EDB Executive Vice-President

Leadership Shake-up at Singapore’s Intellectual Property Office

New CEO for Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

Tan Kong Hwee, executive vice-president of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), will be appointed the chief executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (Ipos) from March 1. He will succeed Rena Lee, who has been CEO of Ipos since August 2020. Lee will take on a full-time role at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law.

Tan’s Background and Experience

Tan will be appointed CEO-designate of Ipos from February 10, before officially taking over in March. He is currently a member of EDB’s executive committee and the statutory board’s executive vice-president, where he oversees the global enterprises and marketing group. He began his career at the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2002 and later joined EDB’s infocomms and media division in 2006, taking on job postings in Japan and Europe.

EDB Leadership Changes

This move is the latest leadership shake-up at the EDB. Managing director Jacqueline Poh will be stepping down to join the Ministry of Trade and Industry as deputy secretary for industry. She will be succeeded by Jermaine Loy, currently the principal private secretary to Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who will take up his new role on March 1.

Ipos’ Lee’s Achievements

The Ministry of Law credited Ipos’ Lee for elevating Singapore’s position as a global intellectual property (IP) and intangible assets hub during her term. Under her leadership, Singapore maintained its position as the most innovative country in the South-east Asia, East Asia and Oceania region in the Global Innovation Index, and achieved its highest global ranking in a decade, ranking fourth globally.

Conclusion

The appointment of Tan Kong Hwee as the new CEO of Ipos marks a significant change in the leadership of the office. With his extensive experience in the field, he is well-equipped to take on the role and drive the mission and regulation of intellectual property to new heights, both nationally and internationally.

FAQs

Q: Who will succeed Rena Lee as CEO of Ipos?
A: Tan Kong Hwee will succeed Lee as CEO of Ipos from March 1.

Q: What will be Tan’s role at EDB before taking over as CEO of Ipos?
A: Tan will be appointed CEO-designate of Ipos from February 10, before officially taking over in March.

Q: What is Tan’s current role at EDB?
A: Tan is currently a member of EDB’s executive committee and the statutory board’s executive vice-president, overseeing the global enterprises and marketing group.

Q: What are Tan’s qualifications and experience?
A: Tan has over 20 years of experience in the public service, including stints at the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Singapore Economic Development Board.