Change of Chairman of the HDB Board

Sep 30, 2016

Mr James Koh Cher Siang will be retiring as Chairman of the Housing & Development Board (HDB) on 30 September 2016.

He will be succeeded by Mr Bobby Chin Yoke Choong, currently the HDB Board’s Deputy Chairman, on 1 October 2016.

Mr James Koh, who has been Chairman since 2007, has guided HDB to achieve a stable public housing market in recent years, ensuring that HDB flats remain affordable and accessible to Singaporeans. This was achieved through a significant ramp-up in the supply of home ownership flats in recent years, giving out more housing grants, and putting in place demand-side measures to bring balance back to the public housing market.

Under Mr Koh’s leadership, housing policies were also recalibrated to keep in step with the changing needs of Singaporeans and societal norms. For instance, in 2013, 2-room Build-to-Order flats were offered to singles for the first time, and flat offerings were broadened, with the introduction of 3-Generation flats to allow multi-generational families to live together. In 2015, 2-room Flexi flats with shorter leases were introduced to cater for the needs of the elderly.

Mr Koh was also highly supportive of HDB’s new and innovative initiatives to deliver a better living environment, with master plans unveiled over the past few years in new areas like Bidadari and Tampines North, the development of Singapore’s first Eco-Town in Punggol, and the continuous rejuvenation of existing towns.

Within HDB, Mr Koh has guided its management in setting out the medium and long-term goals for HDB to continue to provide the best homes for the people of Singapore. He has also championed a learning culture among HDB management and staff, for example, by introducing the Learning Circle as a platform for management to share and learn together.

During Mr Koh’s chairmanship, quality and excellence remained the hallmarks of Singapore’s public housing, which has been recognised globally for its architectural and engineering achievements.

Reflecting on his chairmanship, Mr James Koh said, “It has been a privilege to have served on the HDB Board for the past 11 years, and to have played a part in HDB’s transformation during this time. Looking back, I am heartened by how much the quality and design of HDB flats have improved over the years. I thank HDB staff for their dedication and hard work. I have no doubt that HDB will continue to play a key role in our nation’s development, and to provide quality homes for Singaporeans.”

Mr Bobby Chin Yoke Choong, who will take over as the new Chairman of the HDB Board, is currently the Chairman of NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Ltd. He also serves as a member of the Council of Presidential Advisers. He was the Chairman of the Urban Redevelopment Authority from 2001 to 2006, and prior to that, served as its board member from 1997 to 2001. He has been active in the Singapore’s corporate and public service scenes.

Mr Chin said, “I would like to take the opportunity to express, on behalf of everyone in HDB, our heartfelt appreciation to Mr James Koh for his leadership on the HDB Board in the past 11 years. I look forward to working alongside HDB’s executive team and the Board, and build on HDB’s strong foundation as a leading public housing authority.”

The Ministry of National Development and Housing & Development Board wish to thank Mr James Koh Cher Siang for his invaluable contributions over the years.