Harvard University awards tenure to Singaporean economist Li Shengwu amidst exceptional academic achievements

Li Shengwu, a 39-year-old Singaporean economist and the eldest son of Lee Hsien Yang, has been granted tenure at the prestigious Harvard University.

This prestigious position acknowledges his outstanding contributions to academia. Mr Li, an associate professor of economics at Harvard University, shared the news of his achievement on Twitter last Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of kindness and focused work on the path to tenure.

Tenured.

Now that it's no longer tempting fate, let me say this: Be kind to yourself. It's easy on the tenure track to work to the point of negative marginal return.

Focused work is hard. If you can work on a proof for four real hours in a day, that is a good day.

— Shengwu Li (@ShengwuLi) February 27, 2024

Harvard University’s decision to grant tenure to Mr Li is a recognition of his first-rate eminence in research, teaching, advising, mentoring, and service.

The university underscores that candidates for tenured positions must demonstrate scholarly achievement, impact on their field, intellectual leadership, and potential for future accomplishments.

Prior to this achievement, Mr Li was awarded the Sloan Research Fellowship for 2023, a testament to his potential to revolutionize the field of economics. The fellowship, which includes a two-year, US$75,000 grant, supports early-career researchers in various disciplines. Li’s selection for this fellowship highlights his research accomplishments and creativity.

Mr Li’s career is decorated with numerous accolades, including the Exeter Prize for his significant contributions to Experimental Economics, Behavioural Economics, and Decision Theory. His work has been recognized by Nobel laureates, and he is a fellow at the prestigious Harvard Society of Fellows, further affirming his status as a leading thinker in economics.

Despite his academic success, Mr Li, who is also the estranged nephew of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, has faced legal challenges in Singapore.

After a series of disputes with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) over a private Facebook post, Li chose self-exile.

In 2020, he was found guilty of contempt of court and fined S$15,000. Mr Li has been vocal about his criticisms of the AGC and the Singaporean government, reflecting on his grandfather, Lee Kuan Yew’s values, and the impact of family disputes on his life.

Mr Li’s mother, Mrs Lee Suet Fern, has also faced legal scrutiny from the AGC, resulting in a suspension from practising law. Additionally, both of his parents have been publicly intimidated by the Singapore authorities over allegations related to legal proceedings.

In light of his tenure achievement, Mr Li remarked on the irony of achieving such a significant milestone while having fled Singapore due to his outspokenness.

While on the tenure track, I had to flee a small authoritarian regime 🇸🇬 because I spoke my mind on social media. Tenure doesn't change anything. You've seen the real me all along. https://t.co/s0KynFpED1

— Shengwu Li (@ShengwuLi) February 28, 2024

Mr Li’s commitment to speaking his mind remains unchanged, as does the support of the academic and scientific community for his work.

Despite the challenges he faces, Mr Li’s academic journey continues to inspire and influence the field of economics worldwide.