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James Koh Cher Siang

In this Chinese name, the family name is Koh.
James Koh Cher Siang
PJG PPA(E)
Chairman of the Housing and Development Board
In office
1 October 2007 (2007-10-01) – 30 September 2016 (2016-09-30)
Preceded byAline Wong
Succeeded byBobby Chin Yoke Choong
Chairman of the Urban Redevelopment Authority
In office
April 1981 (1981-04) – 30 April 1987 (1987-04-30)
Preceded byTan Eng Liang
Succeeded byKhoo Cheng Lim
Personal details
Born
Koh Cher Siang

(1946-02-05) 5 February 1946 (age 79)
Colony of Singapore
Children3
Alma materHarvard University (MPA)
University of Oxford (MA, BA)
Raffles Institution
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese許慈祥
Simplified Chinese许慈祥
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinXǔ Cíxiáng
IPA[ɕù.tsʰɹ̩̌.ɕiǎŋ]

James Koh Cher Siang PJG PPA(E) (born 5 February 1942) is a Singaporean former civil servant and he was the chairman of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (1981–1987) and the Housing and Development Board (2007–2016).

Koh served as a director of DBS Bank (1981–1996),[1][2] National Kidney Foundation (2005–2007),[3] Singapore Airlines (2005–2011),[4][5] United Overseas Land (2005–2012),[6][7] CapitaMall Trust (2009–2013) and United Overseas Bank (2012–2021).[8][9][10]

Early life and education

[edit]

On 5 February 1946, Koh was born, and his family lived in a shophouse on Fisher Street, located in Clarke Quay. His father left his first wife and two children and migrated to Singapore from China. Working as a shopkeeper, his father sold souvenirs in his own shop along Change Alley. His mother was the second wife, and Koh had two other siblings — a brother and a sister.[11]

In 1952, Koh and his family moved to a government flat built by the Singapore Improvement Trust, located on Kim Pong Road in Tiong Bahru. Koh received his early education at Tiong Bahru Primary School, and later Outram Secondary School, where he graduated with a School Certificate of Commercial Education of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.[12][13][14] As Koh could not progress to university with his current qualifications, he worked as a stenographer at the East Asiatic Company, while taking night classes at the Adult Education Board (now merged to form the Institute of Technical Education) to obtain a Senior Cambridge. Eventually, Koh studied at Raffles Institution.[11]

In 1966, Koh was chosen by the Public Service Commission as one of the first nine President's Scholars,[a] after Singapore gained independence in 1965.[15][16] Koh enrolled into the University of Oxford, and studied in the Balliol College. In 1969, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in politics, philosophy and economics.[11][17]

In 1973, Koh graduated from the University of Oxford with a Master of Arts in politics, philosophy and economics, and in 1974, he graduated with a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University.[17][18]

Career

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Early career

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In 1969, Koh began his career in the economic planning unit of the Ministry of Finance, and his supervisors were Ngiam Tong Dow and Bernard Chen Tian Lap. Shortly after, Koh was promoted to head the manpower planning unit of the ministry, looking into the training programmes required for Singaporean workers to upgrade their skills.[19] In 1971, Koh was promoted once again, becoming the assistant director of the economic planning unit.[20]

Upon his return to Singapore in 1974, Koh continued to work in the economic planning unit, overseeing economic plans and policies. Soon after, Koh was transferred to the Ministry of National Development (MND), serving as its principal assistant secretary. Koh was involved in projects such as the resettlement of farmers located in Lim Chu Kang and Punggol, and the construction of Benjamin Sheares Bridge.[18] In 1977, Koh returned to the economic planning unit, and concurrently served as the deputy secretary in the Prime Minister's Office.[21][22]

Urban Redevelopment Authority (1979–1987)

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In February 1979, Koh was appointed as permanent secretary for MND and acting chairman of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).[17][23][24] In March 1979, Teh Cheang Wan appointed Koh as deputy chairman of the Housing and Development Board (HDB).[25][26] In April 1981, Koh was promoted to chairman of URA and announced plans to redevelop the Central Business District.[27][28]

On 19 April 1983, to develop projects such as the Jurong Expressway (now known as Ayer Rajah Expressway), Koh signed an agreement with Malaysian Transport Ministry secretary general Ishak Tadin to release 15.3 ha (38 acres) of land owned by the Keretapi Tanah Melayu to Singapore.[29][30]

In July 1984, Koh announced an S$8 million exhibition to showcase 25 years of nation-building, and said the show is "one of the biggest, if not the biggest" ever to be held in Singapore.[31][32]

