Tan Kin Lian's Blog: Temasek - slightly less Singaporean

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Anonymous said...: Maybe it is difficult, or impossible to find someone local with the background of the new CEO.

The only posts, no matter what, that you need to get locals is the PM, ministers and senior civil servants. But there is a way out of it. Make some of them citizens, provided they wanted to be one.; February 10, 2009 8:32 AM
Anonymous said...: I just don't get it. It is tuely Singaporean as the ownership is still Singapore govt. It doesn't matter who runs it. Its investments are still the owner's interest. Correct me if I'm wrong. - just a housewife; February 10, 2009 6:02 PM
Anonymous said...: Brother Kin Lian
I do not discriminate against foreign talents. But the job of CEO of Temasek cannot be filled by a foreigner, no matter how good he is.

First, Temasek manages the reserves of Singaporeans and it has a lot of national strategic information. Not even Singaporeans at large is entitled to know the details.
Second, CEO responsibility is more than competency. It is a role requires allegiance to Singapore, in fact and in appearance.
Third, Goodyear has only joined in Y2007. A Chinese saying, "horse power is detected by long journey; human heart is unveiled by time." Appointment within 2 years is really hasty.
Fourth, a Singapore CEO can always solicit the expertise and service of foreigners, and we can even pay the foreign talents much more than the chairman or CEO.

This is my simple thinking.; February 10, 2009 7:52 PM

Tuesday, February 10, 2009