SEC appoints new executive director

SINGAPORE — Five months after it suspended, then sacked, its executive director, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) has found his replacement. In a statement on Wednesday (March 22), the non-profit organisation said Ms Jen Teo Pui Heng would assume the role next Monday.

She takes over the post from Mr Edwin Seah, who was suspended last October without a clear reason, and subsequently terminated in November following an inquiry. The SEC also sacked its assistant executive director, Mr Gerard Christopher, 43, and its communications director, Ms Shirley Chua, 45, without giving reasons.

Ms Teo’s background is in the financial services sector, being formerly a senior vice-president of Great Eastern Insurance, where she headed a team focused on business transformation and improvements.

She had also worked with American Express International with responsibilities across the Asia-Pacific region.

SEC chairman Isabella Loh said Ms Teo’s experience in the corporate world would help in promoting its causes. 

Ms Teo said it was an exciting time to be leading SEC, with environmental issues at the centre of public policy debate. She cited recent announcements in the Budget, including the water price hikes, and moves to reduce vehicle emissions and fight climate change through a carbon tax.