National Art Gallery gets new chairman

The upcoming National Art Gallery and the newly formed Visual Arts Cluster Advisory Board each have a new chairman.

The two men were appointed for a two-year term starting Monday.

Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, 62, who was the gallery's deputy chairman, has taken over the reins from Mr Koh Seow Chuan, 73, its chairman since 2009.

Mr Hsieh is also non-executive chairman of United Overseas Bank and president of the National Council of Social Service.

Three new members were also appointed to the gallery board for a two-year term starting Monday.

In a joint press release, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the National Art Gallery said Mr Koh helped shape the gallery's "strategic framework and played a key role in its architectural developments".

In his letter of appreciation to Mr Koh, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong said: "Your strong guidance and dedicated service has helped put the gallery on a strong foundation as it gears up for its opening in 2015."

The 60,000 sq m gallery at the City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings will focus on the richness and diversity of art from Singapore and South-east Asia.

Meanwhile, Mr Koh has been appointed chairman of the Visual Arts Cluster Advisory Board, which was formed on Monday. It will provide thought leadership to institutions in the visual arts cluster, namely the National Art Gallery, Singapore Art Museum and Singapore Tyler Print Institute.


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