Singapore Botanic Gardens Director Dr Tan Puay Yok Appointed New CEO of National Parks Board

NParks CEO Hwang Yu-Ning steps down as Dr Tan Puay Yok takes the helm on June 1. Discover the details of this leadership transition in Singapore.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 8:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

Leadership Transition at the Helm of Singapore Greenery

The National Parks Board (NParks) has announced a significant change in its top leadership, with current chief executive Hwang Yu-Ning set to vacate her post on June 1, 2026. Ms. Hwang, 57, has led the statutory board for three years, a period defined by the integration of advanced research and technology into Singapore’s environmental strategies. Her tenure will conclude as she moves into a new strategic position as the chief of urban innovation and excellence at the Ministry of National Development (MND), continuing her long-standing career within the Singapore Civil Service.

Academic and Research Veteran to Drive Future Policy

Dr Tan Puay Yok, 56, has been named as the successor to the chief executive role, beginning his transition as chief executive (designate) on May 1 before fully assuming the mantle in June. Dr Tan brings an extensive academic background to the position, holding a doctorate in horticulture and serving as a tenured professor at the National University of Singapore. Currently serving as NParks’ chief science and technology officer and the director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, his appointment signals a continued emphasis on science-driven management for the nation’s natural spaces.

A Legacy of Technology and Stakeholder Engagement

During her three years as head of NParks, Ms. Hwang was credited with fostering deep collaborations across various stakeholder groups and "people from all walks of life," according to a joint statement from MND and NParks. Her leadership focused heavily on the "City in Nature" vision, utilizing science and research to modernize the organization’s operations. Before her time at NParks, Ms. Hwang served in several high-profile roles, notably as the chief planner and deputy chief executive at the Urban Redevelopment Authority, providing her with a unique perspective on urban ecology.