Mr Lew Chuen Hong was appointed Chief Executive of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in June 2020.
IMDA oversees the Digital Tech and Media domains and is unique in having three crucial roles. As an economic developer creating jobs, investing in innovation and R&D, and driving enterprise technology adoption; as a progressive regulator ensuring secure and resilient digital infrastructure, as well as a trusted data ecosystem (concurrently as the Personal Data Protection Commission), and as a social leveller championing digital inclusion and ensuring no one is left behind. As “Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future”, IMDA aims to push boundaries by bridging these three roles, to build a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional Tech and Media ecosystem.
Mr Lew joined IMDA following a distinguished 25-year career with the Republic of Singapore Navy where he reached the pinnacle position of Chief of Navy, serving from 2017 to 2020. Notable highlights include enhancing the Navy’s capabilities in next generation submarines, unmanned surface and aerial vehicles, and stealth-frigate capabilities. Operations include overseeing Singapore’s maritime security during the Trump-Kim summit. He was also conferred the SAF Overseas Service Medal as part of Singapore’s Naval deployment to the North Arabian Gulf, supporting the re-construction of Iraq.
In 2008, Mr Lew was seconded to the Ministry of Trade & Industry where he championed pro-enterprise policies to help local companies scale. He also drove the strategic review of the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise 2015 plan, which set out Singapore’s strategy and investments in growing our knowledge-driven economy.
Mr Lew graduated with a Bachelors (Honours and Distinction) and Masters in Biology from Stanford University, USA. He also holds a Masters in Management, as a Sloan Fellow at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, USA.
Mr Lew also serves on the Board of Singapore’s Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) and the Government Technology Agency. He had previously served on the Boards of the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, and ST Engineering. He was Chairman of the School of Applied Science Advisory Committee Board, Republic Polytechnic.
