The Institute for Human Resource Professionals Announces New Board Appointments

Singapore, 12 August 2024 – The Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new board members for the 2024-2026 term. The incoming members bring a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives that will support IHRP’s mission to enhance Human Capital excellence and drive business transformation in Singapore.

• Mrs. Deborah Ong, Chairperson, Retired Partner, PwC Singapore

• Mr. Kenny Tan, Deputy Chairperson, Deputy Secretary (Workforce), Ministry of Manpower

• Mr. Alexander C. Melchers, Member, Director & General Manager, C. Melchers GmbH & Co. KG and Vice President, SNEF Council

• Mr. Akbar Kader, Member, Managing Director, Nan Guan Construction Pte Ltd and Vice President (SMCCI)

• Ms. Deanna Ong (IHRP Master Professional), Member, Chief People Officer, GIC 

• Mr. Edy Tan, Member, Chief Executive Officer, Chye Thiam Maintenance Pte Ltd

• Mr. Frank Koo, Member, Founder and Director, NextPlay Pte Ltd 

• Mr. Ian Lee, Member, President of Geographic Regions, The Adecco Group

• Ms. Kala Anandarajah, BBM, Member, Head, Competition & Antitrust and Trade, Lead Partner, Corporate Governance, Rajah & Tann

• Mr. Norbert Ehlert (IHRP Master Professional), Member, Senior Director, Human Resources, Procter & Gamble R&D, Greater China, APAC, Middle East, Africa 

• Ms. Pao Jia Yu, Member, Deputy Chief Executive (Planning), Workforce Singapore (WSG) – SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)

• Ms. Wendy Tan, Member, Senior Deputy Director, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)

• Mr. Edy Tan, Chief Executive Officer, Chye Thiam Maintenance Pte Ltd: As an SME leader, Edy will advocate for the interests of small and medium enterprises within the IHRP board, ensuring the diverse needs of SMEs in Singapore are addressed​.
• Mr. Ian Lee, President of Geographic Regions, The Adecco Group: Ian brings extensive leadership experience, having overseen operations across Asia Pacific. His global perspective and commitment to diversity will greatly benefit the IHRP board​.
• Ms. Pao Jia Yu, Deputy Chief Executive (Planning), Workforce Singapore (WSG) – SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG): Jia Yu plays a key role in shaping policies and strategies related to workforce development, skills training, and career advancement. With extensive experience particularly in education, skills development, and workforce planning, her work and contributions significantly impact Singapore’s efforts to build a skilled and adaptable workforce.
• Ms. Wendy Tan, Senior Deputy Director, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC): Wendy’s deep-rooted expertise in Industrial Relations and her focus on PME-related initiatives uniquely position her to provide guidance on these emerging areas within IHRP and ensuring that HR professionals are adequately equipped to meet the changing needs of the PME workforce.

• Ms. Aileen Tan, IHRP Master Professional and Group Chief People and Sustainability Officer, Singtel Group
• Mr. Andrew Chan, Co-Founder and Managing Director, The Soup Spoon
• Ms. Cham Hui Fong, Deputy Secretary-General, Group Director of Workforce, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)
• Ms. Doris Sohmen-Pao, Chief Executive Officer, Human Capital Leadership Institute (HCLI)
• Ms. Julia Ng, Assistant Chief Executive, Enterprise Development Group, Workforce Singapore (WSG)
• Ms. Low Peck Kem, IHRP Master Professional and CHRO & Advisor (Workforce Development), Public Services Division (PSD), Prime Minister’s Office
• Ms. Pearl Yu, Director, Keystone Cable Singapore

We express our gratitude to the outgoing board members for their invaluable contributions and dedication during their tenure. Their efforts have helped establish IHRP as a leading professional body committed to advancing HR standards and practices in Singapore.

Mr. Aslam Sardar, Chief Executive Officer of IHRP, expressed his gratitude. “Our outgoing board members have enriched IHRP with their diverse perspectives and vast industry experience, significantly advancing our mission to elevate human capital excellence in Singapore. Their leadership has been pivotal in guiding us on our journey, and we sincerely appreciate their invaluable contributions and guidance.”

Mrs. Deborah Ong, Chairperson of IHRP, added, “We are excited to welcome our new board members, whose expertise and passion for HR excellence will drive positive changes and outcomes for IHRP. We would also like to express our deep appreciation for the outgoing board members who have left an indelible mark in shaping the IHRP journey thus far and wish them the best as they continue on different paths to uplift the HR industry. Together, we will strengthen our role as a catalyst for business transformation and human capital development.”

The IHRP board looks forward to working collaboratively with the incoming members to further strengthen the body’s standing as a driver and enabler of HR excellence and workforce transformation.

About IHRP
The Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) is set up by the tripartite partners: the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) to professionalise and strengthen the HR practice in Singapore.

For more information, please visit ihrp.sg

Media Contact
Ashley Ng
Assistant Manager, Marketing and Partnership Development
9621 3780 
Ashley.ng@ihrp.sg