Chih Yuan Woon

Assoc Prof Chih Yuan Woon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the National University of Singapore (NUS). His academic journey includes roles as Assistant Professor (2011-2018) and Visiting Lecturer at Royal Holloway University of London (2010-2011). He holds a PhD from the University of London, and degrees from NUS, including a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honors).

Research Interests:

• Geographies of Peace and Nonviolence
• Critical Geopolitics
• China's Geopolitical Positioning
• Polar Regions and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
• Urban Subterranean Spaces and Political Ecologies

His work explores themes like subterranean geopolitics in Singapore, Chinese diplomatic narratives (e.g., Digital Silk Road), and Arctic geopolitics. Notable projects include analyzing the Zhaishan Tunnel's role in China-Taiwan relations and the impact of deglobalization on development visions.

Teaching:

• Political Geographies: Space and Power
• Changing Landscapes of Singapore
• Geographical Research Methodologies

Prof Woon's research emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, blending critical theory with empirical case studies. His recent work highlights volumetric geopolitics, where subterranean spaces reshape urban futures and diplomatic strategies.

He maintains active collaborations through NUS and international networks, contributing to journals like Political Geography and Environment and Planning A. His lab focuses on geopolitical dynamics, with particular attention to Asian and global power shifts.