Elaine Ng Appointed CEO of National Arts Council, Succeeding Low Eng Teong

Mrs. Elaine Ng will take over as the chief executive officer of the National Arts Council (NAC) from Mr. Low Eng Teong, starting on March 1, 2026. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) on December 23, 2023. Prior to officially assuming the role, Mrs. Ng will serve as CEO-designate beginning on January 1, 2026. Mr. Low will conclude his term on February 28.

Mrs. Ng has a substantial background in public administration, having been the deputy secretary of administration at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) since 2019. In this capacity, she led the defence management group responsible for policy formulation in areas such as National Service, manpower, and finance. Among her notable achievements is overseeing significant infrastructural projects, including the new Central Manpower Base. Additionally, she chairs the Defence Collective Singapore, which manages the country’s military museums, including the anticipated NS Gallery.

Her extensive experience also includes serving as the deputy CEO of the National Heritage Board and CEO of the National Library Board from 2011 to 2019. Furthermore, she holds positions on several boards, including NS Square, the Defence Science and Technology Agency, and DSO National Laboratories.

Contributions of Low Eng Teong

Mr. Low has been at the helm of NAC since 2023, following a five-year tenure as deputy and assistant CEO of sector development in the arts. During his leadership, he played a crucial role in advancing the SG Arts Plan 2.0 and enhancing digital adoption within the sector to foster deeper audience engagement. His efforts also included strengthening arts education pathways through the NAC-Arts Education Programme, which offers over 1,400 programs developed by more than 300 artists and arts groups in schools.

Mr. Low has also been an active figure on the boards of various cultural organizations, including the Singapore Chinese Orchestra Company, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, the Singapore Art Museum, and The Esplanade Co.

Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo expressed support for Mrs. Ng’s appointment, acknowledging Mr. Low’s significant contributions. He stated, “Under Eng Teong’s steadfast leadership, NAC has broadened access to the arts, strengthened support for the sector, and deepened the role that culture plays in shaping who we are as Singaporeans.” Neo extended his gratitude to Mr. Low for his “invaluable contributions” and for collaborating closely with artists, partners, and the wider community.

The MCCY has formally recognized Mr. Low’s leadership and significant contributions to both the NAC and the wider MCCY family, marking a transition that aims to build on the progress made in Singapore’s arts landscape.