Former national sprinter Asmah Hanim has been appointed the Singapore Athletic Association's (SAA) sports development and performance chief.

The 30-year-old, who served as assistant honorary secretary from June 2010 to July 2012, takes over the post from veteran track and field coach Loh Chan Pew, who was suspended for four months last month after the association deemed that he had undermined its executive committee.

"I acknowledge the effort of my predecessors in improving the sport over the years and look to continue the work they have done in raising the standard of the sport," said Asmah, whose responsibilities will include enhancing the development and high performance support for athletes and coaches.

"While the journey ahead will be filled with challenges, I hope to inspire confidence within the fraternity and look into how best the association can help to develop talents and support their needs while working within our constraints."

SAA president Tang Weng Fei added: "I am very glad that Asmah is coming back to the association and contributing in another capacity.

"As we move forward to 2015 and beyond, we need a young team to lead the SAA and athletics to the forefront to challenge our region's best athletes. These young leaders will bring in new and fresh ideas to improve athletics in Singapore."