Singapore Airlines (SIA) is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has named Mr Chew Choon Seng as CEO-designate to succeed Dr Cheong Choong Kong when he retires in June 2003.

Fifty-six-year-old Mr Chew, who joined SIA in 1972, holds a first-class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Singapore and a Master of Science degree in Operations Research and Management Studies from Imperial College, University of London.

Mr Chew has moved extensively through different functional areas of the company. His overseas experience includes country management assignments in Japan and Italy, and subsequent regional appointments as Senior Vice-President in charge of the South-West Pacific, the Americas and Europe. He has also headed the Divisions of Planning, Marketing, and Finance. He was promoted to his present position of Senior Executive Vice-President (Administration) in May 2001 and in this capacity is responsible for the areas of Corporate Affairs, Finance and Internal Audit.

Said Dr Cheong: “The SIA Group will be in excellent hands. Choon Seng brings to the CEO position a wealth of experience, particularly in the all-important areas of marketing, finance and planning. He has a good understanding of the complexities and peculiarities of the airline business and is steeped in the SIA culture of service excellence and people orientation. I am very pleased with the decision of the Board of Directors.”

The SIA Board paid tribute to Dr Cheong, saying that it was deeply appreciative of his service and achievements as CEO. The Board also noted that he had planned a smooth and orderly succession. When he retires in June 2003, he will have served the Company for 29 years.

Born in Malaysia, Dr Cheong spent six years at the University of Malaya, the last few as an Associate Professor, before joining SIA in 1974. After holding managerial posts in Planning, Personnel and Information Technology, he became Managing Director in 1984. The position was re-titled Chief Executive Officer in 1996, and he became Deputy Chairman the same year. Under his direction, the Company has become an airline industry leader, gaining respect and recognition internationally. With a corporate culture emphasizing customer orientation, service quality, a spirit of competition and prudent financial management, SIA has been profitable every year and has repeatedly won many of the industry’s most prestigious awards.

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