Transition of Leadership at the National Arts Council

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) has announced that Mrs. Elaine Ng will take over as the chief executive officer of the National Arts Council (NAC), succeeding Mr. Low Eng Teong. This leadership transition will see Mrs. Ng step into the role of CEO-designate on January 1, 2026, with her official appointment as CEO commencing on March 1. Mr. Low is scheduled to conclude his term on February 28.

Having served as the deputy secretary of administration at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) since 2019, Mrs. Ng has been instrumental in overseeing various policies related to National Service, manpower, and finance. During her tenure, she has managed significant infrastructural initiatives, including the development of the new Central Manpower Base. In addition, Mrs. Ng chairs Defence Collective Singapore, which is responsible for Singapore’s military museums, including the forthcoming NS Gallery. She also holds positions on the boards of NS Square, the Defence Science and Technology Agency, and DSO National Laboratories.

Prior to her role at MINDEF, Mrs. Ng served from 2011 to 2019 as Deputy CEO of the National Heritage Board and as CEO of the National Library Board.

Mr. Low’s Impact on the National Arts Council

Mr. Low assumed the role of NAC CEO in 2023 after spending five years in progressive leadership roles, including deputy and assistant CEO of sector development in the arts field. He played a key role in advancing the SG Arts Plan 2.0 and emphasized the importance of digital transformation in the arts sector, while also prioritizing deeper engagement with audiences.

His leadership included enhancing pathways for arts education through the National Arts Council-Arts Education Programme, which now features a diverse array of over 1,400 offerings from more than 300 artists and arts organizations in schools, as highlighted by MCCY.

In addition to his role at NAC, Mr. Low has contributed to several cultural institutions, serving on the boards of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra Company, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, the Singapore Art Museum, and The Esplanade Co.

Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo expressed his support for Mrs. Ng’s upcoming appointment, noting, “Under Eng Teong’s steadfast leadership, NAC has broadened access to the arts, strengthened support for the sector, and deepened the role that culture plays in shaping who we are as Singaporeans.”

The MCCY expressed gratitude for Mr. Low’s leadership and significant contributions to the NAC and the broader MCCY community.