Hetakes over the role on 1 January 2014 from present incumbent Lam Yi Young, whihas held the post since May 2009.

Tan,46, a graduated from King’s College, University of London, was recently chiefexecutive of Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA).

Hehas held various senior roles in Singapore’s civil service and at one point wasprincipal private secretary to former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Announcingthe leadership change, Singapore’s Ministry of Transport thanked Lam “for hissignificant contributions.”

Theministry noted that during his tenure Singapore maintained its standing as theworld’s busiest port in terms of annual vessel arrivals by tonnage.

TheRepublic also remained the world’s top bunkering port and ranked among theworld’s top ten ship registries.

Ministryofficials said Lam will now be posted to another ministry as part of hisAdministrative Service tour, however details were not disclosed.

TheMPA is a statutory board with the responsibility for formulating policies andstrategies in support of Singapore’s drive to be an attractive maritime hub.

Specific functionsinclude attracting shipowners, operators and ancillary maritime service to thecountry and contributing to international efforts in navigational safety,maritime security and protection of the marine environment.