SMRT appoints Desmond Kuek as new president and CEO

Train operator SMRT has confirmed that former Chief of Defence Force, Mr Desmond Kuek will serve as the company's new chief executive and president.

The Straits Times had reported in late July that Mr Kuek was the likely candidate for this position. Mr Kuek will start his new role on Oct 1, after leaving the Administrative Service on Sept 30.

He will occupy the seat vacated by Ms Saw Phaik Hwa, who left the company in January about a month after two major train breakdowns. The severity of the breakdowns led to the incidents being investigated by a Committee of Inquiry.

Mr Kuek previously served as permanent secretary at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and as Chief of Army. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Engineering Science from Oxford University, a Master of Arts degree from Oxford University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.

Source: Straitstimes

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