Council of Presidential Advisers welcomes new chairman Tan Chong Meng and four members

SINGAPORE - National University Health System chairman Tan Chong Meng has taken over from Eddie Teo as chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA).

The new chairman and four members of the council were appointed by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on June 2.

The four members are senior adviser at Singtel Chua Sock Koong, who was reappointed; Keppel chairman Piyush Gupta; Singapore LNG Corporation chairman Gan Seow Kee; and Energy Market Authority chairman Tan Ching Yee, as an alternate member on the council, said the President’s Office in a statement on June 2.

Teo, who is pro-chancellor of Singapore Management University, and council member Lim Chee Onn, a former minister, have retired upon completion of their terms on June 1.

In a letter of appreciation to Teo, President Tharman highlighted Teo’s role during the Covid-19 pandemic in guiding the council on its advice over the drawdown of past reserves.

“You guided the council with clarity and calm, ensuring that its advice to the President was principled, careful and anchored in the long-term interests of Singapore,” he wrote.

The President added that Teo, who had served on the council since 2018, strengthened it in “lasting ways”.

President Tharman said Teo brought care and discipline to the council’s consideration of key discretionary functions, such as safeguarding past reserves and upholding the integrity of key public service appointments.

President Tharman and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong took to Facebook on June 2 to laud the appointment of Tan Chong Meng to the council.

President Tharman wrote: “Chong Meng brings a unique and distinguished record of leadership and service across the private, public, and people sectors, notably in leading PSA International’s transformation into a leading global port group and currently as chairman of National University Health System.”

He added: “I am confident Chong Meng will bring sound acumen, independence, and integrity to this major responsibility, together with his fellow council members.”

PM Wong said that Tan has made significant contributions to Singapore’s development across the maritime, business and healthcare sectors, and through serving in various public institutions.

“He played a key role in driving our nation’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. I am confident that his insights and experience will serve Singapore well, and look forward to his and the CPA’s continued contributions,” he said.

Tan, who is also deputy chairman of Singapore’s investment company Temasek, was appointed as a member from June 2024 to June 2030.

The CPA advises the president on the use of his discretionary and custodial powers. It is obligatory for the president to consult the CPA when exercising his discretionary powers related to all fiscal and appointment matters.

The council members are appointed by the president or nominated by the prime minister, the Chief Justice and the chairman of the Public Service Commission.

Tan Chong Meng, Gan and alternate member Tan Ching Yee were appointed by President Tharman at his discretion.

Chua’s and Gupta’s appointments were on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice, respectively.

The council’s other members are former chief of Bank of Singapore Bahren Shaari, Singapore Airlines chairman Peter Seah Lim Huat, Singapore Totalisator Board (Tote Board) chair Mildred Tan-Sim Beng Mei and former judge Chao Hick Tin.