Singapore IMDA appoints new CEO

1 min readDec 20, 20168:15 AM

In this article (5)

Singapore has appointed Tan Kiat How as chief executive of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) from January 1, 2017.

Tan, currently deputy secretary (cyber and technology) at the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI), succeeds Gabriel Lim, who will continue to serve as second permanent secretary (communications and information), said MCI in a media release.

Prior to his stint at MCI, Tan served at the former Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), the Ministry of Finance and the Pioneer Generation Office (PGO).

Tan’s previous contributions include helping to develop the Intelligent Nation 2015 plan and implement the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network at the then-IDA. He was also involved in refining the national cybersecurity strategy with the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) in his time at MCI.

Lim was appointed co-managing director of IDA in May, in preparation for the formation of IMDA on October 1. He oversaw the establishment of the TechSkills Accelerator, a new hub for skills development and job placement, and preparations for Singapore’s fourth mobile network operator.

Prior to that, Lim was appointed CEO of the former Media Development Authority of Singapore on December 8, 2014.

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What this means

The appointment of Tan Kiat How as IMDA's CEO, following Gabriel Lim's transition, signals a focus on maintaining Singapore's aggressive digital agenda. Tan's prior involvement in Intelligent Nation 2015 and national broadband implementation suggests a continuation of policies aimed at robust infrastructure development. This strategic appointment is crucial given Singapore's proactive stance on digital innovation, unlike the retail sector's store closings seen with Oh!Some or the market entry strategy of PharmaResearch. The stability in leadership aims to solidify Singapore's position in a competitive regional tech landscape, pressuring rivals to accelerate their own digital infrastructure investments. Watch for IMDA's immediate policy pronouncements regarding the fourth mobile network operator.

Aiko Tanaka · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

When will Tan Kiat How officially start his role as CEO of IMDA?

Tan Kiat How is scheduled to commence his duties as the chief executive of the Infocomm Media Development Authority on January 1, 2017. He is currently deputy secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information.

What roles did Gabriel Lim hold before the formation of IMDA?

Prior to IMDA's formation, Gabriel Lim was appointed co-managing director of IDA in May and CEO of the former Media Development Authority of Singapore on December 8, 2014.

What were some of Tan Kiat How's key contributions in previous roles?

Tan Kiat How helped develop the Intelligent Nation 2015 plan and implemented the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network at IDA. He also refined the national cybersecurity strategy with the CSA.

What initiatives did Gabriel Lim oversee in preparation for IMDA's establishment?

Gabriel Lim oversaw the establishment of the TechSkills Accelerator, a new hub for skills development and job placement. He also managed preparations for Singapore’s fourth mobile network operator.

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