Siew Ann Cheong

Siew Ann Cheong is an Associate Professor in the Division of Physics and Applied Physics at the School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He is also an External Faculty member at the Complexity Science Hub (CSH) since 2019.

• Associate Professor, NTU (2016–present)
• Assistant Professor, NTU (2007–2016)
• Postdoctoral Associate, Cornell Theory Center (2006–2007)
• External Faculty, Complexity Science Hub (2019–present)

Educational Background:

• B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics, National University of Singapore (1997)
• M.Sc., National University of Singapore (2000)
• M.Sc., Cornell University (2002)
• Ph.D. in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, Cornell University (2006)

Siew Ann Cheong’s research centers on understanding the dynamics of complex systems with many degrees of freedom, such as financial markets, earthquakes, infectious diseases, biological sequences, and social systems. He employs both modeling and data-driven approaches to explore fundamental questions: What makes a system complex? How does complexity emerge? His goal is to develop a computational theory of complex systems by treating their dynamics as information processing. He applies methods from statistical physics, network science, time series analysis, and agent-based modeling to uncover universal principles across disciplines.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research, particularly in econophysics, urban science, and computational history. He frequently uses topological data analysis (TDA), persistent homology, and network-based methods to study financial market crashes, urban gentrification, and knowledge evolution. His work bridges physics with social sciences, ecology, and digital humanities, demonstrating a consistent focus on identifying critical transitions and structural changes in complex systems.

Scientific Awards:

• SPMS Excellence in Teaching Award (2008, 2010, 2011)
• Nanyang Award for Excellence in Teaching (2010)
• Science Mentorship Programme Outstanding Mentor Award (2010)
• Best Paper Award, International Conference on Culture and Computing (2013)

Siew Ann Cheong has supervised numerous PhD, undergraduate, and high school research students, contributing significantly to academic mentoring. He has received multiple teaching awards, reflecting his commitment to education. His research is supported by interdisciplinary collaborations and grants, particularly in complex systems and data science. He has also contributed to computational history and heritage impact modeling through projects like SHIFT (Sustainable Heritage Impact Factor Theory). He leads a research group focused on complex systems, with former fellows and students now in academic and research positions worldwide.

Labs and Research Groups: While no formal lab name is mentioned, his research is conducted within the Division of Physics and Applied Physics at NTU, involving a team of former and current students and fellows working on complex systems, econophysics, and network science. He collaborates with institutions such as the Complexity Science Hub, National University of Singapore, and international universities.