THE Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has appointed a new chief executive, who will take over from Jan 1.

Aw Kah Peng will take over the reins from Lim Neo Chian, who will step down on Dec 31 and continue in his role as deputy chairman of STB.

During his tenure, Mr Lim successfully steered Singapore's tourism sector through the Sars crisis in 2003, and achieved significant milestones such as the launch of the Uniquely Singapore brand in 2004, as well as securing and organising the Formula One race in Singapore.

'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,' said Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry.

'Under his stewardship, we have enjoyed four successive years of record growth in visitor arrivals and tourism receipts.'

Ms Aw joined the Economic Development Board (EDB) in 1990 as an industry officer, and subsequently held several appointments as centre director and regional director in EDB's US and European offices.

She played an instrumental role in cultivating strong investor relationships with top multinational companies, and was appointed assistant managing director of industry development in February 2007.

Minister Lim added: 'The Ministry wishes to thank Neo Chian for his outstanding contributions to the STB and wish him all the best in his future endeavours, and we welcome Kah Peng on board as Chief Executive.'

This article was first published in The Business Times on August 23, 2008.