Ho Ching served as the chief executive officer of Temasek Holdings from 2004 to 2021, overseeing the state-owned investment company during a period of significant growth. Her career spans decades of public service and corporate leadership, beginning in engineering at the Ministry of Defence before she moved into executive roles that shaped Singapore’s modern economic landscape.
Academic Background and Early Career
Ho attended Crescent Girls' School and National Junior College before enrolling at the University of Singapore, where she earned a Bachelor of Engineering in electrical engineering with first-class honours in 1976. She later completed a Master of Science degree at Stanford University in 1982. Her professional life commenced in 1976 as an engineer at the Ministry of Defence of Singapore, eventually leading to her roles as director of the Defence Materials Organisation and deputy director of the Defence Science Organisation by 1983.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Leadership at Temasek Holdings
In 1987, Ho joined Singapore Technologies, eventually serving as its president and chief executive officer starting in 1997. She joined Temasek Holdings in January 2002 as a director. By May 2002, she was appointed executive director, and in January 2004, she assumed the role of chief executive officer. Throughout her tenure, she managed the firm's extensive portfolio before stepping down on 1 October 2021, at which point she was succeeded by Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara.
Public Service and Philanthropy
Beyond her corporate duties, Ho has contributed to various national boards, including the Economic Development Board and the Productivity and Standards Board. She remains active in social welfare, serving as the patron of Assisi Hospice and the Autism Association of Singapore. She is the founding chairman of the Trailblazer Foundation Ltd, an IPC charity that funds education and community health projects. In 2014, she was inducted into the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame.
Post-CEO Appointments
Upon retiring from her position at Temasek Holdings in 2021, Ho transitioned into governance roles within the organization's broader ecosystem. On 1 October 2021, she was appointed as a director of Temasek Trust. By 1 April 2022, she succeeded S. Dhanabalan as the chairperson of Temasek Trust, continuing her influence in the management of sovereign assets and philanthropic initiatives.
Fast facts
- Born: 1953, Colony of Singapore
- Education: Stanford University (1982)
- Career Start: Ministry of Defence Singapore (1976)
- Temasek Holdings CEO tenure: 2004-2021
- Spouse: Lee Hsien Loong
- Award: Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (1996)
- Citizenship: Singapore
Questions readers ask
What is Ho Ching's professional background?
She is an electrical engineer by training, holding a master's degree from Stanford University, and spent years in defense procurement and technology leadership.
What role does Ho Ching hold at Temasek currently?
As of April 2022, she serves as the chairperson of Temasek Trust.
Achievements
- Singapore Women's Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with Temasek Holdings and Ministry of Defence Singapore
- Educated at National University of Singapore and Crescent Girls' School
