Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) will have a new chairman starting December 1st, as announced by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) on November 17th. Mr. Loh Khum Yean, currently the chairman of the National Parks Board, will take over from Mr. Niam Chiang Meng. Mr. Loh brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the deputy chairman of MPA since February 2025 and retiring from the administrative service in 2023 after 33 years in the public sector. His previous roles include Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Division and Permanent Secretary for Law, Trade and Industry, and Manpower. Mr. Loh has also chaired the Civil Service College and served on the boards of several key organizations, including the Land Transport Authority and the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research. His contributions to public service have been recognized with the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 2002 and the Public Administration Medal (Gold) in 2011.
Mr. Niam, who served on the MPA board for over nine years, first as deputy chairman and later as chairman, has played a significant role in navigating the organization through a period of rapid change. During his leadership, the Port of Singapore maintained its position as one of the world's busiest ports, a leading bunkering hub, and among the top five ship registries globally. Mr. Niam's efforts have also fostered a vibrant ecosystem of shipping, maritime services, and innovation activities, while working closely with industry and union partners to advance workforce development. His leadership was instrumental in Singapore's election to the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) Council in 2018 and the hosting of the first General Assembly of IALA as an intergovernmental international organization in 2025. Additionally, the establishment of the Joint IHO-Singapore Innovation and Technology Lab in 2021 further enhanced Singapore's global hydrographic capability development.
The MOT expressed gratitude for Mr. Niam's dedicated and distinguished service, highlighting his contributions to the MPA's success. The transition to Mr. Loh's leadership is expected to build upon the strong foundation established by Mr. Niam, with the MOT stating that Mr. Loh's extensive experience will help strengthen MPA's institutional capabilities and advance Singapore's position as a trusted hub port and international maritime center.
