National Research Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

November, 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 human resource development and facilitating knowledge creation across all fields of technology and indigenous research.

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 catalyze innovation across diverse scientific disciplines. Overseeing the development of human capital, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that national research facilities maintain high standards for knowledge creation. This leadership role involves aligning institutional objectives with government priorities to strengthen the national science system. By managing complex grant portfolios, Gansen Pillay directly impacts the growth of indigenous knowledge and technological advancement. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer coordinates with internal stakeholders to optimize resource distribution, ensuring that research initiatives receive necessary support. Through rigorous oversight of funding mechanisms, Pillay secures the long-term viability of critical scientific projects. This executive function remains essential for maintaining the competitive edge of the national research landscape while fostering public engagement with science and technology initiatives 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 operational efficiency. Overseeing the integration of digital tools, the Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that research data management aligns with contemporary technological standards. This leadership role involves driving organizational change to support the broader mission of promoting science and innovation. By implementing scalable digital frameworks, Gugu Moche directly impacts the accessibility of research resources for the scientific community. The Group Executive, Digital Transformation Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer collaborates with cross-functional teams to streamline administrative processes, reducing friction in the grant application and reporting cycles. Through strategic digital planning, Moche facilitates a more responsive research environment. This executive function remains vital for maintaining the technological infrastructure required to support government priorities and national development goals within the evolving digital landscape.

    Bishen Singh - Chief Financial Officer

    Bishen Singh, the Chief Financial Officer at National Research Foundation, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the organization. Overseeing the allocation of public funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources support the mandate of promoting research and human resource development. This leadership role involves maintaining strict compliance with statutory requirements while optimizing the distribution of capital to various scientific programs. By monitoring expenditure patterns, Bishen Singh directly impacts the sustainability of the national science system. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the Board to provide transparent financial reporting, ensuring that all investments align with government priorities. Through prudent fiscal management, Singh secures the necessary funding for research facilities and innovation projects. This executive function remains critical for maintaining the financial stability required to foster long-term development in science and technology, ensuring that every dollar contributes effectively to the advancement of national knowledge and research capabilities.

    Hyunseog Chung - Chief Information Officer

    Hyunseog Chung, the Chief Information Officer at National Research Foundation, directs the development and maintenance of secure information systems that underpin the national research infrastructure. Overseeing the protection of sensitive research data, the Chief Information Officer ensures that technological platforms remain resilient against emerging cyber threats. This leadership role involves architecting robust network solutions that facilitate seamless collaboration among researchers and government entities. By optimizing IT architecture, Hyunseog Chung directly impacts the efficiency of knowledge dissemination and data-driven decision-making. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executives to integrate advanced computing capabilities into the broader research ecosystem. Through the implementation of scalable cloud and data storage solutions, Chung supports the foundation's mission to promote innovation. This executive function remains essential for maintaining the integrity of the national science system, ensuring that information technology serves as a reliable foundation for all scientific and technological development initiatives.
    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.