SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) has announced on Wednesday (2 April) that Calvin Phua will be appointed chief executive of the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) from 1 May 2025, replacing Colin Low.
Low, who has held the position since April 2021, is stepping down amid a series of senior public sector resignations following the release of Singapore’s new electoral boundaries on 11 March.
These departures come ahead of the country’s anticipated General Election, expected in early May 2025.
Low is the eighth high-ranking civil servant to resign since February.
Given the upcoming election, his departure has drawn speculation about a potential move into politics.
However, in a post on his LinkedIn account following the announcement, Low wrote: “Nope, I’m not running.”
Calvin Phua’s background and contributions
Phua, 53, is currently the deputy secretary for policy at MinLaw.
He has previously held senior roles in various ministries, including the Ministry of Transport as a deputy secretary.
MinLaw highlighted Phua’s key contributions to Singapore’s legal landscape, including efforts to strengthen the legal system and improve access to justice.
Notably, he played a role in the establishment of the Public Defender’s Office, which provides legal aid to those in need.
“He also worked with various institutions to build capacity and enhance Singapore’s offerings as an international dispute resolution hub,” MinLaw stated.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Phua led the implementation of legal frameworks to provide relief to affected businesses and individuals, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex policy challenges.
Colin Low’s tenure and achievements
Low, 48, was appointed SLA’s chief executive on 12 April 2021. Under his leadership, the authority made significant progress in optimising state land and properties for economic, social, and community use.
MinLaw credited Low with driving sustainable asset management practices within SLA, including the adoption of green initiatives and community-focused programming in state land tenders.
One of his key achievements was advancing geospatial data capabilities.
SLA formed strategic partnerships both locally and regionally, leading to innovations such as 3D city models and mapping datasets supporting climate change initiatives.
MinLaw’s permanent secretary, Luke Goh, expressed appreciation for Low’s contributions, highlighting the “invaluable experience and unique perspective” he brought from the private sector into public service.
SLA’s board of directors also acknowledged Low’s leadership, with chairman Yeoh Oon Jin praising his “inspiring leadership, exceptional dedication, and steadfast service.”
“His guidance has been instrumental in shaping the success of SLA’s forward-thinking and diverse initiatives across state properties, geospatial, and regulatory domains,” Yeoh said.
Wave of public sector resignations fuels speculation ahead of GE2025
Since February, at least seven high-ranking civil servants have stepped down, adding to the growing list of potential candidates.
These include, as of 25 March, Jeffrey Siow (Second Permanent Secretary for Manpower and Trade and Industry), Shawn Loh (a key figure in recent national budgets), and Goh Hanyan (Smart Nation Strategy Office director).
Earlier, Jasmin Lau (Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health) and Foo Cexiang (Director for Private and Future Mobility, Ministry of Transport) had also exited public service.
According to CNA, Goh Hanyan was seen attending a Meet-the-People Session at the PAP’s Zhenghua branch on 17 March, a possible sign of ground engagement ahead of GE2025.
Separately, two Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs), Raj Joshua Thomas and Syed Harun Alhabsyi, resigned from their seats on 14 February—well before their terms were due to end.
Raj has since confirmed that he has applied to join the People’s Action Party and has expressed willingness to stand as a candidate if selected.
Meanwhile, Syed Harun made a public appearance with Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam on 31 March, further fuelling speculation that he, too, is preparing for a political role.
The wave of resignations has raised questions about the ruling party’s candidate slate and approach to political renewal.
The post Calvin Phua to succeed Colin Low as Singapore Land Authority chief executive from 1 May appeared first on The Online Citizen.
