THE S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) will get a new head, after longstanding dean Barry Desker steps down as dean today.

Mr Desker, who has helmed the school – and its predecessor – for 14 years, will hand the reins to Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, who will take on the post of executive deputy chairman.

The new position was created as the institution’s academic and policy research responsibilities have grown.

RSIS said in a statement that the new structure will allow Mr Ong, who is Singapore’s outgoing High Commissioner to Malaysia, to oversee the school’s executive and administrative matters and also chart its role as a think-tank.

…Meanwhile, Professor Joseph Liow, who was associate dean, has been made the dean and chief academic officer. He will focus on the school’s academic development.

…From today, Mr Desker will be a distinguished fellow at RSIS. The father of two said this would give him more time for family, reading, writing and attending conferences.