NTUC Income Chief Executive Officer Tan Suee Chieh was awarded ‘Outstanding Chief Executive of the Year 2012’.Mr Tan was recognised for his outstanding leadership in championing NTUC Income’s revolutionary brand of simple and honest insurance as well as for achieving unprecedented business results, yet at the same time remaining true to the co-operative’s original social purpose to provide affordable, accessible and sustainable insurance.
Since his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of NTUC Income in February 2007, Mr Tan has made several significant contributions to the company. Under his leadership, the co-operative underwent an extensive process of change and transformation resulting in NTUC Income’s outstanding business success while maintaining leadership positions across all the major lines of business.
Said Mr Tan: “This is the first time a Social Enterprise from NTUC has won. It’s a recognition from the public and the business community about the work which NTUC Income is doing. So in that sense (it’s) a milestone because very often we find that social enterprises, co-operatives or voluntary organisations seem to be operating on a budget. This award is not just for us but it is for NTUC as well as Social Enterprises.”
Mr Tan also shared on what he believes are important fundamentals for Social Enterprises to be successful: “We must professionalise and be very focused in managing the business but for a social outcome. The yardstick is social, but we shouldn’t confuse the way we manage our business. A business is still a business but the outcomes are social.”
He added: “Professionally, the legacy I want to leave behind will be defined by how different Singapore’s insurance industry is because of NTUC Income. Personally, it’s about not settling for the good life. It’s about going after a great life doing something meaningful that positively impacts the lives of others.”
The SBA has grown to be Singapore’s most prestigious business accolade since its inception in 1985. It is jointly organised by The Business Times, Singapore’s leading business daily; and DHL Express, the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry. Over the last 28 years, SBA has recognised the contributions of a wide array of business individuals and companies in Singapore that have strived beyond excellence and achieved resounding success as proven market leaders in their industries
