Biography
Engineer. Entrepreneur. Educator.
Dr Neo Kok Beng is an engineer, educator and entrepreneur specialising in technological innovation and commercialisation. His work spans deep technology, entrepreneurship, innovation strategy and the development of technologies with real-world applications.
He brings together experience across engineering, business, education and innovation, with a career that has included corporate leadership, deep-tech ventures, academic teaching and innovation policy.
Dr Neo Kok Beng is also a Nominated Member of Parliament in Singapore, serving since January 2026.
The Person
Dr Neo Kok Beng works at the intersection of engineering, entrepreneurship and education.
His career has focused on turning technological ideas into practical applications and ventures, particularly in areas involving innovation, commercialisation and emerging technologies.
Today, his work continues across industry, academia, entrepreneurship and innovation education, with a focus on helping organisations and people understand how innovation can move from an idea into something useful, sustainable and scalable.
The Experience
Dr Neo began his career with Singapore Technologies in 1991 and progressed from system engineering roles to Vice-President for New Business and Strategic Planning, with experience spanning corporate investments, aerospace, electronics and information technology.
He subsequently became involved in the development and growth of deep-tech ventures across medical technology and advanced engineering, while continuing to work in education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He is the Founder and CEO of NEO Aeronautics and has also been involved as a co-founder, chairman or investor in a number of deep-tech ventures.
The Thinking
Dr Neo’s academic work has focused directly on innovation.
He received a Doctor of Innovation from Singapore Management University in 2021. His doctoral research examined the factors contributing to innovation orientation among Singapore technology SMEs, including the role of innovation culture, innovation constructs and government policy.
His academic and professional development also includes an MBA from Nanyang Technological University, a Bachelor of Engineering from the National University of Singapore, a Fellowship in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, and an Executive Certificate in Innovation and Strategy from MIT.
He currently teaches at Singapore Management University, where his courses include Technology & World Change and Managing in a VUCA Context.
The Work
Dr Neo’s work spans technological innovation, commercialisation, entrepreneurship and deep-tech venture development.
His experience includes medical technology and advanced engineering, as well as emerging technologies such as urban aerial mobility.
He is the Founder and CEO of NEO Aeronautics, which develops electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology. He has also been involved with deep-tech ventures including AWAK, Breathonix, Roceso Technologies, E3A Healthcare, BeeX, E2S2 Systems and other technology ventures.
His work has also included innovation education and technology commercialisation programmes, connecting engineering and entrepreneurship with practical pathways to market and impact.
The Global Perspective
Dr Neo’s work in innovation and entrepreneurship has taken him across academia, industry and international education.
He has taught, spoken or held visiting/adjunct roles connected with institutions including Harvard, Stanford, Tsinghua, Fudan, Nanjing, the Indian School of Business, NUS, NTU, SUTD and SMU.
He has also contributed to innovation and entrepreneurship education beyond Singapore, including work connected with the United Nations Development Programme.
His international perspective brings together technology, entrepreneurship, innovation policy and economic development across different markets and ecosystems.
Milestones
1991
Began his career with Singapore Technologies.
2000s
Progressed into senior leadership, including Vice-President for New Business and Strategic Planning, with exposure to corporate investments, aerospace, electronics and information technology.
2010s
Expanded his work across deep-tech entrepreneurship, innovation education and technology commercialisation.
2021
Received the Doctor of Innovation from Singapore Management University for research on innovation orientation among Singapore technology SMEs.
2023
Named a SkillsFuture Fellowships recipient, recognised by SkillsFuture Singapore as an Engineer, Educator and Entrepreneur.
2026
Appointed as a Nominated Member of Parliament in Singapore, beginning his term on 8 January 2026.
Credentials
- Doctor of Innovation — Singapore Management University
- MBA — Nanyang Technological University
- Bachelor of Engineering — National University of Singapore
- Fellow in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy — Harvard Kennedy School
- Executive Certificate in Innovation and Strategy — MIT
- Nominated Member of Parliament — Singapore Parliament, 2026–present
- Founder & CEO — NEO Aeronautics
- Adjunct Faculty — Singapore Management University
Speaker profile
For a downloadable overview of Dr Neo’s topics, formats and background, see his speaker profile.
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