A*STAR, leads the development of advanced electronics and semiconductor research programs. Architecting scalable infrastructure for hardware innovation, the Deputy Director ensures that the agency remains at the forefront of physical sciences and engineering. This role involves managing complex research pipelines that support the growth of the electronics sector. By aligning technical objectives with market demands, Koo facilitates the transition of prototypes into commercialized technologies. The Deputy Director coordinates with industry leaders to identify emerging trends in hardware design and manufacturing. Kenneth Koo oversees the allocation of specialized equipment and laboratory space to maximize research output. Through the strategic management of engineering talent, the Deputy Director supports the agency's mission to drive enterprise in the physical sciences. Koo ensures that all research activities contribute to the competitive advantage of the national technology ecosystem, maintaining a focus on high-performance outcomes.

    Kaspar Chong - Deputy Director

    Kaspar Chong, the Deputy Director at A*STAR, directs the strategic planning for energy research and future technology integration. Overseeing the development of energy-efficient systems, the Deputy Director ensures that research initiatives align with national sustainability targets. This role involves managing interdisciplinary teams focused on the intersection of AI and energy management. By optimizing the research lifecycle, Chong accelerates the delivery of innovative solutions for power generation and storage. The Deputy Director collaborates with academic and corporate partners to scale energy technologies for broader market adoption. Kaspar Chong monitors the progress of key research milestones, ensuring that technical teams meet rigorous performance benchmarks. Through the effective management of project resources, the Deputy Director supports the agency's goal of fostering a resilient energy future. Chong maintains a focus on long-term impact, ensuring that current research efforts provide a foundation for future technological advancements in the energy sector.

    Victor Wang - Deputy Director

    Victor Wang, the Deputy Director at A*STAR, manages the operational framework for genetics and biotechnology research. Focusing on the application of genomic data to health outcomes, the Deputy Director coordinates research efforts that bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice. This role involves overseeing the maintenance of high-throughput sequencing facilities and data analysis platforms. By streamlining the research process, Wang ensures that scientific teams can efficiently translate genetic insights into novel diagnostic tools. The Deputy Director collaborates with medical institutions to validate research findings in real-world settings. Victor Wang maintains strict oversight of data integrity and research ethics, ensuring that all biotechnology projects adhere to international standards. Through the strategic management of laboratory operations, the Deputy Director supports the agency's mission to advance health technologies. Wang drives the development of precision medicine initiatives, ultimately enhancing the agency's capacity to address complex genetic diseases.

    Abdul Adam - Deputy Director

    Abdul Adam, the Deputy Director at A*STAR, leads the operational management of materials science research programs. Architecting the development of novel materials for industrial applications, the Deputy Director ensures that research efforts support the agency's goals in manufacturing and engineering. This role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams to test and validate new material properties. By optimizing laboratory workflows, Adam enhances the speed of innovation in the materials sector. The Deputy Director collaborates with industry partners to identify specific material requirements for future technologies. Abdul Adam oversees the allocation of research funding and technical resources to ensure project success. Through the strategic management of scientific personnel, the Deputy Director supports the agency's mission to drive enterprise in the physical sciences. Adam maintains a focus on delivering high-quality research outcomes that provide a competitive edge for the national economy, ensuring that materials science remains a cornerstone of the agency's portfolio.

    Kenny Chua - Deputy Director

    Kenny Chua, the Deputy Director at A*STAR, manages the strategic deployment of AI-driven research systems. Focusing on the integration of machine learning into scientific discovery, the Deputy Director ensures that the agency leverages data-intensive technologies to solve complex problems. This role involves overseeing the development of computational models that support research across multiple disciplines. By coordinating with data science teams, Chua optimizes the use of high-performance computing resources. The Deputy Director collaborates with external technology providers to maintain state-of-the-art infrastructure. Kenny Chua monitors the performance of AI systems to ensure they meet the rigorous demands of scientific research. Through the strategic management of digital assets, the Deputy Director supports the agency's mission to foster innovation in future technologies. Chua drives the adoption of advanced computational tools, ultimately enhancing the agency's ability to generate high-impact research outcomes that address national priorities in the digital age.

    Victor Zhuo - Deputy Director

    Victor Zhuo, the Deputy Director at A*STAR, oversees the operational execution of cancer research and therapeutic development. Managing the translation of molecular discoveries into clinical applications, the Deputy Director ensures that research efforts remain focused on improving patient outcomes. This role involves coordinating with clinical researchers and laboratory scientists to streamline the drug discovery pipeline. By optimizing the use of specialized research facilities, Zhuo enhances the efficiency of oncology projects. The Deputy Director collaborates with healthcare organizations to facilitate the testing of novel therapeutic agents. Victor Zhuo maintains a focus on rigorous scientific validation, ensuring that all cancer research projects meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy. Through the strategic management of project timelines and research budgets, the Deputy Director supports the agency's mission to advance health technologies. Zhuo drives the development of innovative cancer treatments, ultimately contributing to the agency's reputation for delivering impactful medical research.

    HongJing Chung - Deputy Director

    HongJing Chung, the Deputy Director at A*STAR, leads the operational management of chemistry and molecular engineering research. Focusing on the development of sustainable chemical processes, the Deputy Director ensures that research initiatives align with the agency's goals in environmental and industrial chemistry. This role involves coordinating with research teams to refine molecular synthesis techniques. By optimizing laboratory operations, Chung enhances the productivity of chemical research projects. The Deputy Director collaborates with industry partners to scale chemical innovations for commercial use. HongJing Chung oversees the allocation of technical resources and laboratory equipment to maximize research output. Through the strategic management of scientific staff, the Deputy Director supports the agency's mission to drive enterprise in the physical sciences. Chung maintains a focus on delivering high-quality research outcomes that provide a competitive advantage for the national economy, ensuring that chemistry remains a vital component of the agency's research portfolio.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding A*STAR Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads A*STAR?
    A*STAR is led by Andy Hor (Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Research)), along with executives such as Anisha Chawla (Deputy Director) and Megan Ling Cyen (Deputy Director).
    Who is part of A*STAR’s executive team?
    The executive team of A*STAR includes leaders such as Andy Hor (Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Research)), Anisha Chawla (Deputy Director), Megan Ling Cyen (Deputy Director) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does A*STAR have?
    A*STAR has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in A*STAR’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of A*STAR includes roles such as Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Research), Deputy Director, Deputy Director, Deputy Director, Deputy Director.