Dr Chew Kim Liong was the first recipient of a PhD in Fine Art (Research) from Goldsmiths College, awarded by the University of London.

He returned to Singapore in 1997 as an art professor at the Nanyang Technological University.

Since 2002, he has been the Dean of the School of Visual Arts at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

He is also a visiting professor of the University of Huddersfield, UK and a visiting external examiner of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

An artist, art consultant and judge in numerous national and international art competitions, Dr Chew has also exhibited in solo shows and juried art exhibitions. His works are collected by public organisations and private bodies in the Asia Pacific, Europe and America.

He was awarded life membership of the Society of Chinese Artists in 1989.