Surbana Jurong Group (SJ) has announced the immediate appointment of Professor Cheong Koon Hean to its Board of Directors. With more than 20 years of expertise in urban planning, public housing, and environmental sustainability, Cheong will enhance SJ’s capacity to provide innovative and sustainable solutions for the built environment.
“Her extensive experience in urban transformation and deep commitment to sustainability align perfectly with our purpose to deliver real impact, and our charter to catalyse the transition to a regenerative future”, said Sean Chiao, CEO of SJ Group.
“Her guidance will be instrumental as we tackle complex challenges and drive innovative solutions that positively impact communities and ecosystems worldwide”, he added.
Cheong is chair of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities and a Professor of Practice at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. She also serves as chairman of the Centre for Liveable Cities Advisory Panel under Singapore’s Ministry of National Development.
Previously, she served as CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (2004-2010) and Housing and Development Board (2010-2020), leading projects such as Marina Bay and planning over one million public housing units in Singapore. Her work has helped position Singapore as a global leader in sustainable urban development.
Cheong's influence spans across the globe. She has served as a global Board Trustee for the Urban Land Institute (ULI), a member of the World Economic Forum’s Real Estate and Urbanisation Council, and deputy president of the International Federation of Housing and Planning.
In addition, Cheong holds positions on the National University of Singapore and CapitaLand Group boards, and is Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Finland. Her achievements have been recognized with several honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats.
“I look forward to contributing to the positive impact it is making, creating resilient, liveable, and inclusive cities that address today's needs whilst safeguarding the future”, she said.