Kathy Lai to return to IE Singapore from 31 Oct 2016

Ms Kathy Lai, Chief Executive Officer of National Arts Council (NAC) will be returning to IE Singapore after completing her tenure as CEO of NAC on 31 Oct 2016. She will assume the appointment of Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Special Duties) at IE Singapore. Mr Paul Tan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NAC, will serve as the covering Chief Executive Officer in the interim.

Appointed on 1 Nov 2013, Ms Lai has played a significant role in facilitating the growth of the arts in Singapore. She oversaw the re-opening of the iconic performing arts center – the Victoria Theater and Concert Hall, the return of the Singapore International Festival of the Arts in 2014 and Singapore's return to the Venice Biennale in 2015. Under her leadership, NAC spearheaded partnerships with key stakeholders to commission a series of creative arts programmes and exhibitions ranging from music, visual, literary arts, to traditional and contemporary arts in celebration of SG50.

Ms Lai believed in making the arts accessible to all Singaporeans and promoting the arts for the enjoyment of all. NAC's place-making efforts in the Civic District brought the arts closer to Singaporeans while collaboration with more partners offered children, including those with disabilities, greater access to a wide range of arts education offerings.

During her time at NAC, Ms Lai also emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy, believing that the arts could create new dimensions in relationships between countries and strengthen people-to-people relations. New partnerships were established beyond the Singapore shores to create more platforms for our artists to profile their practice on the international stage and to showcase the best of Singapore art to the world.

Professor Chan Heng Chee, Chairman, NAC, said: “Kathy has strengthened NAC and won the respect of the arts community during her stewardship. Her leadership provided vision and challenged the staff to reach higher standards of excellence. Her conviction that the arts can become an integral part in everyone's lives has resulted in a greater commitment by the Council to engage the wider Singapore public. Figures of public participation in the arts have gone up. Under her watch, meaningful partnerships between countries were established as part of growing new markets and audiences for our Singapore artists. The Council is fully appreciative of her contributions, and we wish her all the best as she continues to be a strong supporter and advocate for the arts.”

MCCY will work with the Council to identify a new CEO to lead the NAC into its next phase of growth.

MCCY would like to register its appreciation to Ms Kathy Lai for her significant contributions to the NAC. Ms Yeoh Chee Yan, Permanent Secretary, MCCY, said: “Kathy's efforts in promoting the development of the arts in Singapore are commendable. On behalf of the Ministry, I would like to thank Kathy for her contributions and dedicated leadership of NAC in its mission of championing the arts in Singapore and beyond, and making the arts accessible to all. While we identify the new CEO, Paul Tan will ensure that the NAC continues to provide strong support to the arts community in Singapore. “

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
21 October 2016