Biography
Heng Wang is a Professor and Lee Kong Chian Fellow at the Yong Pung How School of Law, Singapore Management University (SMU), where he serves as Associate Dean (Faculty Matters & Research). He is also an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Law & Justice, University of New South Wales (UNSW Law & Justice). Previously, he served as a professor and founding co-director of a leading centre at UNSW Law & Justice whose research areas include digitalization.
Heng’s multidisciplinary research evolves to explore the future of governance and the solutions to risks, with particular attention to digitalization. His current work focuses on governance of digital transformation (e.g., green AI), with an emphasis on addressing uncertainties (e.g., those related to AI) and creating resilient governance frameworks. His holistic approach endeavours to integrates technology, regulation, sustainable development, and other intersecting areas such as geoeconomics. For example, Heng has been invited to speak on foresight at institutions like the Bundesbank (Germany’s central bank), including the keynote “Embrace Uncertainty for the Future” at the World Bank FCI (Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation) Seoul Center’s 10th Anniversary Event.
Heng is a member of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) AI Governance Alliance (its Responsible Applications and Transformation Working Group), the WEF Future of Blockchain and Digital Assets Initiative, and the WEF Technology, Innovation and Systemic Risk Initiative. He has been a core member of SMU’s Centre for AI & Data Governance, which is now the Centre for Digital Law. Currently he is working with the United Nations Development Programme, including developing the toolkit for digitalization.
Heng is a recipient of major grants and awards, including recognition as a research leader by The Australian newspaper research magazine based on citations. Recently he serves as a partner investigator and was formerly the first investigator on a major project funded by the Australian Research Council.
Heng’s expertise has made him a sought-after advisor and speaker with his work often cited by intergovernmental organisation documents. Heng has advised or served as a (keynote) speaker at events organised by leading organizations, including Asian Development Bank, APEC, Bundesbank, CPMI/BIS, HCCH, ICC, ICSID, IMF, INTERPOL, Korean Foreign Ministry, MAS, UNDP, UNCITRAL, United Nations ESCAP, World Bank, WTO, and the private sector.
As a visiting professor, Heng has taught at renowned institutions in Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, and the United States, including the National University of Singapore. He has conducted research at the WTO Secretariat. His prestigious fellowships include the Fernand Braudel Senior Fellowship (2019) and the Max Weber Fellowship (2010–2011) at the European University Institute. He is also a member of editorial boards for leading journals such as the Journal of International Economic Law.
