10 Top Influential CEOs in Singapore

In boardrooms across Asia, one question persists: how do you stay relevant as the pace of innovation outstrips traditional leadership models? You might already lead large teams or manage transformation projects, yet sustaining influence in a volatile market remains elusive. Many executives struggle not with ambition but with clarity on what modern leadership should look like. The top CEOs in Singapore offer more than inspiration. They provide working models of how to thrive when disruption is constant. By understanding how they align strategy with execution, you gain practical insight into sustaining performance and legacy at the highest levels.

 

The top 10 CEOs in Singapore

 

1. Wee Ee Cheong — CEO of UOB Group

Wee Ee Cheong exemplifies stable and values-driven leadership. As CEO of UOB since 2007, he has guided the bank through digital modernization while preserving its conservative risk posture. He led UOB’s regional expansion and oversaw initiatives that strengthened its fintech ecosystem. Under his leadership, UOB’s digital bank TMRW became a case study in innovation. He is known for blending tradition with transformation, creating sustained stakeholder confidence.

 

2. Helen Wong  — Group CEO of OCBC

Helen Wong made history as the first woman to helm a Singaporean bank. As Group CEO of OCBC, she brings decades of regional banking experience and deep China expertise. Her leadership focuses on digital innovation, sustainable finance, and inclusive growth. Wong has pushed OCBC toward ESG integration, customer experience enhancement, and cross-border synergy. Her calm decisiveness during volatile periods demonstrates high emotional intelligence and execution clarity.

 

 3. Kuok Khoon Hong — CEO of Wilmar International

Kuok Khoon Hong is the co-founder of Wilmar International, now one of Asia’s largest agribusiness groups. He transformed the firm into a vertically integrated powerhouse operating across 50 countries. His ability to manage supply chain complexity while scaling sustainability efforts has earned global respect. Kuok’s strategic thinking turned commodity volatility into growth opportunities. He balances operational depth with strategic expansion, a skill set every executive must study.

 

4. Goh Choong Phong — CEO of Singapore Airlines

Goh Choong Phong took over as CEO of Singapore Airlines in 2011. Since then, he has navigated industry disruption, geopolitical shocks, and the COVID-19 crisis. Goh spearheaded SIA’s digital transformation, including partnerships in blockchain, AI, and passenger experience tech. His emphasis on premium positioning and innovation helped the airline rebound with strength. His long-term orientation and crisis response capacity remain a benchmark for adaptive leadership.

 

5. Richard Holtum — Global Head of Gas, Power & Renewables, Trafigura

While not Singaporean-born, Richard Holtum plays a critical leadership role in Trafigura’s Singapore base. As the global head of gas, power, and renewables, he shapes energy transition strategies. Holtum is pivotal in decarbonization projects and emerging market expansion. His influence reflects Singapore’s position as an energy trading hub. For executives in energy, Holtum’s trajectory offers lessons in global stakeholder alignment and future-proofing business models.

 

6. Sunny George Verghese — CEO of Olam International

Sunny Verghese is not only the CEO of Olam but also a co-founder. He built a global agribusiness from scratch, now present in over 60 countries. Sunny champions sustainability and supply chain transparency, using digital tools to track and reduce emissions. His leadership in ESG and impact investing earned Olam global recognition. His holistic mindset shows how CEOs can integrate purpose with profit at scale.

 

7. Tan Su Shan — CEO of DBS Bank Private Banking and Institutional Banking Group

Tan Su Shan leads with intellectual clarity and market insight. As CEO of DBS Bank’s key business units, she has spearheaded digitization, wealth management innovation, and regional integration. Her fintech advocacy and strategic foresight helped DBS earn global accolades. Tan is also recognized for promoting gender balance and inclusive leadership in finance. Her example proves that agility and authenticity can co-exist in high-stakes environments.

 

8. Kuan Moon Yuen — Group CEO of Singtel

Kuan Moon Yuen took charge of Singtel during a time of disruption. As CEO, he focuses on digital growth, enterprise solutions, and regional partnerships. He steered Singtel toward cloud services, cybersecurity, and 5G expansion. His leadership reflects an ability to pivot quickly while maintaining operational stability. Kuan Moon Yuen’s playbook is invaluable for any executive navigating legacy transformation.

