Prominent scientist Tan Chorh Chuan to retire from permanent secretary roles on Sept 1

Prominent scientist Tan Chorh Chuan will step down from his roles as permanent secretary of the National Research and Development (NRD) and the Public Sector Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office (S&TPPO) within the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on September 1. His departure marks the end of a tenure that spanned nearly two years, during which he provided strategic direction to Singapore’s science, technology, and innovation policies. The transition comes amid ongoing efforts to align national research and innovation strategies with long-term economic and social goals. Tan, a renal physician by training, assumed his current roles in 2023 after serving in multiple high-profile positions across the public and academic sectors. His career has been defined by leadership in public health, biomedical research, and higher education. As director of medical services in the Ministry of Health (MOH) from 2000 to 2004, he led the country’s response to the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak. This experience laid the foundation for his later work in shaping national health and research policies. From 2004 to 2017, Tan served as deputy chairman of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR). During this time, he helped steer Singapore’s scientific and technological development. In addition, he was president of the National University of Singapore from 2008 to 2017, guiding one of Asia’s top institutions through a period of expansion and internationalization. From 2018 to 2023, he held dual roles as executive director of the MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT) and chief health scientist of the ministry before becoming chairman of MOHT in 2023. He also chaired the Heathier SG Implementation Office from 2022 to 2024. His contributions have not gone unnoticed. In a statement released by the Public Service Division (PSD) on July 30, Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing praised Tan for his “outstanding and impactful contributions” to the public service. He highlighted Tan’s role in strengthening Singapore’s capabilities in healthcare, higher education, research, and innovation. Tan’s influence extended beyond policymaking, as he worked to foster collaboration among government agencies, universities, and private-sector stakeholders to tackle complex challenges. Tan will retain his position as non-executive chairman of ASTAR and chairman of MOHT following his retirement from the PMO. These roles will allow him to continue contributing to Singapore’s scientific and technological landscape, albeit in a more advisory capacity. Taking over Tan’s responsibilities in the PMO is newly appointed permanent secretary Ng Chad-Son. Ng, 51, began his career in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 1994 and has held several key posts in both the military and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF). Between 2010 and 2012, he was seconded to the Ministry of Trade and Industry as director of the research and enterprise division, overseeing national R&D initiatives and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. Ng was appointed deputy secretary for technology at MINDEF in 2022 and became chief executive of the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in 2024. Starting from September 1, he will serve as permanent secretary for NRD and S&TPPO in the PMO, as well as permanent secretary for defence development in MINDEF. He will replace Melvyn Ong, who will remain as permanent secretary for Sustainability and the Environment. At DSTA, Ng’s successor will be Roy Chan Hsiung Wei, currently the agency’s deputy chief executive for operations. Chan, 52, has been in this role since February 15, 2021. His promotion to chief executive reflects his extensive experience in managing defense-related research and development projects. MINDEF confirmed the change in a recent announcement, though further details about Chan’s qualifications and background were not immediately available.