LAI Yee Hing

Associate Professor LAI Yee Hing is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry at the National University of Singapore (NUS). His academic journey includes a B.Sc. from Nanyang University (1976), a Ph.D. from the University of Victoria (1980), and postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (1980-1982).

His research focuses on organic chemistry, particularly conjugated aromatic systems and their applications in organic materials. Key areas include the development of materials for two-photon fluorescence imaging, optoelectronic devices, and polymer-based optoelectronic applications. His work bridges fundamental organic chemistry with practical applications in biomedicine and materials science.

Notable research highlights include studies on glycosylated conjugated oligomers for cancer cell imaging, triphenylamine derivatives for tunable optical properties, and azulene-containing chromophores for near-IR absorption. These contributions advance both fundamental understanding and applied technologies in organic materials.

Lai’s publications span over three decades, with a focus on organic synthesis, molecular design, and material characterization. His research often integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to explore structure-property relationships in conjugated systems.

Labs and teams involved in his work include interdisciplinary collaborations within NUS and international partnerships. His research interests continue to evolve, emphasizing biocompatible materials and advanced optical technologies.