The chairman of Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) will be there on the Schwartz Fellowship given by the New York-based Asia Society, a think tank aimed at promoting understanding between Asia and the US.

But the 47-year-old will continue to serve as SIIA chairman, an appointment he has held since 1999.

He said in a statement yesterday: 'Although I will be physically away, I will continue to guide the professional team at the SIIA secretariat, using technology and regular trips to Singapore and the region to bridge the gap and continue to be an active chairman contributing to the insights, networks and perspectives of the region and from around the world.'

In New York, Dr Tay, who is also an associate professor with the National University of Singapore's law faculty, will focus on discussing US-Asia relations in talks and in the media.

He said that he is looking forward to his appointment as it will coincide with the first months of the Barack Obama administration and the dramatic changes with the unfolding financial crisis and economic downturn.

Besides his appointment at the Asia Society, he will also teach on Asia and the environment at Yale University's Law School and its School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.