A significant leadership transition is on the horizon for two of Singapore’s most prominent cultural institutions. Eugene Tan, who has famously held a dual role as the chief executive officer and director of both the National Gallery of Singapore (NGS) and the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), is set to step down from his responsibilities at NGS, bringing an end to a unique chapter of joint administrative oversight that has shaped the nation’s visual arts landscape for years.
Starting January 1, 2027, Tan will narrow his institutional focus entirely to the Singapore Art Museum. Having originally stepped into the role of director at SAM in 2018, Tan will now dedicate his full attention and expertise to steering the museum’s future direction. Meanwhile, a familiar face in Singapore’s broader cultural and administrative circles, Chng Hak-Peng, is stepping forward to take over the mantle as the CEO of the National Gallery of Singapore.
Despite the division of leadership that will see two distinct individuals at the heads of the two institutions, both NGS and SAM have confirmed in a joint official statement that their close cooperative relationship will endure. The leadership changes will not alter the collaborative spirit that has defined recent years; both museums have explicitly reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their partnership, sharing resources, and working in tandem to support the vibrant arts ecosystem of Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian region.
To ensure stability and a seamless handover of responsibilities, the transition process is structured to be gradual. While Chng’s official tenure as CEO of the National Gallery of Singapore does not officially begin until January 1, he will step into the institution early, assuming the title of "CEO-Designate" starting on October 1. This three-month overlap period will allow Chng to work closely alongside Tan, absorbing institutional knowledge, understanding ongoing strategic initiatives, and meeting key stakeholders across the arts community. According to the joint statement released by the institutions, this thoughtful overlap is designed to prevent any disruption to current programming, strategic goals, or daily operations, guaranteeing a smooth and effective leadership transition.
The appointment of Chng Hak-Peng brings a wealth of diverse executive and strategic experience to the National Gallery of Singapore. Chng’s professional background is notably multifaceted, bridging the worlds of high-level management consulting, classical music administration, and academic historical research.
Long before entering the upper echelons of Singapore’s museum sector, Chng pursued a rigorous technical education, studying electrical engineering at Stanford University. This analytical foundation paved the way for a decade-long career with Bain & Company, one of the world’s leading management consulting firms, where he honed his expertise in corporate strategy, organizational efficiency, and large-scale operational management over ten years.
Following his tenure in the corporate consulting sphere, Chng transitioned into the arts and cultural sector, embarking on a transformative 15-year association with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO). His journey with the prestigious orchestra began humbly in 2008 as a volunteer, where he offered his strategic and organizational insights to help guide the institution. Over time, his dedication and administrative acumen saw him rise through the ranks. He eventually served as the deputy chairman before taking on the ultimate leadership role as the CEO of the SSO from 2015 through 2022.
During his time at the helm of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Chng presided over a period of remarkable artistic growth and international recognition. Upon his departure from the orchestra, Chng reflected on these milestones in a farewell letter published on the SSO platform. Among the key accomplishments he highlighted were the orchestra’s soaring global reputation, which included capturing third place in Gramophone magazine’s prestigious Orchestra of the Year rankings. Furthermore, under his leadership era, the orchestra achieved the distinction of being named one of the 21 best orchestras in the world by BBC Music magazine in 2022, cementing its status as a world-class musical institution.
Chng’s deep-seated passion for the arts extends far beyond executive management and administrative leadership. For years, he has dedicated his personal time as a longtime volunteer docent at two local museums, demonstrating an enduring commitment to public art education and community engagement. Furthermore, his engagement with history and culture is not merely avocational; he is currently furthering his academic pursuits by studying for a PhD in history at the National Museum of Singapore. This deep academic immersion in history, paired with his extensive corporate and cultural leadership background, positions him uniquely to lead a major visual arts institution like NGS.
Stepping into his new role, Chng has articulated a clear and visionary ambition: to strengthen the fundamental role that the arts play within broader Singaporean society. He recognizes the monumental strides that the National Gallery of Singapore has made since its establishment, transforming into a premier cultural anchor for the region.
Reflecting on the institution’s standing and his aspirations for the future, Chng shared his thoughts in an official statement. "NGS has established itself as a leading visual arts institution in the region," Chng said, noting that the gallery is "uniquely positioned to tell the stories of Singapore and Southeast Asia through art."
Looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities of his upcoming tenure, Chng expressed a deep sense of responsibility to honor the groundwork laid by his predecessors. He emphasized his desire to build upon the robust foundations established by Eugene Tan, as well as the gallery’s previous leadership, including Chong Siak Ching. As he prepares to assume the CEO-Designate title this coming October and eventually take full control in January 2027, Chng remains enthusiastic about the collaborative road ahead, stating that he looks forward to working with everyone at NGS and across the wider visual arts community to build a Gallery that Singapore continues to love and be proud of.
