Formation Of Health Promotion Board (HPB) And Health Sciences Authority (HSA)

29 Mar 2001

The Ministry of Health is forming two Statutory Boards, the Health Promotion Board and the Health Sciences Authority. Both Boards will be established with effect from 1 Apr 2001.

The Health Promotion Board (HPB) will be chaired by Mr Wong Yew Meng, who is a Partner in PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Mr Wong was formerly Chairman of the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) from Sep 1996 to Apr 2000. He is very familiar with health care concerns facing Singaporeans and is, therefore, well-equipped to chair the new Board. . The list of other Board Members for the HPB is at Annex A.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the HPB will be Dr Lam Sian Lian, the current Deputy Director of Medical Services (Health Promotion) in the Ministry. Dr Lam is a public health specialist who has been involved for many years with the development of public health services, such as the polyclinic, school health and dental health services as well as national health education and health promotion in schools and the workplace.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) will be chaired by Prof Hang Chang Chieh. Prof Hang is currently Executive Deputy Chairman of the National Science & Technology Board. He was formerly a Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Singapore.Prof Hang's experience and expertise in scientific developments and research will be a great asset to the HSA as it transforms itself into a world renowned institution. The list of other Board Members for the HSA is given at Annex B.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the HSA will be Dr Clarence Tan, the current Deputy Director of Medical Services (Health Sciences) in the Ministry. Dr Tan is a specialist in forensic pathology. He has held many senior appointments in the Ministry HQ, in areas such as continuing care, personnel management and the supervision of the licensing and accreditation unit within the ministry.