Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority Names Derek Tan as New CEO to Succeed Kelvin Wong

Singapore’s BCA appoints Derek Tan as its new CEO starting May 2026. Tan succeeds Kelvin Wong, who led the construction sector’s post-pandemic recovery.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 3:58 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from CNA

A Leadership Transition in the Built Environment

The Building and Construction Authority is set to undergo a significant leadership change as Mr. Derek Tan prepares to take the helm. In a joint statement released on March 6, the Ministry of National Development and BCA confirmed that Mr. Tan will be appointed CEO-designate starting April 1, before officially assuming the top post a month later. With a public service career spanning nearly 27 years, Mr. Tan brings a wealth of experience from senior roles across the Housing and Development Board, the Land Transport Authority, and MND. His deep familiarity with Singapore’s infrastructure landscape is expected to drive the next phase of the sector's transformation.

Expanding the Scope of Urban Infrastructure

In his most recent capacity as MND’s Chief Infrastructure Planning Officer, Mr. Tan was instrumental in advancing the management of Singapore’s underground utilities and strategic planning. His diverse portfolio includes serving as the founding CEO of EV-electric Charging and holding key leadership positions in housing management. This broad expertise positions him to lead BCA as it continues to integrate new technologies into the construction process. His appointment comes at a time when the agency is increasingly focused on cross-agency collaboration to streamline urban development and enhance the resilience of the nation’s built environment.

Reflecting on Kelvin Wong’s Crisis Management

Outgoing CEO Kelvin Wong, who took charge in November 2020, is recognized for his pivotal role in navigating the construction industry through the unprecedented disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, BCA worked closely with trade associations and government agencies to manage severe manpower and financial constraints, ensuring a safe and orderly restart of construction activities. Beyond crisis management, Mr. Wong’s tenure was marked by a shift toward firm-based regimes for safety inspections, aimed at increasing accountability and improving the overall quality of construction supervision across the island.