Singapore’s Prime Minister wasn’t the only one strengthening ties with Australia this week. As PM Lawrence Wong arrived for the annual Australia-Singapore leaders’ meeting, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Oceania confirmed Dr Edward Koh as its new Executive Director, effective 1 November 2025.
As STB ED International Group and Oceania, Koh will lead marketing efforts across Australia and New Zealand, aiming to ensure Singapore stays high on the list for leisure and business travellers. He replaces Oliver Chong, who has moved into the role of Assistant Chief Executive, International Group, overseeing STB’s 19 global offices.
A Singapore Tourism Board stalwart since 2006, Koh has headed regional offices in Greater China and Southeast Asia, and most recently led the conventions, meetings and incentive travel (MICE) division. In that role, STB says he helped cement Singapore’s position as a global hub for business events.
Koh also brings wider industry credentials, joining the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) board in 2024, representing a diverse international events community.
“Oceania is an important region for Singapore, and it’s heartening to see that visitor arrivals from Australia and New Zealand continue to be strong,” Koh remarked.
“I look forward to deepening ties with our industry and trade partners, sharing the wide variety of experiences Singapore has to offer with Aussie and Kiwi travellers, and strengthening the city’s reputation as a hub of culture, innovation and world-class events.”
Ahead of his official commencement in the role, Koh met with 70 Western Australian industry partners at SingapoReconnect in August and will also join the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) in Brisbane this month.
According to STB, Koh’s appointment underlines the Southeast Asian nation’s intent to deepen Oceania ties at a time of broader bilateral collaboration.
“Edward’s leadership in the global meetings and conventions sector, combined with his deep understanding of destination strategy, will be a tremendous asset to our team,” STB’s Area Director Oceania, Kimberly Spykerman, said.
“We are excited to work alongside him as his enthusiasm and curiosity about the Oceania market will certainly bring about new ideas and stories about Singapore to share with Aussies and Kiwis.”
Australia’s love affair with Singapore shows no sign of slowing. Aussies not only delivered record arrivals in 2024 but also ranked among the top three markets for tourism receipts, helping the Lion City roar past pre-pandemic highs with around AU$34 billion in tourism revenue.
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