Singapore Sailing Federation announces Andrew Tam as new chief executive from Jan 1

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Sailing Federation (SSF) on Tuesday unveiled Andrew Tam as its new chief executive (designate). The 48-year-old is slated to take over officially from current honcho Tan Wearn Haw on Jan 1 next year.

In a statement, SSF said the move was part of its continual leadership and succession planning and that Tan will be co-opted as its secretary-general, a volunteer role, once he steps down.

SSF president Ben Tan paid tribute to the 36-year-old, who took on the post in early 2011. He will return to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth when his secondment ends at the end of the year.

Tan said: "Wearn Haw built on the foundations and brought SingaporeSailing to a new high. He has proven that a Singaporean can very successfully lead Singapore to be internationally competitive even in a traditionally European-dominated sport."

Successor Tam is a familiar face to the sailing scene, having served stints in various capacities in several sailing clubs and marinas, including Changi Sailing Club in the early 1990s when it was the hotbed of national sailing.

He played an instrumental role in SAF Yacht Club's Get Kids Afloat programme, which is a key supply pipeline to the national setup. More recently, he helped to develop the Singapore Management University's sailing programme from scratch to one that is recognised across the region.

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