SINGAPORE - The Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) on Friday (Dec 16) announced the appointment of Dr Ang Hak Seng as Commissioner of Charities-designate, to be made official on Jan 16 next year (2017).

Dr Ang, who is currently Chief Executive Director (CED) of the People's Association (PA), will also take on two other appointments: Executive director at the Registry of Co-operative Societies and Mutual Benefit Organisations (RCS) and Deputy Secretary-designate to lead Singapore Cares, a national movement for a more inclusive society.

Dr Ang was appointed CED of the PA on April 1, 2013, after serving as a grassroots leader in Yuhua and a councillor in South-West Community Development Council for 15 years.

He will take over Mr Low Puk Yeong, who was appointed Commissioner of Charities (COC) since 2006.

Mr Low will also step down from his post as senior director at RCS on Jan 16.

He worked with the Charity Council to strengthen the Code of Governance to promote self-regulation in the charity sector.

As senior director of the RCS, he also helped conduct reviews of the Co-operative Societies Act and the Mutual Benefit Organisations Act to better regulate the sector.

Mr Ang's vacated post as PA CED will be filled by Brigadier-General Tan Kok Ming Desmond, MCCY also said in its release.

He will be appointed PA's CED-designate on Jan 2 and be officially appointed CED on Jan 16.

BG Tan has held various appointments in the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and the Singapore Armed Forces, including commanding officer of 1st Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment, commander of 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade, and director of Mindef Public Affairs.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing thanked Mr Ang for his work at the PA.

"As CED, Dr Ang has made enormous contributions to PA," he said.

"On behalf of the PA board of management, I would also like to welcome Tan Kok Ming Desmond to the PA. I look forward to his contributions to the PA and our nation."