Overview
The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) announced a leadership transition as Lim Shung Yar will assume the role of chief executive officer (CEO) of the statutory board next year. Lim, a 45-year-old senior official from Singapore’s Public Service Division (PSD), will be appointed CEO-designate effective November 1 and will fully take the helm on February 1, 2026. The move follows a period of growth and transformation for NCSS as it continues to strengthen Singapore’s social service sector.
About the incoming CEO-designate
Lim Shung Yar currently serves in PSD as the senior director of leadership development and strategy. In his broader public service career, he has held leadership roles at the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the Ministry of Education. His portfolio in PSD has focused on human resource policy development, talent attraction, retention, and leadership development within the Public Service. These experiences position him to steer NCSS as it advances workforce capabilities and organizational effectiveness across the social service sector.
Leadership and community engagement background
Beyond his policy work, Lim has worked on initiatives designed to strengthen social cohesion and community relations. At MCCY, he built partnerships with religious and community organizations to foster trust and collaboration across diverse groups. His collaboration efforts extended to the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre and Giving.sg, a one-stop platform promoting nonprofit support and corporate giving. This background aligns with NCSS’s mission to develop the sector through partnerships and innovative funding mechanisms.
The legacy of the outgoing CEO
The current NCSS chief executive officer, Tan Li San, joined in January 2020 and has overseen a substantial period of transformation. Under her leadership, NCSS responded to community needs intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable initiatives include the Courage Fund (COVID) and the Invictus Fund, which provided both financial and social support to individuals and social service agencies. Tan also drove digital transformation across the sector through the Social Service Digital Plan, a roadmap designed to accelerate digital adoption for social service agencies (SSAs).
Strengthening the sector
Tan’s tenure strengthened NCSS’s role as a sector developer, expanding partnerships with community groups, corporate partners, and philanthropic bodies. The Community Chest, NCSS’s philanthropic arm, introduced new fundraising approaches aligned with Sustainable Philanthropy. She also led the development of a Sector Evaluation Framework to standardize outcome metrics and refreshed NCSS’s branding to reflect its evolving mission. The ministry notes that these efforts have positioned NCSS to better support communities and respond to changing needs.
What to expect under Lim Shung Yar
As NCSS welcomes a new CEO, stakeholders anticipate continued emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based approaches. Lim’s background in leadership development and strategy suggests a focus on building leadership pipelines across SSAs, enhancing talent management, and sustaining digital capabilities within the sector. Expect further attention to performance metrics, sector-wide coordination, and strengthened public-private partnerships that enable social services to scale and respond effectively to emergent needs in Singapore.
Timeline and next steps
The leadership transition will unfold with Lim designated as CEO-designate from November 1, 2025. He will assume full responsibilities as CEO on February 1, 2026, paving the way for a period of continuity and strategic renewal. NCSS and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) expressed gratitude to Tan Li San for her dedication and the strides made during her tenure, while signaling confidence in Lim’s ability to guide NCSS toward new chapters of growth and innovation.
Conclusion
Singapore’s social service landscape stands at a pivotal moment, with NCSS positioned to leverage leadership transitions for sustained impact. Lim Shung Yar’s appointment as CEO-designate brings a blend of public sector leadership, community engagement experience, and a track record in driving digital and organizational improvements. As NCSS continues to develop the sector and empower communities, the organization’s focus on collaboration, accountability, and digital adoption will be key to delivering outcomes that uplift lives across Singapore.
