Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) deputy chairman Niam Chiang Meng will be the organisation's new chairman from Dec 16.

Mr Niam will take over the role from Mr Lucien Wong, who will become Deputy Attorney-General on Dec 19, before taking over as Attorney-General, said the Ministry of Transport (MOT) yesterday.

Mr Niam has been MPA deputy chairman since July 1. He retired on Aug 1 after 33 years in the public sector. Before his retirement as permanent secretary to the National Population and Talent Division and National Climate Change Secretariat, he was chief executive of the Housing and Development Board. He was also permanent secretary for the Ministry of Communications and Information, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and Ministry of Law.

"Mr Niam's strong public-sector leadership experience will greatly benefit MPA, including in cementing Singapore's position as a global hub port and a leading international maritime centre," said the MOT.