It's been exciting and rewarding, says Neo Chian

Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) Deputy Chairman & Chief Executive, Mr Lim Neo Chian, who will step down this year end, called his past six years at the helm "exciting and rewarding".

Mr Lim, who is stepping down to spend more time with his family and explore new challenges, said, "Working with our industry partners, I was able to experience the resilience and dynamism of the tourism sector. I am grateful for the strong support received from various government agencies, without which our transformational efforts would not have been possible.

"It has also been a pleasure working with the team at the STB who are committed to transforming Singapore into an exciting, vibrant destination."

During his six-year stint, Mr Lim saw the STB through some highs and lows. A few months after he took over, the SARS crisis hit which brought Singapore's tourism industry to a near standstill. His quick actions, which led the industry to rebound to pre-crisis levels by March 2004, earned him the Public Administration Medal (Gold).

It was also under his stewardship that the Uniquely Singapore brand and the Tourism 2015 strategic roadmap were launched.

Several projects set to transform the tourism landscape in Singapore were secured during his tenure – the two Integrated Resorts and the 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix in Singapore – and Singapore also enjoyed four successive years of record growth in visitor arrivals and tourism receipts.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry, credited Mr Lim for "the leadership and drive behind the STB's bold initiatives to transform Singapore's tourism landscape".

Taking over from Mr Lim, who will remain as Deputy Chairman, is Ms Aw Kah Peng, a 17-year veteran from the Economic Development Board (EDB).

Ms Aw, 41, is currently Assistant Managing Director, Industry Development, at the EDB, a position she took on in February 2007. In this role, she oversees a diverse group of industries including Energy, Chemicals, Engineering Services, Biomedical Sciences, Logistics, Education, Professional Services, Consumer Care and Health & Wellness Business Growth.

She has worked in the EDB's US and European offices and during her time in EDB's International Operations, was instrumental in cultivating strong investor relationships with top MNCs in significant growth clusters for Singapore.

The MTI said that Ms Aw's "experience in the attraction and development of critical large investor projects, coupled with her extended industry links with the lifestyle and services clusters make for an excellent match with the STB's blueprint for future growth".

Mr Lim (Neo Chian) said that "with Kah Peng's experience and leadership, I am confident the STB will be able to bring the tourism industry to the next level. My heartfelt thanks to the industry partners, colleagues in MTI and various government agencies, STB Board Members and the STB staff for their strong support."

On her new appointment at the STB, Ms Aw said, "I am honoured to take on the appointment of Chief Executive of STB from January 2009, and look forward to meeting the challenge of always making Singapore a vibrant, attractive tourism destination of choice. It's an exciting portfolio!"