SJ Group announces Professor Cheong Koon Hean’s appointment to its Board of Directors
Surbana Jurong Group (SJ) recently announced the appointment of Professor Cheong Koon Hean to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. A distinguished leader in urban planning, public housing, and environmental sustainability, Prof Cheong brings decades of experience and expertise that will strengthen SJ’s ability to deliver innovative, resilient, and sustainable solutions for the built environment.
Chair of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities and Professor of Practice at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Prof Cheong also serves as Chairman of the Centre for Liveable Cities Advisory Panel under Singapore’s Ministry of National Development. Her work bridges future-ready innovation with pragmatic urban design, setting benchmarks for sustainable cities and communities.
Prof Cheong is celebrated for her transformative contributions to Singapore’s urban and housing landscape. As former CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (2004 – 2010) and the Housing and Development Board (2010 – 2020), she spearheaded major developments, including Marina Bay, Singapore’s iconic city extension, while championing sustainable approaches in the planning and construction of over one million public housing homes. Her vision balanced urban growth with environmental responsibility, shaping Singapore into a global model of green cities.
Prof Cheong’s influence extends beyond Singapore, with her contributions to international urban discourse as a former global Board Trustee of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), member of the World Economic Forum’s Real Estate and Urbanisation Council, and Deputy President of the International Federation of Housing and Planning. She continues to provide global leadership, advising organisations on governance, sustainability, and urban innovation.
Mr Chaly Mah, SJ’s Chairman, said: “Professor Cheong’s leadership in international-scale urban development and commitment to sustainability brings tremendous value to SJ’s strategic direction. Her insights will help us advance our ambition to shape innovative, sustainable cities and infrastructure, for the benefit of present and future generations.”
Mr Sean Chiao, SJ’s Group CEO, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Professor Cheong to our Board. Her extensive experience in urban transformation and deep commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our purpose to deliver real impact, and our charter to catalyse the transition to a regenerative future. Her guidance will be instrumental as we tackle complex challenges and drive innovative solutions that positively impact communities and ecosystems worldwide.”
Prof Cheong also serves on the boards of the National University of Singapore and CapitaLand Group and is Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Finland. Her achievements have been recognised with numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal, ULI’s Visionaries in Urban Development Award, and the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
