New CEO for National Arts Council

SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) has appointed Ms Kathy Lai as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Arts Council (NAC).

Her appointment will take effect from Nov 1, 2013. Ms Yvonne Tham, currently covering CEO of NAC, will continue as Deputy CEO when Ms Lai takes over.

The 48-year-old replaces former NAC CEO Benson Puah, who stepped down on Aug 1 this year.

Ms Lai, who is currently Assistant CEO of IE Singapore, has over 20 years of experience in international trade, public sector administration and governance.

Apart from this, she has been a student of music and is a competent pianist. As an adult, she learned how to play the gamelan, a traditional music ensemble from Indonesia.

She also collects art, is an avid reader of contemporary literature, and enjoys the performing arts.

ellenja@sph.com.sg