Michelle Kung

Michelle Kung

Degree: 2014, PHDUAPP

Job Title: TINVA Singapore Chapter

Since earning her PHD in Urban Affairs and Public Policy in 2004 from the Biden School, Michelle Kung has developed her career path and professional experiences in ESG related policies, technology solutions and investments. During her time at the Biden School, Michelle was also affiliated with two research centers including Center for Energy and Environmental Policy (CEEP), and Center for Applied Demography and Survey Research (CADSR). 

After working for academic, public and private sectors for 20 years, she has built a comprehensive skill set for her career development in Sustainable Cities, Climate Change and Energy Security areas. Michelle has participated in several projects on international energy and environmental policies in Asian major cities. 

When she worked for UNU-IAS (United Nations’ think tank), she assisted with the “Urban Low-Carbon Development with the Co-Benefits Approach” project. In addition, she worked for the Ministry of National Development of Singapore Government as a lead researcher on urban sustainability policies. At this position, she authored the book titled “Built by Singapore—from Slums to a Sustainable Built Environment,” a comprehensive body of knowledge to aid the next generation of government officials and urban leaders from developing countries. This opportunity allowed her to be involved in several international training programs for global urban leaders. She switched roles to gain hands-on private sector experiences through the Business Development and Special Projects Manager position at a clean-tech innovator with cloud-based energy management and IOT platform in Singapore. She led the next generation testbed projects, strategic engagements with government agencies, international market development and special intellectual property projects. 

In order to deepen her managerial and operational skills, she held the Executive Director position at Business Angel Network Southeast Asia to lead the organization to promote early stage investment and nurture technology start-up ecosystems in Southeast Asia. She focused on clean tech, climate tech and IoT solutions for smart cities. The experience also inspired her to explore green investment and green technology development globally. As the Chairman of TINVA Singapore Chapter, she is currently assisting leading technology companies from Taiwan to enter into SEA markets through venture building, international funding, local market partnership and governmental support. Michelle is an investor for tech start-ups in SEA and Europe. In addition to funding support, she continues engaging with the regional start-up ecosystem as a mentor/advisor/judge for start-ups and partners.