Singapore Tourism Board appoints new chairman and board members

Chew Choon Seng replaces Simon Israel as STB chair for three years as it names Deborah Ong and Jessica Tan Soon Neo as board members.

The Minister for Trade and Industry has appointed a new chairman and two new members to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Two members of the Board have also had their terms extended. The appointments took effect on 1 January 2011, according to a STB report.

Mr Chew Choon Seng, Chairman of Singapore Exchange, has succeeded Mr Simon C Israel, Executive Director and President of Temasek Holdings, as Chairman of the Board. Mr Chew’s career with Singapore Airlines spans 28 years, and includes appointments in Tokyo, Rome, Sydney, Los Angeles and London. Mr Chew is the Chairman of Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise, the Airline’s leasing associate, and Deputy Chairman of Singapore Airport Terminal Services Ltd, and SIA Engineering Company. He also serves as a Director of Singapore Exchange Ltd, Virgin Atlantic Limited, Virgin Travel Group Limited, and is a member of the Board of Governors of the Singapore International Foundation. With his illustrious background and vast experience in the civil aviation and tourism industries, Mr Chew’s leadership will be invaluable to STB. Mr Chew will serve as Chairman of STB for three years.

Mr Simon C Israel’s third term as Chairman of STB ended on 31 December 2010, after seven years of distinguished service. Under Mr Israel’s leadership, STB has reached new heights. Singapore has seen record tourist arrivals and the tourism landscape has undergone significant transformation including the development of premier iconic tourist attractions such as the Singapore Flyer, Formula One (F1) night races and the Integrated Resorts.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry and STB express their utmost appreciation to Mr Israel for his immeasurable contributions to the tourism industry in Singapore.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry and STB welcome two new members to the Board. They are:

• Mrs Deborah Ong — Assurance Partner and Human Capital Partner, PriceWaterhouseCoopers Singapore
• Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo — Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore.

Two members of the Board have also been re-appointed. They are:

• Mr Mike Barclay — Chief Executive, Sentosa Development Corporation
• Mr Steven Lim Kok Hoong — Chartered Accountant & Independent Director and Chairman, Parkway Trust Management Limited.