Hard hat on: Jacqueline Poh builds next chapter at JTC

Innovation leader Jacqueline Poh today officially assumes the role of chief executive officer at JTC Corporation, the Singaporean government agency championing sustainable industrial development.

Poh, formerly the managing director at Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), was initially appointed CEO-designate throughout the month of March before succeeding Tan Boon Khai as CEO on 1 April. Tan, meanwhile, is set to pursue other interests, The Business Times earlier reported.

“Excited to be building better for business at JTC Corporation (yes, that’s my new hard hat) from today!” Poh said on LinkedIn.

“In my years at Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), going out to represent Singapore as the best place in the world to do business was an act of faith. It is one thing to sell and another thing to deliver.

“I trusted my colleagues in the Singapore government, especially all the agencies involved in regulation, permitting and developing the infrastructure needed to get businesses up and running quickly in Singapore,” she said.

“No agency was as important to us as JTC which had the planners, engineers, project managers, facilities managers and financial firepower to build new industrial districts and develop attractive spaces for companies to thrive.

“JTC is also the centre of excellence for building and infrastructure in the Singapore government.”

Leadership transition

The Ministry of Trade and Industry first announced Poh’s appointment at JTC in February.

Poh, who has been part of the MTI ecosystem, brings extensive experience in understanding investor needs – a strength deemed instrumental in shaping innovative and competitive industrial developments.

“Already part of the MTI family, Jacqueline has a deep understanding of investor needs, which will help in her new role to develop attractive and innovative industrial land and spaces,” said Jeffrey Siow, second permanent secretary for MTI.

Poh’s tenure as managing director of EDB was marked by significant investment achievements, particularly as Singapore navigated its post-pandemic recovery.

During her 3.5 years at the helm, she steered EDB towards securing record-breaking investment commitments in 2022, exceeding organisational targets. This was no small feat given the headwinds of technological disruption, shifting global tax policies, and geopolitical instability that influenced corporate decision-making.

Before EDB, Poh served as the CEO of GovTech and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees at the Singapore Institute of Technology as well as the Board at SingHealth.

In her new capacity at JTC, she will also join the JTC Board in an ex officio role, further strengthening continuity in leadership.

JTC's transformation under Tan

Poh takes the reins from Tan, whose leadership saw JTC playing a critical role in Singapore’s pandemic response, ensuring key industries remained resilient and positioned for recovery.

Beyond crisis management, Tan spearheaded the transformation of Singapore’s industrial landscape by supporting the growth of emerging industry clusters.

His leadership saw the completion of next-generation industrial estates such as Punggol Digital District, as well as critical infrastructure projects. He also laid the groundwork for future industrial hubs, including Jurong Innovation District and Woodlands North Coast.

Poh’s appointment signals continuity in Singapore’s industrial strategy, ensuring that JTC remains a catalyst for economic growth and innovation.

With her understanding of investor priorities and a proven track record in economic development, she is well-placed to build upon the foundations laid by her predecessor.