The National Gallery of Singapore (NGS) and Singapore Art Museum (SAM) announced today that Chng Hak-Peng will succeed Dr Eugene Tan as chief executive officer of NGS, effective from January 1, 2027. Tan will step back from his NGS duties at the end of the year to concentrate on his role as SAM’s chief executive officer and director.

Chng brings over 30 years’ experience in Singapore’s arts and culture sector. From 2014 to 2022, he served first as deputy chair, then as chief executive officer, of the Singapore Symphony Group; under his leadership, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra was awarded third place in Gramophone magazine’s Orchestra of the Year 2021, the only Asian orchestra among the nominees. Prior, he spent a decade at the management consultancy Bain & Company. He currently serves on the boards of Library and Archives Solutions, a subsidiary of Singapore’s National Library Board, and Duke-NUS Medical School, and chairs the advisory council of Chua Chu Kang Secondary School. Chng is a PhD candidate in history at the National University of Singapore as well as a long-time volunteer docent for local institutions such as the Asian Civilizations Museum.

In a press release, Chng described the appointment as an opportunity to continue “making the arts accessible and meaningful to our communities . . . [and] to strengthen the role that the arts play in our society.” NGS chairman Peter Ho welcomed the appointment, stating that Chng’s “record of transforming the beloved ensembles of the Singapore Symphony Group speaks for itself,” and that they are “confident the Gallery is in good hands as it continues to grow its voice for Singapore and Southeast Asian art.”

Tan has held the role of NGS director since 2013 and took on the directorship of SAM in 2019. He was appointed CEO of both institutions in 2024. In stepping back from the NGS, Tan said he was “grateful to have had the privilege of leading both NGS and SAM,” and that this is “the right time for each to benefit from dedicated leadership.” 

The joint statement framed the split as reflecting “the continued development of both institutions as they enter a new phase of growth,” while noting the two museums will remain “natural partners” that continue to work closely in promoting and showcasing art and culture from Singapore and beyond.

Harison Butler is an editorial intern at ArtAsiaPacific.