 

9. Forrest Li — Chairman and CEO of Sea Ltd.

Forrest Li built Sea Ltd. into a regional tech giant, housing brands like Shopee and Garena. As founder and CEO, he combines a startup mentality with enterprise scalability. Li’s vision brought Singapore into global gaming, e-commerce, and fintech conversations. He takes calculated risks and responds rapidly to market shifts. For digital leaders, Li offers insights into hypergrowth, platform thinking, and founder-led culture.

 

10. Vincent Chong — Group President & CEO, ST Engineering

Vincent Chong oversees one of the world’s leading defense and engineering conglomerates. As Group CEO of ST Engineering, he drives growth in smart cities, cybersecurity, and aerospace. Chong prioritizes innovation, government collaboration, and workforce reskilling. His leadership during defense modernization and global expansion shows operational excellence in regulated sectors. His strategic lens equips him to balance innovation with national priorities.

 

Tips on preparing for top roles

If you aspire to join the ranks of these top CEOs in Singapore, you must build more than domain expertise. You must develop systemic thinking, cross-cultural fluency, and high-stakes decision-making under pressure. Gain exposure beyond your function. Develop the ability to influence without authority. Build a strategic network that challenges and supports your growth. The path to top leadership demands mental agility and strategic reinvention at every turn.

 

Leading executive programs in Singapore

To prepare for C-suite roles, consider high-impact executive programs based in Singapore. These programs equip leaders to scale vision, navigate AI disruption, and lead transformation:

 

NUS Business School Executive Education

Recognized for its regional expertise, NUS offers programs in strategic management, leadership agility, and digital disruption. The faculty includes industry experts with global insights.

 

Global HR Leaders Program from the National University of Singapore Business School

Led by distinguished NUS Business School faculty, the Global HR Leaders Program is a 9-month live-online program that delivers research-driven insights to foster growth and develop cross-functional business expertise. Designed to equip professionals with essential leadership, financial, and strategic skills, the program provides a dynamic learning experience tailored for career acceleration.

Program key highlights:

• Accredited by AACSB International and EQUIS, ensuring top-tier business education standards.
• Master key competencies in finance, leadership, and strategy to strengthen decision-making capabilities.
• Enhance people leadership with advanced tools and techniques for team management and organizational success.

 

Accelerated Management Program from the National University of Singapore Business School

The Accelerated Management Program (AMP) by the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School is a high-impact nine-month journey built for professionals who aim to lead at a strategic level. This program sharpens your leadership mindset, enhances financial decision-making, and equips you with tools to navigate complex business environments. Designed and delivered by world-class NUS faculty and top industry leaders, AMP emphasizes real-world application and regional insights that drive measurable career growth.

Program key highlights:

• Flexible online format with live faculty sessions, peer learning, and interactive case discussions.
• Structured nine-month curriculum that blends strategic theory with practical business decision-making.
• Faculty-led instruction by globally recognized NUS professors and senior business leaders from the Asia-Pacific.

 

MIT Professional Education Technology Leadership Program

Although not headquartered in Singapore, this hybrid program offers remote learning and in-person residencies. It is suitable for leaders managing technological disruption across Asia.

Tailored for visionary leaders, the MIT Professional Education Technology Leadership Program is a multi-modular program that empowers professionals to harness the transformative power of AI and emerging technologies. With a blended learning experience that includes immersive on-campus sessions at MIT’s Cambridge campus and interactive virtual engagements, participants gain invaluable insights and actionable strategies to drive innovation and organizational success.

Key program highlights

• Expert-led instruction by MIT faculty, combining in-person learning with live virtual interactions.
• Strategic leadership development, equipping professionals with frameworks, best practices, and AI-driven strategies.
• Innovation-driven growth, enabling participants to scale and lead technological advancements for measurable impact.

 

Conclusion

You cannot lead in Asia’s fast-evolving economy with yesterday’s thinking. The top CEOs in Singapore reflect what modern leadership looks like: adaptive, inclusive, and deeply strategic. They build organizations that withstand disruption and deliver consistent stakeholder value. If you want to build a similar legacy, invest in more than just career progression. Invest in your capacity to lead through change, complexity, and ambiguity. Begin that journey with an executive education program that pushes you beyond technical expertise and into transformational leadership.