SINGAPORE: PropertyGuru and Starhub chairman Olivier Lim will become chairman of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on January 1, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) announced on Friday (December 29).
He succeeds Charlie Ma, who served on the board for seven years. The move comes a year after Mr Lim was appointed STB vice-chairman.
Mr. Lim is the lead independent director of DBS Group Holdings and DBS Bank, and a director of Raffles Medical Group. He serves on the Securities Industry Council of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Mr. Ma, who will be retiring, assumed the position of STB Chairman on January 1, 2017.
During his tenure, he led the Board in implementing key initiatives and strategies that contributed to strong tourism performance prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Under his leadership, STB has successfully increased international tourist arrivals and tourism receipts, expanding its global mindshare,” MTI said.
The ministry noted that Singapore recorded 19.1 million foreign tourist arrivals and tourism receipts of S$27.7 billion (US$21 billion) in 2019.
“In the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Ma guided the board to help innovate and transform the tourism sector to emerge stronger from the pandemic.” added.
Under his leadership, STB launched the SingapoRediscovers campaign to drive local demand for tourism products and the SingapoReimagine initiative to raise expectations for the resumption of international travel.
“These efforts have enabled STB to strengthen local advocacy and engagement, maintain mindshare with a global audience, and help tourism companies accelerate business transformation.” MTI said.
He was awarded the Public Service Star Medal at the 2022 National Day Awards in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the tourism sector.
MTI deputy minister (development) Bae Suan Jin thanked Ma for his “valuable contribution”.
“Under Mr. Chaley’s leadership, STB has implemented significant initiatives that contribute to strong tourism performance,” he said.
“With Olivier’s extensive experience, we are confident that he is well placed to lead STB into its next phase of growth.”
MTI also announced two new director appointments: Mr Amrin Amin, head of corporate development at Temasek Foundation, and Mr Lee Saw Hian, CEO of Changi Airport Group.
Two other members, Mr Arthur Lang, group chief financial officer of Singtel, and Mr Soh Siew Chew, Asia chief information officer of MetLife Life, were reappointed to the board.
Two members of the board of directors will resign when their terms expire on December 31st. They are Lim Eng Hui, CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and Ravi Thakran, chairman and CEO of Turmeric Capital and Aspiration Consumer Lifestyle.