Chee Hong Tat appointed as new Chinese Community Liaison Group chairman, taking over Edwin Tong

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has appointed Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat as chairman of the Chinese Community Liaison Group (CCLG).

The appointment is in effect from May 23, 2025, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a release.

Chee, who has been a member of CCLG since 2015, is taking over the chairman role from Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong.

Tong will continue to serve as an advisor.

More about the CCLG

The CCLG was set up in 2000 to strengthen the government’s relationship with Chinese community organisations, and facilitate cooperation among the various Chinese community groups.

The group consists of office-holders and Members of Parliament (MPs) who regularly engage the Chinese community.

Previous chairpersons include Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing and Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung.

New chairman

PM Wong paid tribute to Tong's contributions in engaging the Chinese community since taking over the role in November 2020.

"During the Covid-19 pandemic, Edwin and CCLG members worked with key Chinese community organisations to identify innovative ways to maintain contact with the members of the Chinese community and provide support to vulnerable segments," said PM Wong.

Tong also played a key role in mediating the settlement between the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Ngee Ann Kongsi over redevelopment plans for the historic Teochew Building near Fort Canning, PM Wong added.

PM Wong pointed out that as a CCLG member, Chee was actively involved with the Chinese community and regularly engaged the clans and business associations.

On Chee's new role, PM Wong said,

"I look forward to Hong Tat working closely with key Chinese community organisations to strengthen leadership renewal so that they can remain relevant and dynamic. I am confident that Hong Tat will continue the good work of CCLG and further deepen ties between the Government and the Chinese community.”

Top image from Chee Hong Tat/Facebook & Edwin Tong/Facebook