By Azhagiya Pandiyan

The Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) lost two senior people in quick succession.

CEO Hernaikh Singh, who had been in the post since 2009, and senior manager Nirman Singh, who had been with SICCI for six years, resigned last week.

Their resignations come on the heels of a hotly-contested election in April, which saw the team headed by incumbent chairman R. Narayanamohan win and form the new board of directors.

When asked to comment on the timing of his resignation, Mr Hernaikh said: "SICCI's secretariat and the CEO is always neutral to the election process. Regardless of who contests or wins, we work with the elected board. My leaving has nothing to do with the April elections."

He added that Mr Nirman's resignation at about the same time was just coincidental.

Mr Narayanamohan said the board unanimously accepted both resignations on June 28 and that the search for a new CEO has begun.