PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency has appointed Mr. Ong Tze-Ch’in as its new Chief Executive (CE), effective from 1st November 2023. He will succeed Mr. Goh Si Hou, who is slated to undertake another significant leadership position within the Public Service. Additionally, Mr. Ong will retain his current position as Deputy Secretary (Resilience) at the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE), announced Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.
Mr. Goh Si Hou, aged 45, assumed the position of CE at PUB in 2022. During his tenure, he steered PUB in devising long-term strategies aimed at fortifying Singapore’s water security and climate resilience.
Under Mr. Goh's leadership, PUB formulated the Water Masterplan, outlining extensive infrastructure blueprints to ensure Singapore's water security. These initiatives encompass a substantial expansion of water reclamation and NEWater capacity, establishing sustainable water sources for Singapore.
Mr. Ong will retain his current position as Deputy Secretary (Resilience) at the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE)
Notable achievements under Mr. Goh's direction encompassed the completion of tunneling works for DTSS and the revitalization of the Kranji Water Reclamation Plant. To address sustained water demand, PUB enhanced collaborations with both the community and industry, reinforcing water conservation through initiatives like mandatory water recycling for water-intensive sectors and increased funding for water efficiency.
Mr. Goh also initiated PUB's drive towards sustainability, aiming to reduce long-term energy consumption, treatment waste, and carbon emissions. These endeavors to expand water resources, manage demand growth, and promote sustainability in PUB's operations are instrumental in shaping Singapore's sustainable water future.
Throughout Mr. Goh’s tenure, PUB furthered its role as the national coastal protection agency. He oversaw the formulation of policies and plans, laying the groundwork for long-term coastal protection efforts. Initiatives included launching public consultations and establishing a research program in coastal protection and flood management, augmenting local capabilities and fostering innovative solutions for Singapore. Mr. Goh amalgamated coastal protection with PUB's stormwater management function, enabling integrated planning, modeling, and solutioning to mitigate flood risks. These collective efforts aim to bolster Singapore’s resilience against rising sea levels and extreme rainfall amidst the challenges of climate change.
Mr. Ong Tze-Ch’in, aged 48, presently serves as Deputy Secretary (Resilience) at MSE, overseeing water and food policies, international relations, communications and engagement, and emergency planning. Prior to this role, he held pivotal leadership positions, including Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore and concurrent Deputy Secretary (SkillsFuture) at the Ministry of Education (MOE), Director of Military Intelligence / Chief C4I, and Commander of the 3rd Singapore Division in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Mr. Ong earned a Masters in Business Administration from INSEAD in 2010 and a Masters in Defence Studies from King’s College London in 2006. He graduated from Stanford University in 1998 with Masters and Bachelor degrees in Electrical Engineering.
