19-7-2023 (SINGAPORE) Ng Kok Song, former chief investment officer of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC, has announced his candidacy for the country’s presidency. The 75-year-old, who retired from GIC in 2013 after 27 years with the organisation, is the third person to put himself forward for the presidential race.
In a statement, Ng said he had been contemplating running for the presidency for some time, citing concerns about the integrity of Singapore’s national institutions as the reason for his decision. He added that Singaporeans want to exercise their right to vote and not see another walkover.
Ng also stressed the importance of having an independent President to safeguard the integrity of Singapore’s institutions, saying that an independent President is better able to unite the country.
“Singapore faces uncertain and difficult times ahead. We may have our differences of views and political affiliations, but differences must not become divisions in our society,” he said.
Ng’s extensive experience in managing Singapore’s reserves, having been involved in building up the country’s reserves for 45 years at GIC and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), gives him the credentials required for the role of President, he said.
“My work has been professional and low-key. I never sought the limelight. I concentrated on my public responsibilities. Many people in the public service would know me or have heard of me. But I am aware that many Singaporeans do not know me. I will put that right in the coming weeks,” he said.
Applications for the Presidential Election opened on 13 June and will close on the fifth day after the Writ of Election is issued. The election is due to take place in September, with President Halimah Yacob not seeking re-election.
