SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Ministry of Transport says the current chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Lucien Wong, will step down from the position on December 15, and will be succeeded by MPA deputy chairman Niam Chiang Meng, effective December 16, local media reports.
Niam, who retired in August 2016 after 33 years in the public sector, has been fulfilling the role of MPA deputy chairman since June 2016.
Wong, who joined the MPA board in 2007 and was appointed chairman in 2009, strengthened Singapore’s position as a major international shipping hub during his time in the position, says the ministry.
“The shipping industry is a highly cyclical business and Singapore has weathered previous cycles and emerged leaner and stronger each time. As a nation built on maritime and international trade, Singapore is facing the next lap of multi-faceted challenges which we will overcome with forward thinking and resilience,” said Wong Tuesday at the Singapore Registry of Ships 50th Anniversary Dinner.
“I can confidently commit to you that MPA will continue supporting and working with the industry to build new capabilities and future ready skill sets to capitalize on new opportunities when the upturn comes. I look forward to us celebrating an industry that is once again sailing with tailwinds.”
On December 18 Wong will also step down from his role as chairman of law firm Allen & Gledhill, and effective December 19 will fulfill the role of deputy attorney-general of Singapore before taking up a three-year term as Singapore’s next attorney-general from January 14, 2017.
