PRESS RELEASE
EMBARGOED TILL 2 MAY 2013, 2.30PM
LEADERSHIP RENEWAL AT NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD
SINGAPORE, 2 May 2013 – The National Heritage Board (NHB) will be appointing a new director, Ms Angelita Teo for the National Museum of Singapore whilst Mr Tan Boon Hui, Director of the Singapore Art Museum will take on a new appointment as Group Director/Programmes at the NHB. The appointments will take effect on 1 July 2013.
2 The changes are part of leadership renewal for the board, says Mrs Rosa Daniel, CEO, NHB. “Both Angelita and Boon Hui have done well in leading their teams over the years. NHB is constantly grooming our talents to take on bigger roles that will challenge them. I look forward to their contributions in growing our heritage and museum sector.”
3 Ms Angelita Teo was previously the Deputy Director of National Museum before she went on a scholarship to pursue a MA in Curatorship at the University of Melbourne. She returned in 2011 to head the Festivals and Precinct Development Division which has been credited with growing the Night Festival, a highly anticipated cultural event in Singapore. The Singapore HeritageFest under her charge has also generated significant visitorship numbers and attracted much involvement from partners around the island.
4 Since 2009, Mr Tan has been leading the development of SAM’s contemporary art tract making it one of the most sought after contemporary art museums in the SE Asia region. During his term, he re-positioned the museum as a centre for the collection and presentation of contemporary Southeast Asian art, leading the curatorial team in building up one of the most important collections of regional art. Mr Tan also sits on the working committee for constitution and membership of the International Biennales Association and is a PLATFORM Committee member of the FRAC Personalities in France.
5 In his new role, Mr Tan will oversee the implementation of NHB’s exhibitions, programming and outreach activities to achieve greater synergies. This newly-created role will tap on Mr Tan’s expertise in programming and curation. A search for a new director for the Singapore Art Museum will commence immediately.
6 After 28 years at the Board, including 10 years as Director of the National Museum, Ms Lee Chor Lin, will be leaving the National Museum. Ms Lee started her museum career at the National Museum before moving on to Asian Civilisations Museum and returned to the National Museum in 2003 as director. She was instrumental in leading the revamp of the National Museum.
7 Speaking about the outgoing Director, National Museum, Mrs Daniel says: “Chor Lin has contributed greatly to the National Museum, by setting a high benchmark both in terms of museum excellence and curatorship. Her contributions are long-lasting and she will be missed greatly by her colleagues. I wish her success in her next role.”
8 “Chor Lin is a true museum professional. Her keen aesthetic eye and passion for arts and heritage has helped build the National Museum’s strong standing here and overseas. We thank Chor Lin for her many contributions. I am confident that Angelita’s energy and perspective will bring the National Museum to a new level. I am also looking forward to Boon Hui’s creative flair in enhancing our many programmes. I wish them all well in their new appointments,” says Mr Ong Yew Huat, Chairman, NHB.
<<Please refer to the attached pdf for full contents of the press release, including more information on Angelita Teo and Tan Boon Hui>>