National Research Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

National Research Foundation has 4 executives leading key functions including research funding, digital transformation, financial management, and information technology.

Committed to advancing scientific innovation, National Research Foundation drives the national science system by supporting research facilities and human resource development to foster knowledge creation across all fields of technology.

Leadership Roles at National Research Foundation

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Gansen Pillay
  • Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Gugu Moche
  • Chief Financial Officer - Bishen Singh
  • Chief Information Officer - Hyunseog Chung
  • Gansen Pillay - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Gansen Pillay, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at National Research Foundation, directs the strategic allocation of research funding to support national science priorities. Overseeing the development of human capital, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that research initiatives align with government mandates for innovation. Gansen Pillay manages complex grant portfolios, facilitating the creation of knowledge across diverse scientific disciplines. By coordinating with academic institutions and research facilities, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer strengthens the national science system. This leadership role involves monitoring the impact of funding programs on indigenous knowledge and technological advancement. Through rigorous oversight of resource distribution, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the research ecosystem. By optimizing funding mechanisms, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer supports long-term development goals. This professional focus ensures that the National Research Foundation remains a cornerstone of scientific progress, driving excellence in research and development across the entire country.

    Gugu Moche - Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Gugu Moche, the Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer at National Research Foundation, architects the modernization of internal systems to enhance research accessibility. Driving digital initiatives, the Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that data management platforms support the broader mission of scientific engagement. Gugu Moche oversees the integration of advanced technologies to streamline administrative processes and improve operational efficiency. By implementing digital solutions, the Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer facilitates seamless collaboration between researchers and the foundation. This leadership role involves managing large-scale digital infrastructure projects that define the future of the national science system. Through the deployment of innovative software, the Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer optimizes the delivery of services to the scientific community. By prioritizing digital agility, the Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer secures the technological foundation necessary for sustained innovation and public engagement with science.

    Bishen Singh - Chief Financial Officer

    Bishen Singh, the Chief Financial Officer at National Research Foundation, manages the fiscal health and budgetary compliance of the organization. Overseeing financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital resources are allocated effectively to support research facilities and government priorities. Bishen Singh directs the auditing processes and financial reporting to maintain transparency within the national science system. By optimizing the financial framework, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term sustainability of research funding programs. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to align fiscal strategies with the overarching mission of knowledge creation. Through prudent financial management, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risks and ensures the availability of funds for critical scientific projects. By maintaining rigorous fiscal controls, the Chief Financial Officer enables the National Research Foundation to fulfill its mandate. This professional focus on financial stability allows the organization to expand its reach and impact across all fields of science and technology.

    Hyunseog Chung - Chief Information Officer

    Hyunseog Chung, the Chief Information Officer at National Research Foundation, directs the security and reliability of the information technology infrastructure. Overseeing the protection of sensitive research data, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the foundation maintains a robust digital environment for scientific collaboration. Hyunseog Chung manages the implementation of secure networks that connect researchers to essential facilities and databases. By architecting scalable IT solutions, the Chief Information Officer supports the foundation's goal of promoting public awareness of science. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to ensure that technology investments align with the strategic objectives of the National Research Foundation. Through the maintenance of high-performance computing systems, the Chief Information Officer facilitates the rapid processing of scientific data. By prioritizing cybersecurity and system uptime, the Chief Information Officer provides the necessary technical backbone for the national science system, ensuring that all digital assets remain protected and accessible for future innovation.
    Hyunseog Chung

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding National Research Foundation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads National Research Foundation?
    National Research Foundation is led by Gansen Pillay (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gugu Moche (Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer) and Bishen Singh (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of National Research Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of National Research Foundation includes leaders such as Gansen Pillay (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Gugu Moche (Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Bishen Singh (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National Research Foundation have?
    National Research Foundation has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in National Research Foundation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of National Research Foundation includes roles such as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer.