In the latest appointment of a former top Singapore Armed Forces officer to a high-profile role, Tan Meng Dui has been chosen as the next chief executive of the National Environment Agency (NEA).

Tan, who retired from regular service in 2011 with the rank of Brigadier General, will assume the role with effect from 2 October.

The 50-year-old is currently Deputy Secretary (Development) in the Ministry of National Development. He was previously Deputy Secretary (Technology) in MINDEF HQ. In 2017, Tan was appointed as the Returning Officer for presidential and parliamentary elections.

His predecessor Ronnie Tay, who was appointed as NEA CEO in 2013, will be retiring from the Administrative Service. The 54-year-old is also a former top military man, having served as Chief of Navy from 2003-07.

Tay’s tenure at NEA was notable for his management of the fight against the dengue and Zika outbreaks in Singapore, and he also played a key role in steering the development of 20 new hawker centres, said the agency.

Earlier this month, former Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Neo Kian Hong took over as the chief executive of rail operator SMRT. He succeeded Desmond Kuek, also a former CDF.

Former top SAF men who have gone on to high-profile appointments include Singapore Press Holdings CEO Ng Yat Chung, Land Transport Authority CEO Ngien Hoon Ping and Central Provident Fund CEO Ng Chee Peng.

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