The World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore (WWF-Singapore) has appointed finance industry veteran Hsieh Fu Hua as its new chairman, effective Dec 22.
Hsieh was formerly CEO of the Singapore Exchange, chairman of United Overseas Bank (UOB) and president of Temasek Holdings. The 72-year-old joined the WWF-Singapore board in July.
Hsieh has led the boards of various non-profit organisations and currently chairs the National University of Singapore and the National University Health System. He is also a director on the board of GIC.
Hsieh is also currently chairman of Eastspring Investments Group and the Grab-Singtel digital bank GXS Bank.
The current chairman of WWF-Singapore, Achal Agarwal, steps down after nearly seven years on the board. Agarwal took over as the chairman in December 2020.
In a Dec 22 press release, WWF-Singapore says Agarwal was steadfast in building professional capacity within the organisation and making the brand and purpose of WWF resonate with Singaporeans. “During his tenure, WWF-Singapore launched its new thematic pillars for programmatic action: Climate, Sustainability and Circular Economy, Nature and Biodiversity, and Closer to Home. Each of these themes incorporates important programmes designed to drive societal action to protect our natural biodiversity.”
See also: After strong response from professionals, WWF-Singapore plans to bring e-courses to retail investors
WWF is among the world’s largest independent conservation organisations. Previously known as the World Wildlife Fund, WWF has gone by the World Wide Fund for Nature since 1986. As one of WWF’s international hubs, WWF-Singapore supports a global network spanning over 100 countries.
Hsieh says: “I am truly grateful to Achal for his stewardship of WWF-Singapore over the years. He leaves an organisation that is well poised to make greater impact in Singapore and beyond.”
Hsieh adds: “Having been associated with WWF-Singapore for a while, I am impressed by the deep knowledge and passion of the team and look forward to working closely with them and the board to enhance the work and standing of WWF even further as we pursue our local, regional and global conservation agenda.”