On 1 February 1987, following the death of Teh Cheang Wan, Koh remained as the second permanent secretary for MND, while Ngiam Tong Dow took over as the first permanent secretary for the ministry.[33][34] On 1 May 1987, Koh was succeeded by Khoo Cheng Lim as chairman of URA.[35][36] During a farewell dinner for Koh, Liu Thai Ker, deputy chairman of URA, praised Koh for leading URA through its "golden age".[37] On 15 July 1987, Koh was transferred to become permanent secretary for the Ministry of Community Development.[38][39] On 23 December 1987, Koh was one of the founding members of the Tote Board,[40][41] along with three other individuals.[b]

Later career

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On 1 June 1994, Koh swapped portfolios with Er Kwong Wah of the Ministry of Education.[42][43] During an interview with The Straits Times in 1995, Koh advocated for teachers to be equipped with 21st century skills and be prepared for the future.[44]

On 1 April 1997, Koh left MOE to become the commissioner of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, succeeding Koh Yong Guan.[45][46] Koh retired on 1 July 2005.[47][48]

On 1 October 2007, Koh took over as chairman of the Housing and Development Board from Aline Wong, after serving as its deputy chairman since July 2005.[49][50] He was succeeded by Bobby Chin Yoke Choong on 30 September 2016.[51][52]

Personal life

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Koh and his wife, Lucia Tang Nguk Kee, have two sons and a daughter. His wife died on 10 May 2003.[53]

Koh plays golf, and he took part in competitions against his Malaysian counterparts throughout his career.[54][55]

Awards and decorations

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Notes

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  1. ^ Namely, Lee Yock Suan, Chia Chee Liong, Barry Henry Patrick Desker, Mark Hong Tat Soon, Lee Choon Huat, Leong Yu Kiang, Sim Yong Chan, and Tan Leng Cheo.[15]
  2. ^ Namely, Tan Chin Tuan, Hsu Tse-Kwang, and Sim Kee Boon.[40]

