SINGAPORE: SMRT's new chief executive officer Neo Kian Hong began his first day on the job on Wednesday (Aug 1) with a note to his staff.
The former chief of defence force began his short note by thanking his predecessor Desmond Kuek for his dedication and service to the transport company over the past six years and wished him and his family the best in their future endeavours.
It was announced in April that Mr Neo would replace former CEO Desmond Kuek.
Mr Neo said he has met some SMRT staff at the stations, depots, interchanges, workshops and offices in the past few weeks, adding that he hopes to meet the rest of the staff in the coming months.
He said people have come forward since the announcement of the leadership change to share their views and aspirations for SMRT.
"Many expressed support, others noted improvement, some cautioned against complacency, but all hoped for train services that are reliable, safe and comfortable," he said. "We must continue to work hard to deliver this."
He added: "Let us work together as a company, and with all our stakeholders, to provide a public service that Singaporeans are proud of. I am happy to be part of the team!"
National Transport Workers' Union executive secretary Melvin Yong said in a Facebook post on Wednesday that the union will work closely with Mr Neo and his management team.
More at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/smrt-ceo-neo-kian-hong-first-day-letter-staff-10579130
What's with the fucking retarded smiles and lame thumbs up from those folks in the photos?
Open Letter: SMRT comfirms paper general will be the best SMRT CEO
We thank Dr Michael Loh Toon Seng for his views in his letter (Experience in transport industry should count in choice of SMRT chief, April 19).
We would like to share our key criteria and considerations in selecting SMRT's next group chief executive: personal values, leadership qualities, relevant engineering knowledge, track record in operations and people management, and the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders. Of course, a key attribute considered in the final selection was the candidate's understanding of the needs of Singapore's commuters and public transport system. An executive search firm was engaged to conduct a comprehensive global search based on the selection criteria.
The interview panel finally decided on Mr Neo Kian Hong as they were particularly impressed with his personal values and leadership qualities.
Industry experience was considered in the process.
The panel recognised that Mr Neo has engineering qualifications and can be well supported by a team of committed and professional rail engineers. As the chairman of DSO National Laboratories and the Defence Science and Technology Agency, he has knowledge and good experience in building strong engineering, system acquisition and maintenance capabilities.
SMRT therefore decided to give the group CEO position to a Singaporean with strong leadership qualities and the right heart to serve SMRT and, most importantly, our commuters.
He also has the ability to keep staff morale high, and unite and motivate staff to do better for commuters.
Margaret Teo (Ms) Vice-President Corporate Communications SMRT Corporation
https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/new-head-understands-commuters-needs