The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will welcome a new chief next year.

Ms Aw Kah Peng will take over the post of Chief Executive with effect from January 1, 2009. Mr Lim Neo Chian will step down on December 31, 2008, continuing in his role as Deputy Chairman of STB.

Mr Lim is stepping down to spend more time with his family and to explore new challenges.

Mr Lim Neo Chian

With 35 years of distinguished service in the public sector, holding key appointments including the posts of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of JTC Corporation, Chief of Army in the Singapore Armed Forces, as well as CEO of China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Development Co Ltd.

His significant achievements includes successfully steering Singapore's tourism sector through the SARS crisis in 2003, the launch of the Uniquely Singapore brand in 2004 and Tourism 2015. Other major milestones include the awards of Request for Proposals for the two Integrated Resorts as well as securing the FORMULA 1 race in Singapore.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry said: "In Neo Chian's six years with the STB, he has provided the leadership and drive behind the STB's bold initiatives to transform Singapore's tourism landscape. Under his stewardship, we have enjoyed four successive years of record growth in visitor arrivals and tourism receipts."

Ms Aw Kah Peng

At 41, with more than 17 years of experience with the EDB. She joined EDB in 1990 as an Industry Officer (Chemicals) in the Industry Development Division. She was subsequently posted to EDB's US and European offices, where she held several appointments. Ms Aw was instrumental in cultivating strong investor relationships with top MNCs in significant growth clusters for Singapore.

Ms Aw strengthen the growth and development of the energy and chemicals cluster. These significant milestones have brought the chemicals industry in Singapore to its next lap of growth, towards becoming a global petrochemicals hub.

Ms Aw was appointed Assistant Managing Director, Industry Development in February 2007. She currently oversees a diverse group of industries. 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.

Information provided by Ministry of Trade and Industry - Press Release on August 22, 2008.