References

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  1. ^ "New DBS directors". The Straits Times. 17 October 1981. p. 19. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  2. ^ "DBS Bank director quits". The Straits Times. 14 May 1996. p. 39. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  3. ^ Yin, Jasmine (21 July 2005). "New NKF board named". Today. p. 2. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  4. ^ "Koh Cher Siang joins SIA board". The Business Times. 2 August 2005. p. 4. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  5. ^ "Jackson Tai named SIA independent director". The Business Times. 1 September 2011. p. 9. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  6. ^ "UOL APPOINTS NON-EXEC DIRECTORS". The Straits Times. 28 November 2005. p. 19. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  7. ^ "UOL Group's Director resigns | Singapore Business Review". sbr.com.sg. 27 February 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  8. ^ "James Koh Cher Siang resigns as CapitaMall Trust chairman | Singapore Business Review". sbr.com.sg. 3 April 2013. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  9. ^ "United Overseas Bank appoints James Koh Cher Siang as Director | Singapore Business Review". sbr.com.sg. 2 September 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  10. ^ "Chairman's Statement". United Overseas Bank. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  11. ^ a b c Koh, James (16 May 2008). "Oral History Interview Reel 1". www.nas.gov.sg. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  12. ^ "Outram Luminaries". Outram Secondary School. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  13. ^ Yeo, Toon Joo (10 September 1992). "Outram and 30 years after". The Straits Times. p. 5. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  14. ^ Koh, Leslie (29 August 1999). "Outram Secondary moves back home". The Straits Times. p. 25. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  15. ^ a b "Nine top pupils receive the President's Scholarship". The Straits Times. 24 April 1966. p. 13. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  16. ^ George, Cherian (9 August 1993). "TOP OF THE CROPS". The Straits Times. p. 4. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  17. ^ a b c "Top job in govt goes to Sim". The Straits Times. 12 February 1979. p. 1. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  18. ^ a b Koh, James (6 June 2008). "Oral History Interview Reel 3". www.nas.gov.sg. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  19. ^ "They help to upgrade managerial skills". New Nation. 9 February 1972. p. 9. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  20. ^ Koh, James (16 May 2008). "Oral History Interview Reel 2". www.nas.gov.sg. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  21. ^ "Lindungi laburan: Singapura- Swiss akur" [Protect the harbor: Singapore-Switzerland accord]. Berita Harian (in Malay). 19 November 1977. p. 8. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  22. ^ "S'pura-Belgium akur galakkan pelaburan" [Singapore, Belgium agree to encourage investment]. Berita Harian (in Malay). 28 January 1978. p. 6. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  23. ^ "KHIDMAT AWAM DIROMBAK" [Public Service Overhauled]. Berita Harian (in Malay). 12 February 1979. p. 1. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  24. ^ "It's from Feb 25". The Straits Times. 19 March 1979. p. 9. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  25. ^ "HDB deputy chairman". The Straits Times. 5 March 1979. p. 12. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  26. ^ "Dhana pemangku Menlu" [Dhana acting Foreign Minister]. Berita Harian (in Malay). 5 March 1979. p. 10. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  27. ^ Koh, James (6 June 2008). "Oral History Interview Reel 4". www.nas.gov.sg. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  28. ^ "The challenge is to do the job better". The Straits Times. 15 April 1984. p. 9. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  29. ^ "Singapore-KL accord on railway land signed". The Straits Times. 20 April 1983. p. 8. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  30. ^ "Perjanjian tanah KTM dimeterai" [KTM land deal signed]. Berita Harian (in Malay). 20 April 1983. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  31. ^ "$8m show to cap 25 year joy". The Straits Times. 12 July 1984. p. 40. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  32. ^ Oei, Sin Giok (11 July 1984). "$8 MILLION SHOW TO PROJECT OUR HISTORY". Singapore Monitor. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  33. ^ "Ngiam named MND's First Perm Sec". The Straits Times. 21 January 1987. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  34. ^ "Ngiam to be a permanent secretary at MND". The Business Times. 21 January 1987. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  35. ^ "NUS don appointed chairman of URA". The Straits Times. 25 April 1987. p. 38. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  36. ^ "University dean to head URA from May 1". The Business Times. 25 April 1987. p. 16. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  37. ^ "Ex-chairman of URA praised for 'golden age' under his lead". The Straits Times. 19 May 1987. p. 16. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  38. ^ Tan, Teck Huat (6 July 1987). "Five top civil servants to change posts". The Straits Times. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  39. ^ "Some changes in the top echelons of the civil service". The Business Times. 6 July 1987. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  40. ^ a b "Dr Goh to head". The Straits Times. 24 December 1987. p. 1. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  41. ^ "Lagi jawatan untuk Dr Goh" [More positions for Dr Goh]. Berita Harian (in Malay). 24 December 1987. p. 8. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  42. ^ "Rombakan jawatan Setiausaha Tetap" [Reshuffle of Permanent Secretary positions]. Berita Harian (in Malay). 23 April 1994. p. 2. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  43. ^ "Eddie Teo is new Defence permanent secretary". The Straits Times. 30 April 1994. p. 5. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  44. ^ "Basic role remains but new skills needed". The Straits Times. 27 August 1995. p. 8. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  45. ^ "Education gets two new permanent secretaries". The Straits Times. 1 March 1997. p. 2. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  46. ^ Chuang, Peck Ming (1 March 1997). "Reshuffle of top civil servants". The Business Times. p. 2. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  47. ^ "New public sector appointments from July". Today. 12 May 2005. p. 8. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  48. ^ "Dua setiausaha tetap bersara" [Two permanent secretaries retire]. Berita Harian (in Malay). 12 May 2005. p. 2. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  49. ^ "HDB GETS A NEW CHAIRMAN". Today. 28 September 2007. p. 11. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  50. ^ Tan, Hui Yee (28 September 2007). "HDB chairman Aline Wong to step down; deputy to take over". The Straits Times. p. 66. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  51. ^ Chew, Hui Min (30 September 2016). "HDB to get new chairman on Oct 1". The Straits Times. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  52. ^ "Change of Chairman of the HDB Board". Ministry of National Development. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  53. ^ "Obituary". The Straits Times. 12 May 2003. p. 9. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
  54. ^ "Chok Tong's Johor golf date". The Straits Times. 29 August 1985. p. 36. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  55. ^ "12 senior civil servants in Malaysia for games". The Straits Times. 23 September 1989. p. 15. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  56. ^ Chuang, Peck Ming (9 August 2002). "Yeo Ning Hong gets top National Day award". The Business Times. p. 8. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  57. ^ "Dr Yeo, Dr Chew terima pingat tertinggi negara" [Dr Yeo, Dr Chew receive country's highest medal]. Berita Harian (in Malay). 9 August 2002. p. 1. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  58. ^ "696 in the National Day awards list". The Straits Times. 9 August 1983. p. 9. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  59. ^ Wee, Agnes (28 January 1986). "Work to begin on restrictive rules". The Straits Times. p. 19. Retrieved 6 April 2025.