Oon to take on Sports Hub role in May

SINGAPORE - Oon Jin Teik's extensive experience in the local sports scene is expected to provide a crucial boost to the Singapore Sports Hub in transiting from construction to operation.

The 51-year-old former Singapore Sports Council chief was confirmed as the $1.33 billion project's new chief operating officer (COO) in a statement on Thursday from the consortium. He will take over from current COO Poh Yu Khing - who will continue to serve in a leadership role in the sports hub set-up - from May.

Said the sports hub's chief executive officer Philippe Collin Delavaud: "I am really pleased to welcome Jin Teik on board the Sports Hub management team.

"With his extensive corporate experience, global business development credentials and a keen understanding and passion for sport, I believe Jin Teik will be a valuable addition to the senior leadership team and contribute to the long-term success of the Singapore Sports Hub."

Oon declined to comment when contacted but will be addressing the media at a later date.

The 35ha state-of-the-art facility is slated to open from next month, with the OCBC Aquatic Centre and OCBC Arena hosting the South-east Asia Swimming Championships and World University Floorball Championships respectively in June.

The appointment marks a return to the Singapore sports scene for Oon, after a three-year stint in the private sector as water treatment firm Hyflux's group executive vice-president, global marketing and South-east Asia.

He headed the SSC from 2004 to 2010 during which Singapore hosted major events like the Youth Olympic Games, and also oversaw the early development of the sports hub. The former national swimmer and 1980 Sportsboy of the Year competed at the 1984 Olympics and was also part of the relay teams who won two bronzes at the 1986 Asian Games.

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