Beh Swan Gin is a prominent individual in Singapore’s government and economic landscape. In May 2023, he ook on a new responsibility as the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), relinquishing his role as chairman of the Economic Development Board (EDB) in the process.

Considering Beh’s background as a medical doctor, his trajectory into the world of economic development has been nothing short of exceptional. However, he is no stranger to the MTI or to government ministries, having previously served in the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) as executive director of the Biomedical Research Council. Beh was also the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Law from 2012 to 2014, where he oversaw legal reforms and initiatives.

In 1992, Beh embarked on his career at the EDB and took on pivotal roles within the organisation. He managed the EDB’s biomedical sciences portfolio and presided over its North American operations. His exemplary leadership was affirmed when he was appointed as managing director of the EDB in 2008, and subsequently chairman in 2014. With the chairman’s hat, he steered the agency towards Singapore’s ambitions of becoming a global hub for business, innovation and talent.

Beh sits on the boards of numerous organisations, including Enterprise Singapore, Ascendas-Singbridge, and Singapore Technologies Engineering.