Eddie Kuo, Founding Dean of NTU’s WKWSCI, Dies at 85

Professor Eddie Kuo, Founding Dean of NTU’s WKWSCI, Dies at 85

Professor Eddie Kuo (Guo Zhenyu), Emeritus Professor and Founding Dean of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, at the age of 85, according to WKWSCI.

A Pivotal Figure in Singapore’s Communication Landscape

Professor Kuo was described as a “pivotal figure” in the history of WKWSCI, shaping the school in its early years and establishing its academic direction and programs. His leadership was instrumental in positioning WKWSCI as a leading center for communication and media studies in Singapore and the region, Channel NewsAsia reported.

Contributions Beyond WKWSCI

Beyond his contributions to WKWSCI, Professor Kuo made significant contributions to NTU and Singapore’s higher education landscape. He served as Acting Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at NTU and as the Founding Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the National University of Singapore, WKWSCI stated.

Scholarship and Public Engagement

A distinguished scholar of media, language, culture, and society, Professor Kuo was deeply committed to scholarship, teaching, and public engagement. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he contributed to important conversations on multiculturalism, identity, and social change, and was widely respected for his ability to bridge academic insight with public discourse.

Lasting Legacy and Continued Engagement

Even after stepping down from formal leadership roles, Professor Kuo remained closely connected to the WKWSCI community, continuing to engage with colleagues, students, and the broader academic and cultural circles. His generosity, wisdom, vision, and quiet strength left a lasting impression, according to WKWSCI.

Recognition from Colleagues

Emeritus professor at NTU Ang Peng Hwa, who succeeded Professor Kuo as dean of WKWSCI, expressed sadness at his passing and highlighted his defining role in the development of communication studies in Singapore, Channel NewsAsia reported. Professor Ang as well noted that Professor Kuo fostered an environment where ideas could be explored seriously and respectfully.

Contributions to the Centre for Chinese Studies

Professor Kuo also served as an honorary advisor for the Centre for Chinese Studies (CCS) at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). SUSS noted his significant contributions to the study of language policy and national integration, as well as to the sociology of multilingualism and communication studies. He championed the concept of ‘Cultural China,’ which has guided and enriched the work of the CCS, Channel NewsAsia reported.

Condolences to Family and Loved Ones

WKWSCI and SUSS extended their deepest condolences to Professor Kuo’s family and loved ones.