Former senior civil servant Benny Lim as its chairman has been appointed by the National Parks Board (NParks) to be its chairman with effect on Wednesday (1 August).
In a media release on Monday (30 July), NParks stated that Mr Lim, who retired in 2016 after spending 37 years in public service, will succeed current chairman Christina Ong.
Mr Lim took on various roles, including as permanent secretary of the Ministry of National Development, Prime Minister’s Office and National Security and Intelligence Coordination during his term in public service.
There are four other members who will be stepping down from the board when their terms end on Tuesday in addition to Mrs Ong. They are Mrs Koh-Lim Wen Gin, Dr Malone-Lee Lai Choo, Mr Seah Kian Peng and Ms Jamie Ang.
NParks wrote their gratitude towards Mrs Ong and other outgoing members of the board for their “invaluable service, guidance and contributions during their tenure”.
NParks stated that with Mrs Ong at the helm since 2007, the board has strengthened Singapore’s urban biodiversity and ecosystems, cultivated community ownership and stewardship, and deepened its focus on sound science through research and development.
It added that Mrs Ong supported NParks’ work in nature conservation, guided its efforts in optimising parks and gardens and played a crucial role in elevating Singapore internationally such as through the inscription of the Singapore Botanic Gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The board then noted that six existing board members will be re-appointed for a new two-year term starting Wednesday: Mr Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Mr Warren Fernandez, Dr Suriani Suratman, Mr Guy Harvey-Samuel, Mr George Huang and Mr Kenneth Er.
In addition, three new members will join the board: Mr Cheng Hsing Yao, Ms Shantini Ramachandra and Mr Musa Fazal.
NParks noted that the new 10-member board will continue to guide NParks in its efforts to grow Singapore as a biophilic City in a Garden, and create the best living environment by providing excellent greenery and recreation in partnership with the community.
