Singapore’s public sector research agency A*Star names Frederick Chew as the new chief executive
Rear Admiral (RADM) Frederick Chew has been named as the CEO of the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*Star)- Singapore’s largest public sector research agency from April 1when its current chairman Lim Chuan Poh retires.
The announcement was made by The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) last week. Chew is currently Deputy Secretary (Technology) at the Ministry of Defence – a position he will continue to hold until the middle of the year.
It was also announced last month that Permanent Secretary for Education Chan Lai Fung would be appointed the agency’s non-executive chairman.
MTI Permanent Secretary Loh Khum Yean stated, “ With their vast experience across diverse backgrounds, I am confident that Lai Fung and Frederick will be able to take A*Star to greater heights and further its mission of advancing scientific discovery and technological innovation, to create economic growth and improve the lives of Singaporeans.”
While Ms Chan would steer A*Star in charting its strategic direction and priorities, Chew would assume the agency’s executive leadership role and responsibilities.
Prior to this, Chew has held various key positions in the Defence Ministry and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), including director of joint operations, commander maritime security task force and head of naval plans.
As Deputy Secretary (Technology) in Mindef, he was instrumental in optimizing the Defence Technology ecosystem, in particular strengthening Mindef’s partnership with industry.
A*Star, which has about 5,200 employees, is recognized as one of the world’s top innovative government science and technology organizations. Last year, the organization also went through its biggest shakeup in order to become more nimble in the use of talent and funds. Chew's appointment is significant given that it comes after the re-organization the public sector agency has gone through.
Image credit: The Straits Times