Urban Redevelopment Authority to get new CEO; next chief planner appointed
Urban Redevelopment Authority to get new CEO; next chief planner appointed
Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is set for a significant leadership transition as the Ministry of National Development (MND) announced that Ms. Adele Tan Shiao Ling will be appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2026. This move comes as the current CEO, Mr. Lim Eng Hwee, prepares to step down on August 31 after a distinguished tenure leading the nation's land-use planning agency. Alongside this appointment, Ms. Yvonne Lim Li Chuen will ascend to the roles of Deputy CEO and Chief Planner, ensuring a seamless continuation of Singapore's long-term urban strategies and sustainable development goals.
Featured Snippet: On March 20, 2026, the Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced that Ms. Adele Tan Shiao Ling will succeed Mr. Lim Eng Hwee as the CEO of URA starting September 1, 2026. Ms. Tan, currently the Deputy CEO and Chief Planner, has nearly 30 years of public service experience. Concurrently, Ms. Yvonne Lim Li Chuen, the current Group Director for Physical Planning, will be appointed as the new Deputy CEO and Chief Planner. This leadership change marks a new chapter for Singapore's urban planning, focusing on the Draft Master Plan 2025 and the Long-Term Plan Review.
A Strategic Transition in Singapore's Urban Leadership
The leadership change at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) represents a calculated strategic move by the Singapore government to maintain momentum in its urban transformation efforts. Adele Tan, the incoming CEO, is no stranger to the complexities of land-use planning in a land-constrained nation. Her appointment is seen as a validation of her significant contributions to the Draft Master Plan 2025 and the Long-Term Plan Review (LTPR) 2022. By promoting from within, the MND ensures that the institutional knowledge and the long-term vision established under Lim Eng Hwee’s leadership remain intact while introducing fresh perspectives for future challenges.
Who is Adele Tan Shiao Ling? The New Face of URA
Ms. Adele Tan Shiao Ling brings nearly three decades of experience in the Singapore public service to her new role as CEO. Before her current appointment as Deputy CEO and Chief Planner in 2023, she served as the Chief Infrastructure Planning Officer at the Ministry of National Development. Her career has been defined by her ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams across various workstreams, including environmental sustainability, infrastructure planning, and the innovative use of underground space. Her leadership during the Long-Term Plan Review involved engaging over 15,000 citizens, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive and data-driven planning.
The Legacy of Lim Eng Hwee: Eight Years of Transformation
Mr. Lim Eng Hwee, who has served as URA’s CEO since September 2017, leaves behind a legacy of innovation and modernization. Under his guidance, URA successfully delivered the Draft Master Plans of 2019 and 2025. He was instrumental in advancing the rejuvenation of Orchard Road and the development of major business nodes like the Jurong Lake District and Paya Lebar Air Base. Beyond physical planning, Mr. Lim is credited with digitizing URA’s processes, leading to the agency's designation as the "Whole-of-Government Urban Planning & Design Technology Centre of Excellence." His tenure emphasized evidence-based decision-making and strong public-private partnerships.
Yvonne Lim Li Chuen Appointed as Next Chief Planner
Replacing Adele Tan in the dual role of Deputy CEO and Chief Planner is Ms. Yvonne Lim Li Chuen, the current Group Director for Physical Planning. Ms. Lim has been a pillar of URA’s planning division since 2015, leading the conceptualization and implementation of several Master Plan reviews. Her work on the Draft Master Plan 2025 engagement exercise was particularly noteworthy, reaching over 220,000 participants. As Chief Planner, she will be responsible for translating high-level strategic intents into implementable land-use policies that balance economic growth with social liveability and environmental resilience.
| Key Personnel | New Role (Effective Sept 1, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Adele Tan Shiao Ling | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) |
| Yvonne Lim Li Chuen | Deputy CEO & Chief Planner |
| Lim Eng Hwee | Stepping down as CEO |
Navigating Future Challenges: Sustainability and Resiliency
The new leadership team faces a unique set of challenges as Singapore moves toward 2030 and beyond. Climate change mitigation is at the forefront of the urban agenda, with projects like "Long Island" requiring meticulous planning to protect the coastline while creating new recreational spaces. Adele Tan’s background in environmental sustainability will be crucial as URA seeks to integrate more nature-based solutions into the urban fabric. Furthermore, the need for flexible land-use strategies in a post-pandemic world demands a rethink of how office spaces, residential areas, and industrial hubs interact within a "live-work-play" ecosystem.
Innovation in Underground Space and Land Optimization
One of the key focus areas for the incoming CEO is the optimization of Singapore's limited land through the advancement of underground space planning. Ms. Tan has previously led initiatives to better coordinate infrastructure, storage, and utilities beneath the surface. This "vertical" expansion is essential for freeing up surface land for parks, housing, and social amenities. By driving innovation in underground development, URA aims to ensure that Singapore remains one of the most liveable cities in Asia despite its geographic constraints.
The Importance of Public Engagement in Modern Planning
Both Adele Tan and Yvonne Lim have demonstrated a strong commitment to public consultation. The Draft Master Plan 2025 saw the largest public engagement in URA's history, highlighting a shift toward a more collaborative planning process. This inclusive approach ensures that the "aspirations of Singaporeans" are reflected in the city’s physical growth. Moving forward, the new leadership is expected to leverage digital platforms and immersive technologies to make the planning process even more accessible and transparent to the general public.
Future Growth Areas: From Jurong to Orchard Road
The leadership transition will not slow down the development of Singapore's key growth nodes. The Jurong Lake District is set to become the largest business district outside the city center, while the Paya Lebar Air Base redevelopment offers a blank canvas for a future-ready, sustainable town. Additionally, the ongoing rejuvenation of Orchard Road into a lush green corridor remains a top priority. Under Adele Tan’s leadership, these projects will likely see a renewed focus on "resilience and flexibility," ensuring they can adapt to future economic shifts and technological advancements.
Conclusion
The appointment of Adele Tan as CEO and Yvonne Lim as Chief Planner marks a pivotal moment for the Urban Redevelopment Authority. As Singapore continues to redefine urban living in the 21st century, these leaders bring the expertise and vision necessary to navigate the complexities of sustainability, land optimization, and community engagement. While the departure of Lim Eng Hwee marks the end of a transformative era, the new leadership is well-positioned to build upon his legacy, ensuring that Singapore remains a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant global city for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will the new URA leadership appointments take effect?
The new appointments for CEO, Deputy CEO, and Chief Planner will take effect on September 1, 2026.
2. Who is succeeding Lim Eng Hwee as the CEO of URA?
Ms. Adele Tan Shiao Ling, the current Deputy CEO and Chief Planner, will succeed Mr. Lim Eng Hwee as the CEO.
3. What are Adele Tan's main areas of expertise?
Ms. Tan has extensive experience in environmental sustainability, infrastructure planning, liveability, and underground space development.
4. Who will be the new Chief Planner of Singapore?
Ms. Yvonne Lim Li Chuen, the current Group Director for Physical Planning, will take over the roles of Deputy CEO and Chief Planner.
5. What major projects did Lim Eng Hwee oversee during his tenure?
He oversaw the delivery of the Draft Master Plans 2019 and 2025, the Long-Term Plan Review 2022, and major developments in Jurong Lake District and Orchard Road.
Urban Redevelopment Authority to get new CEO; next chief planner appointed
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