Olivier Lim Set To Assume Chairmanship of Singapore Tourism Board On New Year

(CTN News) – Singapore, known for its vibrant culture, modern infrastructure, and robust tourism sector, is set to witness a change in leadership at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

On January 1, Olivier Lim, the chairman of PropertyGuru and Starhub, will assume the role of STB Chairman, succeeding Chaly Mah, who has admirably served in this capacity for seven years.

Olivier Lim, already holding the position of STB Deputy Chairman for the past year, brings a wealth of experience and strategic acumen to the role.

His diverse portfolio includes being the lead independent director of DBS Group Holdings and DBS Bank, a director of Raffles Medical Group, and a member of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) securities industry council.

Chaly Mah, the outgoing chairman, took the reins on January 1, 2017, and during his tenure, he steered the board through a period of sustained growth before the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Singapore’s 2019 Tourism: 19.1 Million Visitors, S$27.7 Billion Revenue

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) commended Mah’s leadership, highlighting his role in enhancing international visitor arrivals and tourism receipts.

In 2019, Singapore welcomed a staggering 19.1 million international visitors, generating tourism receipts amounting to S$27.7 billion (US$21 billion).

However, the true test of Mah’s leadership emerged with the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the global upheaval, Mah guided the board in formulating and implementing strategies to support the tourism sector.

Under his guidance, STB initiated the SingapoRediscovers Campaign, aimed at stimulating local demand for tourism products, and the SingapoReimagine initiative, designed to build anticipation for the eventual resumption of international travel.

The MTI acknowledged that these initiatives played a pivotal role in strengthening local advocacy and engagement, maintaining mindshare with the international audience, and propelling tourism companies to embark on transformative business strategies.

Chaly Mah’s Impact Recognized: Awarded Public Service Star Medal

Chaly Mah’s contributions were further recognized when he was awarded the Public Service Star Medal at the 2022 National Day awards, a testament to his commitment and impact on the tourism sector.

Expressing gratitude for Mah’s invaluable contributions, Mr. Beh Swan Gin, Permanent Secretary (Development) for MTI, conveyed confidence in Olivier Lim’s ability to lead STB into its next phase of growth.

Lim, with his extensive experience and multifaceted roles in various prominent organizations, is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing Singapore’s tourism industry.

In conjunction with Lim’s appointment, MTI announced two new additions to the STB board—Amrin Amin, Head of Corporate Development at Temasek Foundation, and Lee Seow Hiang, CEO of Changi Airport Group.

Additionally, two members were reappointed—Arthur Lang, Singtel’s Group Chief Financial Officer, and Soh Siew Choo, Chief Information Officer for Asia at MetLife.

As the new leadership assumes its roles, two outgoing members, Lim Eng Hwee, CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and Ravi Thakran, Chairman and CEO of Turmeric Capital and Aspirational Consumer Lifestyle, bid farewell upon the completion of their term on December 31.

Their departure marks the end of an era, while the incoming members represent a continuation of Singapore’s commitment to fostering a thriving and resilient tourism industry under the adept guidance of Olivier Lim.

Why Gustave Eiffel’s Name Remains Famous 100 Years After His Death?