Singapore - Kathy Lai will be the new chief executive of the National Arts Council (NAC) from Nov 1.

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said yesterday that Ms Lai takes over the helm from Benson Puah, who relinquished his post on Aug 1.

Yvonne Tham, who is covering the position, will continue as deputy CEO from November.

Ms Lai is well positioned to lead the NAC in engaging artists, arts groups and its stakeholders, given her extensive experience in the public sector and strong interest in the arts, MCCY said, adding that her strong networks with diverse stakeholder groups and government agencies will help the NAC forge new partnerships.

Ms Lai, currently assistant CEO of IE Singapore, has more than 20 years of experience in international trade, public sector administration and governance.

She joined the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 1987 and the former Trade Development Board, now IE Singapore, in 1996.

At IE Singapore, she was posted to the Singapore Embassy in Washington, DC, for a six-year stint. On returning to Singapore, Ms Lai managed international operations in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and America, as well as IE Singapore's corporate development group.

Ms Lai has spearheaded several partnerships with stakeholders in IE Singapore, including its collaboration with the Singapore Management University to start the university's International Trading Institute.

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