Ex-Minister Lui joins construction company run by grassroots leaders

By: 永久浪客/Forever Vagabond
Chip Eng Seng Corporation informed the Singapore Exchange on Monday (27 Jun 2016) that it has appointed former Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew as its independent director with effect from 1 Jul (http://bit.ly/299TSBG).
The company said that it has “reviewed, assessed and concluded that Mr Lui Tuck Yew possesses the requisite qualifications and work experiences” to be its independent director.
But at the same time, it also said that it would arrange for Mr Lui to “receive relevant training to familiarise himself with the role and responsibilities of a director”.
No more sleepless nights for Lui
Mr Lui was formerly an SAF scholar and Navy Chief. He left the RSN in 2003 to join the elite Administrative Service, and was appointed CEO of the Maritime and Port Authority. In 2004, he became the Deputy Secretary (Land) at the Ministry of Transport, while continuing to serve concurrently as CEO of the MPA. In 2005, he was appointed CEO of HDB and a year later in 2006, he was roped into politics through a walkover at Tanjong Pagar GRC. After the 2011 GE, he became the Transport Minister and held a second portfolio as Second Defence Minister.
Mr Lui resigned last August before GE2015. In an interview with the media as reported by TODAY (12 Aug 2015), when asked why he would not be participating in GE2015, he said:
“Well, I think the reasons are in the letter … I think in a sense, as you would know, in transport, I guess also in most ministries … it is all consuming — in time, energy, and focus. So, (it is) to me an opportunity to step down, and step away from politics.”
He sent his resignation letter to PM Lee on 11 Aug 2015, 1 month before the GE. In the letter, he wrote:
“I broached this subject with you early this year (2015). You and several senior members of the Cabinet tried hard to persuade me to change my mind. You reminded me that the responsibility of Government was a collective one, and no minister carried difficult problems like public transport alone. I deeply appreciate the reassurance and support. But having thought the matter over carefully, I have decided that I should stand by my original decision.”
He also mentioned about the serious setbacks in MRT incidents in the letter:
“But we have had some setbacks, including two major disruptions on the NSEW (North-South East-West) lines. Large-scale or prolonged disruptions still happen more frequently than is acceptable.”
When asked by the media if resigning means “goodbye to sleepless nights”, he replied:
“Well, at least my phone won’t buzz every time. Because every (transport) delay, every (train) withdrawal comes to me. So I know when (delays are) on the uptrend, because I can monitor it from my phone. So it won’t be buzzing after (this).”
Chip Eng Seng founded by grassroots leader Lim Tiam Seng
According to its history, Chip Eng Seng Group is founded by Mr Lim Tiam Seng. He started the business as a building subcontractor (http://www.chipengseng.com.sg/bod.php). The top management of the company includes:
• Mr Lim Tiam Seng, founder and the Group’s Executive Chairman – Patron of the Yio Chu Kang Citizens’ Consultative Committee and has won several awards for his public service rendered to the nation, comprising The Public Services Stars PBM in 2007 and BBM in 2013.
• Mr Lim Tiang Chuan, Executive Deputy Chairman – Patron of Bukit Gombak Community Centre Management Committee.
• Mr Chia Lee Meng Raymond PBM, Executive Director and Group CEO – Patron of Nee Soon South Citizens’ Consultative Committee. Mr Chia was also previously awarded The Public Service Stars PBM in 2013 for his public service rendered to the nation.
• Mr Ang Mong Seng, Independent Director –  Former MP for Hong Kah GRC (Bukit Gombak).
Chip Eng Seng establishes itself as a leading contractor in HDB public housing construction. It has won many contracts from HDB in the past: