Chng Hak-Peng Appointed National Gallery Singapore CEO

Chng Hak-Peng will become the new CEO of the National Gallery Singapore, effective January 1, 2027. The appointment, announced in a joint statement on September 28, follows Eugene Tan's decision to step down from his dual leadership of both the National Gallery and the Singapore Art Museum. The museums stated the change marks a new phase requiring dedicated leadership for each institution's growth. They affirmed they will continue to collaborate closely, synergise efforts, and share resources.

Dr Eugene Tan said the move came at the right time. He is convinced the synergies between the two museums will continue to grow. Tan remains committed to working with Hak-Peng as partners to build Singapore's visual arts cluster.

Tan’s dual role concludes

Eugene Tan’s combined role as CEO and director of both the National Gallery of Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum will end on January 1, 2027. He was appointed to lead both institutions after Chong Siak Ching's retirement, a move initially made for reasons of synergy.

Tan said he is grateful to have led both museums and sees the change as the right time for each to benefit from dedicated leadership. He will remain as head of the Visual Arts Cluster, which comprises the two museums and the STPI gallery and workshop, until December 31, 2026. More details of the cluster’s future structure are still being finalised.

From January 2027, Dr Eugene Tan will focus solely on leading the Singapore Art Museum as it enters its next phase of growth. Before that date, he will remain with the National Gallery Singapore until the end of December to support the transition.

Chng Hak-Peng’s background and vision

Chng Hak-Peng brings more than three decades of experience across the arts, public, and private sectors. He previously served as deputy chair and later CEO of the Singapore Symphony Group from 2014 to 2022. During his tenure, he strengthened its governance and digital capabilities. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra was recognised among the world's best orchestras, placing third in Gramophone magazine's Orchestra of the Year Award in 2021 and being listed by BBC Music Magazine in 2022.

Before his work in the arts, Chng spent a decade as a management consultant at Bain & Company. He is also a long-time volunteer docent for local institutions like the Asian Civilizations Museum and chairs the advisory council of Chua Chu Kang Secondary School. He is currently a PhD candidate in History at the National University of Singapore.

Chng Hak-Peng said he has long admired NGS for its role in championing Singapore and Southeast Asian art. "NGS has established itself as a leading visual arts institution in the region," he stated. He sees his appointment as an opportunity to continue serving the cultural sector and to strengthen the role of arts in society.

NGS chairman Peter Ho thanked Tan for his contributions and said Chng could match Tan's ambition with renewed drive. Ho highlighted Chng's record of transforming the Singapore Symphony Group as evidence of his strategic and operational acumen.

Institutional continuity and impact under Tan

Under Tan's stewardship, the National Gallery Singapore saw significant growth. Its Gallery Insider membership increased from 3,000 to more than 15,500 in 2025. Contributions and cash donations also rose sharply.

Exhibitions and festivals drew 2.28 million people in 2025. In both 2024 and 2025, Tan was ranked 24th on Art Review's Power 100 list.

The leadership roles were combined when Chong Siak Ching retired in April 2024. Dr Eugene Tan has served as the Gallery's director since 2013, its CEO since 2024, and as director of the Singapore Art Museum since 2019. In the past three years, he reconceptualised the split between the two museums and pushed SAM towards more international art.

Chng Hak-Peng will serve as CEO-Designate starting October 1, 2026. This three-month overlap with Eugene Tan is intended to ensure a smooth leadership transition.