
Surbana Jurong announces new appointment to board of directors
Professor Cheong Koon Hean brings over 20 years of experience to strengthen SJ's innovative, sustainable solutions.
Surbana Jurong Group (SJ) has appointed Professor Cheong Koon Hean to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Cheong, a leader in urban planning, public housing, and environmental sustainability, brings over 20 years of experience to strengthen SJ’s ability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for the built environment.
“Her extensive experience in urban transformation and deep commitment to sustainability align perfectly with our purpose to deliver real impact, and our charter to catalyse the transition to a regenerative future,” said Sean Chiao, CEO of SJ Group.
“Her guidance will be instrumental as we tackle complex challenges and drive innovative solutions that positively impact communities and ecosystems worldwide,” he added.
Cheong is chair of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities and a Professor of Practice at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. She also serves as chairman of the Centre for Liveable Cities Advisory Panel under Singapore’s Ministry of National Development.
Previously, she served as CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (2004-2010) and Housing and Development Board (2010-2020), leading projects such as Marina Bay and the planning of over one million public housing units in Singapore. Her work has helped position Singapore as a global leader in sustainable urban development.
Cheong’s influence extends globally. She has held roles as a global Board Trustee of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), a member of the World Economic Forum’s Real Estate and Urbanisation Council, and deputy president of the International Federation of Housing and Planning.
Moreover, Cheong also serves on the boards of the National University of Singapore and CapitaLand Group, and is Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Finland. She has received numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats.
“I look forward to contributing to the positive impact it is making, creating resilient, liveable, and inclusive cities that address today's needs whilst safeguarding the future,” she said.