Biography of Koh Boon Hwee:
Education
Koh Boon Hwee, born in 1950, attended Saint Andrew's School
in Singapore. He studied mechanical engineering at the Imperial College of
Science and Technology, University of London, graduating with top honors.
Later, he pursued an MBA at Harvard Business School, where he excelled in his
studies.
Career Path
Koh's career is marked by key leadership roles in various
important organizations. He became Chairman of the Singapore Telecom Group in
1986, showing early leadership in Singapore's telecommunications industry. He
later joined the board of Singapore Airlines in 2001, contributing to its
strategic direction.
He also chaired the SIA Engineering Company and held
director positions in companies like Agilent Technologies Inc, Four Soft Ltd,
and Norelco UMS Holdings Limited. Koh was an Executive Director of MediaRing
Limited and Tech Group Asia Limited, showcasing his broad involvement in
different sectors.
Currently, Koh serves on the boards of Temasek Holdings
(Private) Limited, AAC Acoustic Technologies Holdings Ltd, and Infiniti
Solutions Private Limited. He is also a Council Member of the Singapore
Business Federation, actively contributing to Singapore's business community.
Leadership
Boon Hwee Koh embarked on his illustrious career at Hewlett
Packard (HP) in 1977, where he ascended to the role of Managing Director in
Singapore by 1985. His tenure at HP laid the foundation for his subsequent
leadership roles across various prominent organizations in Singapore. Notably,
he served as Chairman of Singapore Telecom Group (SingTel) for 17 years,
steering the telecommunications giant through significant transformations and
expansions. His leadership extended to Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA), where
he served as Chairman for four years, and Development Bank of Singapore (DBS)
for another four years, contributing to the financial sector's growth and
stability. Boon Hwee Koh's strategic acumen and vision have been instrumental
in shaping the corporate landscape of Singapore and beyond.
Mr. Koh Boon Hwee has held pivotal roles in various
companies, demonstrating his adeptness in management and strategic direction.
He has been involved with Sunningdale Tech, Temasek Holdings, AAC Acoustic
Technologies Holdings, Infiniti Solutions, Wuthelam Group, SIA Engineering
Company, Agilent Technologies, Norelco UMS Holdings, Media Ring Limited, and
Tech Group Asia. Mr. Koh has also served as an economic advisor to the
Singaporean government and sits on the council of the Singapore Business
Federation. His achievements were recognized with the Distinguished Service
Order at the 2008 National Day Awards.
Leadership at DBS Bank
Koh Boon Hwee took on a significant role as Chairman of DBS
Bank starting January 1, 2006. He had joined DBS as a director in June 2005,
bringing his extensive experience in corporate governance and strategic
leadership. During his tenure, he focused on improving DBS Bank's market
position and operational efficiency. Koh stepped down on April 30, 2010,
succeeded by Peter Seah.
Biography of Koh Boon Hwee:Singaporean Businessman, Entrepreneur & Investor/ DBS Bank/ Singapore Telecom Group/ Angel Investor /Koh Boon Hwee/ Journey
Investment Ventures and Focus
Currently, Boon Hwee Koh plays a pivotal role as the
founding partner of Credence and Chairman of its investment committee. Credence
focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in sectors such as software,
financial services, and FinTech. Boon Hwee Koh's investment philosophy centers
on supporting innovative ventures during their seed and Series A funding
stages, with a geographical focus on Singapore, the United States, and China.
His portfolio includes diverse ventures that exemplify innovation and potential
for significant market impact.
Notable Investments
Among Boon Hwee Koh's notable investments is Faarms, a
digital platform designed to cater to the evolving needs of farmers,
demonstrating his interest in leveraging technology for agricultural
advancements. Additionally, he has invested in Summer International, a dynamic
company headquartered in Los Angeles and South Korea, which focuses on beauty,
health, and wellness lifestyle products. Boon Hwee Koh also supports Lyte
Ventures, a venture dedicated to empowering creators and innovators in the
evolving landscape of work.
Recent Ventures and Investments
Mr. Koh remains active in trading activities, recently
acquiring significant shares in Sunningdale Tech. His strategic investments
reflect his ongoing engagement in the financial markets and commitment to
identifying new opportunities. His trading activities are closely followed by
investors interested in his insights and strategies.
Contributions to Education and Philanthropy
Beyond his corporate and investment endeavors, Boon Hwee Koh
is actively involved in philanthropy and education. He currently serves as the
Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Nanyang Technological University,
contributing to the development of future leaders and fostering educational
excellence. His commitment to philanthropy extends internationally, as
evidenced by his role as a Director of the Hewlett Foundation in the United
States, where he supports initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges and
promoting social welfare.
Recognition and Awards
Boon Hwee Koh's leadership prowess has garnered widespread
recognition. In 1991, he was honored as the Outstanding Manager of the Year by
Business Times and DHL Worldwide, acknowledging his exceptional contributions
to business management and innovation. His visionary leadership was further
underscored in 2003 when he received The International Herald Tribune Visionary
and Leader Honour, cementing his reputation as a transformative leader in the
global business community.
Koh Boon Hwee's contributions were recognized nationally
when he received the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Distinguished Service Order)
at the 2008 National Day Awards. This award honored his outstanding service and
significant impact on Singapore's economic landscape.
Conclusion:
In summary, Koh Boon Hwee's career exemplifies strategic
leadership and excellence across various industries. His influence has been
pivotal in shaping the success of prominent organizations in Singapore and
beyond, inspiring future business leaders with his dedication to innovation and
governance.
Companies where Boon Koh invested
SWAT Mobility – Automotive
Lyte Ventures - Financial Software
Summer International - Personal Products
Bharat Supply – Agriculture
Silent Eight - Network Management Software
Big Tiny - Construction and Engineering
Drink NOD International – Beverages
Skills Union - Educational Software
Calls Level – Mobile application
Postr Media – Advertising Application
