Former SkillsFuture chief Ong Tze-Ch’in to lead PUB as new Chief Executive

SINGAPORE: PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, is set to welcome a new Chief Executive (CE) to its helm, as Mr Ong Tze-Ch’in takes up the role on November 1, 2023.

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) announced on Tuesday (19 Sept) that Mr Ong will succeed Mr Goh Si Hou as the new chief executive, while Mr Goh will transition to a senior leadership position within the public service.

Currently serving as the deputy secretary for resilience at MSE, Mr Ong, aged 48, oversees various critical areas, including water and food policies, international relations, communications and engagement, as well as emergency planning.

Mr Ong will maintain his current role as deputy secretary for resilience at MSE while taking on the responsibilities of the chief executive of PUB.

Mr Ong has held significant leadership positions in various organizations, including serving as the chief executive of SkillsFuture Singapore and as the deputy secretary for SkillsFuture at the Ministry of Education.

Mr Goh Si Hou’s leadership in PUB

Mr Goh, aged 45, has been the CEO of PUB since July 2022.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in crafting the water master plan, which outlined Singapore’s long-term water security strategies.

His contributions encompassed the expansion of water reclamation and Newater capacity, as well as the successful completion of crucial infrastructure projects such as the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System and the redevelopment of the Kranji Water Reclamation Plant.

Under Mr Goh’s leadership, PUB collaborated with the community and industry to enhance water conservation efforts, and he initiated sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing long-term energy consumption, treatment waste, and carbon emissions.

Additionally, Mr Goh guided PUB in its new role as the national coastal protection agency.

He was instrumental in developing policies and long-term plans for coastal protection, launching public consultations, and establishing a new research program in coastal protection and flood management.

Ong Tze-Ch’in as PUB’s Incoming CE

Mr. Ong Tze-Ch’in, aged 48, also served as Director of Military Intelligence / Chief C4I, and Commander of the 3rd Singapore Division in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Mr Ong brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position, with a Masters in Business Administration from INSEAD (2010), a Masters in Defence Studies from King’s College London (2006), and Masters and Bachelor degrees in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University (1998).

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) extends its heartfelt appreciation to Mr Goh for his exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions to PUB and the MSE family.