City University's governing council on Tuesday appointed Singaporean engineer Freddy Boey as its next president, replacing Way Kuo, who will retire in 12 months from now after 15 years in charge.

Boey is currently a deputy president at the National University of Singapore.

Announcing his appointment, City University described Boey as an accomplished inventor, noting that he introduced the use of high level biomaterials on medical devices.

He's also previously won Singapore's highest award for scientists, the President’s Technology Award.

"[Professor Boey] has significant experience on the mainland having spearheaded NUS’ recent substantial collaborative agreements with several municipal governments, enabling NUS to have one of the largest footprints of any university outside of China [on] the mainland," the university said in a statement.

Kuo also welcomed the appointment, saying his successor's experience academically and in management will give City University the right foundation to build its future success.