Tan Chorh Chuan appointed alternate member of Council of Presidential Advisers

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has appointed Professor Tan Chorh Chuan as an alternate member of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA) from Sept 1.

Prof Tan, 67, who recently retired after serving four decades in the public service, was nominated by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

He was appointed following the President's consultation with Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon and Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) Lee Tzu Yang.

In a statement on Friday (Sept 4), the Istana said that Prof Tan's appointment is for a period of four years.

The CPA advises the President in the exercise of his custodial powers such as in past reserves of the Government and the appointment of key personnel in the public service. 

Under the Constitution, it is mandatory for the President to consult the CPA while exercising his custodial powers.

The 10-member CPA comprises eight members and two alternate members.

Of the two alternate members, one is appointed by the President at his discretion, while the other is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, in consultation with the Chief Justice and PSC chairman. 

Prof Tan was Permanent Secretary of National Research and Development, and Public Sector Science and Technology and Plans Office in the Prime Minister's Office, till his retirement.

He is presently chairman at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research and the Ministry of Health Office for Healthcare Transformation. 

In a statement by the Public Service Division announcing his retirement on July 30, the agency said Prof Tan had provided strategic leadership in raising the public service's science, technology and innovation capabilities.

Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister-in-charge of Public Service Chan Chun Sing also thanked Prof Tan in a statement then, saying he has made "outstanding and impactful contributions" to public service.

"He has served with distinction to strengthen our capabilities in the areas of healthcare, higher education, research and innovation," the coordinating minister said. 

Prof Tan now joins Energy Market Authority chair Tan Ching Yee as the two alternate members of the CPA.

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