Singapore
80-year-old Jennie Chua succeeds 68-year-old Benny Lim as Temasek Foundation chairman
Temasek Foundation has appointed 80-year-old Jennie Chua as its new chairman, effective 1 September, succeeding 68-year-old Benny Lim. Chua brings decades of corporate and philanthropic experience, having served at the foundation since 2007.
Temasek Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings, announced on Thursday (5 September) the appointment of Ms Jennie Chua, 80, as its new chairman, effective from 1 September.
Ms Chua succeeds Mr Benny Lim, 68, who served as chairman for the past four years.
Mr Lim, a former Director of the Internal Security Department and former chairman of the National Parks Board, oversaw Temasek Foundation’s strategic transformation and steered the organisation through its COVID-19 initiatives.
During his tenure, the foundation worked alongside other national efforts to help build resilience against the pandemic and provide support to Singaporeans.
Temasek Foundation serves as a key conduit for Temasek Holdings’ philanthropic outreach, funding programs in various areas including education, healthcare, and community development.
As the philanthropic arm of Temasek Holdings, which manages Singapore’s sovereign wealth, the foundation plays a crucial role in fulfilling the social responsibility and outreach missions of its parent organisation.
The foundation praised Mr Lim for his leadership and strategic oversight during his tenure, which helped guide the foundation through significant challenges. His focus on community resilience, especially during the pandemic, was highlighted as one of his key contributions.
Ms Jennie Chua, who brings a wealth of experience, has been associated with Temasek Foundation since its beginnings in 2007.
A prominent figure in Singapore’s corporate landscape, she is a former CEO of Raffles Holdings and Ascott Group and served as chief corporate officer for CapitaLand. Ms Chua has also played an active role in philanthropy, having served as chairman of the Community Chest of Singapore from 2000 to 2013, and she continues to act as its adviser.
Temasek Foundation highlighted Ms Chua’s numerous accolades, which include several National Day Awards, the most recent being the Distinguished Service Order in 2023.
She was also awarded the Public Service Medal in 2004, the Public Service Star in 2008, and the Meritorious Service Medal in 2014.
According to her profile in the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame, Ms Chua serves on the boards of several companies and organisations, including the Alexandra Health System and the Singapore Film Commission. She is also chairman of TRCL, a charity supporting the arts and culture, and is known for her contributions to Singapore’s social and cultural development.
Ms Chua was the first female chairman of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce in 2009, a milestone in the chamber’s 187-year history.
As Temasek Foundation welcomes her to this leadership role, it looks forward to “an exciting new chapter of growth” under her stewardship.
