Tin Pei Ling, MP for MacPherson SMC, will take over from Sun Xueling in the high profile role as chief executive of Business China with effect from May 21, 2018.

Tin joins Business China from technology company Jing King Tech Holdings, where she is currently the group director for corporate strategy.

History of Business China CEOs

But Business China is not your typical organisation.

Its patron is Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and it counts five ministers as its board of advisers.

And Business China CEO alumni is an illustrious political bunch.

The past four CEOs have taken on political office-holder roles.

These roles include being a Minister, a Minister of State, a Senior Parliamentary Secretary, a Parliamentary Secretary, a Mayor, and a Deputy Government Whip.

In terms of background, three out of the previous four CEOs have spent part of their careers working in China, and three of them worked in the Economic Development Board (EDB).

1st CEO (2007 to 2009): Sam Tan Chin Siong

Current role: Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development, Deputy Government Whip

2nd CEO (2009 to 2011): Josephine Teo

Current role: Minister for Manpower & Second Minister for Home Affairs

3rd CEO (2011 to 2015): Low Yen Ling

Current role: Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mayor, South West District

4th CEO (2015 to 2018): Sun Xueling

Current role: Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development

Youngest Business China CEO

At 34, Tin is the youngest person to lead the non-profit organisation spearheaded by the Government and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Tin told Mothership what she sees as the role of Business China:

"Now more than ever, Singapore must continue to remain relevant in this highly dynamic world that we live in.

I see Business China as the vehicle through which we cultivate and connect with bi-cultural talents who can help strengthen Singapore’s position as the cultural and economic bridge linking the world and China.

It is a great privilege for me to have this opportunity to build on the good work done by Xueling and past CEOs, and to further the cause of Business China and the interests of Singapore.”

Chairman Lee Yi Shyan told Lianhe Zaobao that he is confident that she is the right person for the job.

Business China CEO

Below are some insights from the exclusive interview Lianhe Zaobao conducted with Tin.

About Tin's competency in this new role

"I think, of course, as compared to the previous CEO, I do not really have any actual experience working or living in China. This is a fact.

But I do have an interest in both Chinese culture and the development that is taking place in China now. And I believe that this will help me when it comes to developing trade relations with China."

She later reiterated:

"Although the previous CEO has his own background and experience,  I hope that we do not confine ourselves to this narrow definition of the qualifications needed for this position."

"To me, I think a relevant interest, as well as the right attitude, might be more important instead, especially when it comes to a forward-looking mindset."

Lee Yi Shyan: "I'm not worried about Tin"

When asked about his new CEO, Lee said:

"Tin will have many opportunities to learn on the job and deepen her knowledge of China."

"There are many exchanges that take place each year, so I am not worried about this."

"There is time to accumulate the relevant experience. After all, she is still very young."

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While Lee is proud and happy that the previous CEOs can make greater contributions in a larger stage following their Business China roles, Lee has a wish for the new CEO.

"I hope she can stay in this role for a little while longer."

Lee has a point though.

After all, the average tenure for the past four CEOs is less than three years.

Even shorter than an undergraduate degree or a diploma.

Top photo from Tin Pei Ling Facebook