Singapore Names Adele Tan as URA Chief Executive, Succeeding Lim Eng Hwee

Singapore’s government has appointed Adele Tan as chief executive of the Urban Redevelopment Authority, with the current deputy CEO and chief planner set to take over from Lim Eng Hwee later this year.

Tan will succeed Lim as head of the city-state’s planning agency on 1 September, according to a statement by the URA. Lim, 60, relinquishes the post after a tenure that saw him steer major national planning exercises and guide Singapore’s response to land constraints and climate risks, the agency said.

During his leadership, Lim oversaw successive reviews of Singapore’s master plan and long-term plan while advancing initiatives aimed at strengthening the city’s position as a global business hub and improving liveability. He also guided initiatives including the redevelopment of Jurong Lake District and Paya Lebar Air Base and the ongoing rejuvenation of Orchard Road.  

“His commitment to public and stakeholder engagement fostered a more inclusive land use planning process in Singapore, creating more opportunities for people from all walks of life to share their feedback and aspirations for the future Singapore in which they live, work and play,” the URA said.

Going Underground

Tan, 52, steps into her new role after nearly three decades in public service, during which she has led planning and policy work spanning environmental sustainability, infrastructure development and land optimisation.

A graduate of Princeton University with a degree in civil engineering and operations research, Tan later earned a master’s in public administration from Harvard University. In her current role as deputy CEO and chief planner, Tan has played a central part in steering Singapore’s draft master plan, translating land use strategies into detailed blueprints guiding development over the next 10 to 15 years.

She also led the long-term plan review, a key exercise mapping the city-state’s development trajectory over the next half century, balancing competing demands for housing, economic growth, infrastructure and sustainability.

“In addition, Ms Tan pushed the boundaries of planning innovation to better optimise Singapore’s limited land,” the URA said. “This included advancing the use of underground space by driving stronger coordination in the planning of infrastructure, storage and utilities.”

Tan’s appointment comes as Singapore advances its latest master planning cycle, which outlines new residential districts, expanded business hubs and infrastructure upgrades aimed at sustaining growth while enhancing liveability.

The draft plan includes proposals for new neighbourhoods in areas like Bayshore and Mount Pleasant, alongside the continued development of decentralised commercial nodes to reduce reliance on the traditional downtown core.

Yvonne Lim Tapped as Deputy

In addition to Tan’s appointment, Yvonne Lim will take over as deputy CEO and chief planner.

Lim, 49, currently group director for physical planning at the URA, has led multiple master plan reviews and played a key role in expanding stakeholder engagement and policy communication, according to the statement. She has overseen the development of digital planning tools, including geospatial platforms to enhance coordination and analysis across state agencies.

“Under her leadership, key growth areas such as Jurong Lake District and new housing areas such as the former Bukit Timah Turf City were shaped through close collaboration with agencies, community stakeholders and the private sector, translating strategic intent into implementable plans for high-quality developments on the ground,” the URA said.