Former Singapore Government Minister and Deputy Speaker of the Singapore Parliament, Mrs Hwee Hua Lim, becomes the first Asian and female Chair of The IVSC.
London, [Thursday 30 May, 2024] – The International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua as Chair of the IVSC Board of Trustees, effective June 2024. Mrs. Lim, who has been a Trustee of the Council since June 2020, will bring a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in politics, finance, and global business to her new role.
Mrs. Lim’s career is marked by significant achievements. Elected to the Singapore Parliament in December 1996, she served until May 2011, culminating her political career as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, concurrently holding positions as Second Minister for Finance and for Transport. Notably, on 1 April 2009, Mrs. Lim became the first woman to serve in Singapore’s Cabinet. Her parliamentary contributions also include roles as Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.
At the Finance Ministry, Mrs. Lim spearheaded the reform of the accountancy sector, reviewed the Government’s investments in business, and helped implement financing options for small and medium enterprises. Meanwhile, at the Transport Ministry, she corporatised Changi Airport, helped establish a master plan for aviation, and was instrumental in expanding the International Maritime Centre.
In the financial sector, Mrs. Lim’s extensive experience includes senior roles at Swiss Bank Corporation, Jardine Fleming, and Temasek Holdings, where she was Managing Director from 2000 to 2004. Her leadership facilitated significant divestments, corporate restructurings, and strategic international partnerships. Mrs. Lim’s strong academic background includes an honours degree in Mathematics and Engineering from the University of Cambridge, and an MBA in Finance from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.
Since retiring from politics, Mrs. Lim has continued to influence the financial landscape through private equity and various advisory roles. She has served on boards of Tembusu Partners, Asia Pacific Exchange and United Overseas Bank. She was also Senior Advisor to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts for 12 years and served on the Global Advisory Council of Ernst & Young for three years.
Mrs. Lim succeeds Lord Alistair Darling, former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, who made a significant contribution to the evolution of the global approach to valuation.
Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Lim said:
”I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Chair of the IVSC Board of Trustees. I have seen first-hand how dedicated and passionate the board of trustees, staff, and all representatives across the IVSC are in advancing valuation standards and professionalism in the public interest. I am proud to build on the great progress achieved under Alistair's leadership and look forward to leading the organisation in its continued efforts to enhance global valuation practices.
Hwee Hua LimChair of The IVSC Board of Trustees
IVSC Chief Executive, Nick Talbot, commented on the appointment:
”We are honoured to have Mrs. Lim as our new Chair. Her distinguished background in finance, global politics, and business, combined with her strong advocacy for the IVSC, uniquely positions her to lead our organisation. Mrs. Lim's appointment as the first Chair from the Asian continent and our first female Chair marks a significant and very welcome milestone for the IVSC. She has been a tireless supporter of our mission to enhance valuation standards and professionalism worldwide. In her new role, she will continue to drive international efforts to elevate valuation practices in all regions.
Nicholas TalbotChief Executive, IVSC
Mrs. Lim’s appointment comes at a momentous time for the IVSC, as the organisation continues to expand its influence in Asia. Since establishing an Asia office in 2022, the IVSC has made significant strides in promoting the application of International Valuation Standards (IVS) across the region, thanks in large part to Mrs. Lim’s leadership and vision as Vice-Chair. Her tenure as Chair will also coincide with the IVSC’s Annual General Meeting this year, which will be held in Hong Kong this November.
For more information, please contact:
Richard Stokes
IVSC Director of Communications
+44 (0)7376 019355