Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) has appointed Ms Chua Sock Koong has been selected as Group CEO. This appointment is expected to take effect on 1 April 2007.
Ms Chua, who joined SingTel in 1989, has had 17 years of experience with the SingTel Group. She currently holds the positions of CEO (International) and Group CFO. Her International portfolio comprises the key drivers of SingTel’s international business, with responsibility for the Group’s strategic investments, as well as its IT business arm, NCS. In addition to her International portfolio, Ms Chua is also responsible for overseeing Group Information Systems, Group Finance and Corporate Affairs (which spans group strategy, treasury, tax, legal, investor relations and corporate communications).
Mr Chumpol NaLamlieng said, “We are deeply appreciative of Hsien Yang’s leadership and his many achievements as Group CEO, and are pleased that he intends to stay until the end of the fourth quarter to ensure a smooth and orderly transition. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Ms Chua said, “Hsien Yang has built up SingTel into a regarded telecom operator with an unrivalled footprint in the region. I am honoured to have the challenge of continuing to build on its success and to be able to work with an excellent team that any CEO would be proud to lead.”
Speaking at a news conference, Chua signalled there would be no change to SingTel's strategy of looking to external markets for long-term growth when she takes charge next year.
"SingTel is in a very strong position... I would like to to build on the strengths of the group," Chua said. "The overseas business continues to be our area of growth... we will continue to see how we can make sensible investments," she said, adding that existing stakes in mobile associates could be raised if conditions permit. She said SingTel's strategy in Southeast Asia would not be affected by the political turmoil as a result of a military coup against Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
