Nan Yang Gemological Institute (NGI) was founded in 2001.

The founder Mr. C. G. Zeng graduated with a Master Degree in Geology from East China Normal University ( Shanghai, China ) in 1993. Thereafter, Mr. Zeng was attached to the Gemmology Education Center at Tongji University ( Shanghai ) as a lecturer and later became its Deputy Director. He obtained his F.G.A. (Fellow of Gemmological Association) professional Diploma from United Kingdom and C.D.G. (Certified Diamond Grader) from Belgium in 1996. He was appointed as a Registered Gemological Tutor of Gem-A (U.K.).

In late 1996, he relocated to Singapore and continued his career in gemology by setting up a gemological laboratory and education centre. He further obtained his professional jewellery appraisal from Master Valuer International (U.S.A.), Diamond Grading from Gemological Institute of American ( GIA , U.S.A. ).

There are three main services that NGI provides:

Gemological Education and Training
Certification and Appraisal services for gemstones and jewellery
Sales and service of gem testing instruments
To date, the company has served a wide variety of customers, including professionals from the jewellery trade, pawnshops, insurers, financial institutions, auction
house and individuals. The management at NGI has always made a conscious effort to render excellent customer service and professionalism in every service transaction. As a result, most of the business deals are through customer referrals.

At its inception, NGI was officially appointed as an Allied Teaching Centre by the World-renowned Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain (Gem-A). This appointment is a definite endorsement on the capability of NGI to render professional training and education in the field of Gemology. NGI is also the Authorized Dealer for the leading brand of scientific gem testing and measurement instruments, Presidium® Instruments , in Singapore .


Professional Memberships

Fellow of Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA) since 1997.
Full membership of Singapore Gemologist Society since 1997.
Committee member of the Singapore Gemologist Society since 2001.
Member of Singapore Jewellers Association (SJA).

. G. Zeng graduated from China University of Mining and Technology ( Jiangsu , China ) with an Honours Degree in 1988 and progressed to obtain a Master Degree in Geology with East China Normal University in 1993. Thereafter, he was attached to the Gemology Education Center at Tongji University ( Shanghai ) as a lecturer and later was promoted to be the Deputy Director. He obtained his postgraduate diploma of F.G.A. from United Kingdom and C.D.G. from Belgium in 1996. He relocated to Singapore in late 1996 and set up a laboratory while continuing to teach in the jewellery industry. He co-authored and published a gemological reference book Diamond and Diamond Appraisal. He took up the Master Valuer program from U.S., Diamond Graduate from GIA(U.S.) and is also a Qualified jewellery appraiser in Singapore , a registered gemmological tutor of Gem-A (U.K.) and the former editor for the Journal of The Singaporean Gemologist of Singapore Gemologist Society.

He has also done some research work in collaboration with the University. The research papers have been selected and published in the 29 th International Gemmological Conference (2004) and Journal of Gems & Gemmology..

More Information

Leon Lek started working in the jewelry industry in 1989. Due to his passion and great interest in gemstones, he took up an intensive residence course in Graduate Gemologist with Gemological Institute of America. He obtained his G.G. title in 1990. He returned and continues his practice in the industry. He also obtained his postgraduate diploma of F.G.A. (Merit) from United Kingdom.

Patrick Lee started work in the jewelry trade since 1983 after graduation from Gemological Institute of America. He also attended both the Jewelry Arts Program at Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts and Gemological Institute of America in 1982. In 1985, he was invited to teach at the NUS Extra-Mural premises in Jewellery designing and Gems Appreciation. During 1983 to 1989, he participated in the South East Asia Jewellery Design competition and won multiple awards. In 1995, he was invited to teach at the defunct Jewellery Industry Training Centre of Singapore for Jewellery Design and Jewellery Product Knowledge. He subsequently took up a course to be an industry trainer at ITE. In 1996, he took up the Master Valuer program and is a registered licensed appraiser. He is presently a designing consultant.