14th S R Nathan Fellow – Tan Chong Meng
Mr TAN Chong Meng is the former Group Chief Executive Officer of PSA International (PSA), a leading global port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders around the world.
He joined PSA on 1 October 2011, bringing a wealth of experience in managing the complexity, diversity and breadth of a global business. Headquartered in Singapore, PSA’s network encompasses 160 locations in 42 countries. The Group’s portfolio comprises 66 deep-sea, rail and inland terminals, as well as affiliated businesses in supply chain management, logistics, marine and digital services. The PSA Group handles one in 10 global container movements annually, serving all major international shipping lines and key stakeholders in the global supply chain.
Together with his management team, Mr Tan is responsible for the overall performance of the PSA Group and provides strategic direction on growing the company’s network and value through maximising assets and engaging global business partnerships.
Outside the PSA Group, Mr Tan serves as the Chairman of JTC Corporation and is Deputy Chairman of the board of the National University Health System. In January 2022, he assumed the role of Governor Chair for The World Economic Forum’s Supply Chain & Transport Industry Community. He was previously a Board Member of IE Singapore and F&N Pte Ltd.
In April 2020, he was appointed Co-Chair of the Emerging Stronger Task Force, a committee set up by the Singapore government to guide the nation’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Tan, who was also appointed the Lead for Community Care Facilities Taskforce, drove the set-up of emergency health infrastructure during the first COVID-19 surge and facilitated the safe arrival of migrant workers for critical sectors. In recognition of his exemplary leadership coordinating Singapore’s pandemic response, safeguarding lives and livelihoods, and steering the nation towards recovery, he was one of a select few conferred the national Meritorious Service Medal (COVID-19) in June 2023.
In May 2023, Mr Tan received two awards: the honour of the Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy — one of the country’s highest civil honours recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promote friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and other countries; and the Singapore’s National Trades Union Congress Medal of Commendation (Gold) award for his continuous and significant contributions towards promoting and supporting Labour Movement initiatives.
Before joining PSA, Mr Tan was the Executive Vice President, Global Commercial, Shell Downstream, of the Royal Dutch Shell Group. He led six businesses — many of which are world leaders engaged in the marketing and sale of fuels, lubricants and specialty products to commercial customers vis-à-vis Shell’s Aviation, Marine, Industrial, Land Transport, Construction and Liquefied Petroleum Gas sectors. With more than 20 years of experience in Shell, Mr Tan worked in USA, Europe, China and Singapore, holding various senior leadership positions that spanned management, sales, marketing, trading, refinery operations, customer service and merger & acquisitions.
Prior to Shell, Mr Tan also worked in various positions with Singapore’s Ministry of National Development for five years.
14th IPS-Nathan Lecture Series — Exploring Global Trade and Singapore’s Place as a World Connector
Supply chain management has gained increased prominence in light of disruption caused by COVID-19, the unpredictable US-China trade war, and the Red Sea crisis. Furthermore, discussions surrounding deglobalisation, market bifurcation and supply chain decarbonisation raise questions about their potential impact on global trade.
In this three-part lecture series, former Group CEO of PSA International and 14th S R Nathan Fellow Mr Tan Chong Meng will examine the past, present and future of trade, and assess key drivers and significant outcomes arising from these profound changes, drawing on his perspectives as a business leader in ports, supply chains and energy. The lectures will also delve into the remarkable expansion in global trade, the role of ports and maritime shipping, and importantly, shed light on the anticipated trajectory for Singapore's role as a maritime hub. Amid uncertain environments driven by geopolitical tensions, climate risk and technological disruption, how can we ensure the sustainability and resilience of our supply chains? How can Singapore continue to play a role as a connector of the world through trade?
To find out more about the S R Nathan Fellowship for the Study of Singapore, please click here.