Adele Tan named URA CEO, Yvonne Lim appointed chief planner as Lim Eng Hwee steps down
The leadership transition signals continuity in Singapore’s long-term land-use planning, potentially supporting developer confidence in upcoming housing areas and growth nodes.
Adele Tan became URA CEO on Sept 1, succeeding Lim Eng Hwee, while Yvonne Lim took over as deputy CEO and chief planner.
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Adele Tan, 52, previously deputy CEO and chief planner of URA, has been appointed CEO from Sept 1, succeeding Lim Eng Hwee, 60, who stepped down on Aug 31 and will soon retire from public service.
Yvonne Lim, 49, took over as deputy CEO and chief planner from Sept 1. She was formerly group director (physical planning) of URA.
The Ministry of National Development (MND) and URA had first announced these senior appointment changes in March this year.
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Lim Eng Hwee had been CEO of URA since 2017, steering the strategic direction for Singapore’s land use planning. Prior to that, he served as deputy CEO and chief planner.
Under his leadership, URA delivered several major land use reviews such as the Draft Master Plans 2019 and 2025 as well as the Long-Term Plan Review 2022.
He also led URA in advancing plans for several business nodes and new growth areas across the island to bring more housing options, and a quality living environment with jobs and amenities closer to homes. These include the plans for Jurong Lake District, Paya Lebar Air base, and the rejuvenation of Orchard Road.
Beyond development plans, Lim Eng Hwee helmed efforts to shape Singapore as a vibrant city with a rich identity, said MND and URA. For instance, recreational spaces were made more accessible and inclusive for Singaporeans, through projects like the Rail Corridor and the Recreation Master Plan.
He has accumulated more than 35 years of experience in urban planning, urban design, implementation of land use policies and development initiatives.
Meanwhile, new URA CEO Tan has close to three decades of public service experience, having led major planning and policy workstreams spanning environmental sustainability, liveability, infrastructure planning, as well as underground space planning and development.
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When she was deputy CEO and chief planner, Tan steered the review of the Draft Master Plan 2025.
She also played a central role in leading the Long-Term Plan Review in 2022, integrating major national priorities into a flexible and forward-looking plan to guide Singapore’s development for the next 50 years and beyond.
Yvonne Lim, who is now deputy CEO and chief planner, had led the conceptualisation and implementation of land use plans as group director (physical planning) at URA.
Since 2015, she has driven Master Plan reviews, strengthening policy communication, public and stakeholder engagement as well as planning innovation. She led the planning and execution of public engagement for the Draft Master Plan 2025.
Under Yvonne Lim’s 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.