NTUC Pays Tribute to Brother Lim Boon Heng: A Lifetime of Service to Workers and Singapore

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) would like to express its deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Brother Lim Boon Heng, who will be stepping down as Chairman of NTUC Enterprise (NE).

His departure marks the end of an extraordinary tenure that has shaped our Labour Movement and the lives of countless workers and their families in Singapore.

Four Decades of Service to Our Labour Movement

Brother Lim’s dedication to our Labour Movement spanned over four decades and is characterised by a focus on the welfare of working people. Brother Lim’s tenure as NTUC Secretary-General from October 1993 to December 2006 came during a period of significant economic restructuring. Brother Lim firmly believed that the best welfare for workers is a job – a belief that continues to guide union leaders to this day.

This belief was evident during the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997. Understanding the importance of keeping workers employed, Brother Lim rallied unionists and workers to accept temporary cuts to employers’ CPF contributions. As a result of this, businesses remained viable during the crisis, and many workers’ jobs were saved.

Brother Lim was also a strong champion of tripartism, working closely with employers and union leaders to implement policies that focused on skills upgrading and worker training. Under his leadership, NTUC ensured that Singaporean workers were prepared for the future economy, solidifying the Labour Movement's relevance.

Following his retirement from politics, Brother Lim returned to the NTUC family as the founding NE Chairman in 2012. As the founding Chairman, Brother Lim oversaw the consolidation of enterprises including FairPrice, Income Insurance, NTUC First Campus, and others.

This was critical in supporting and reinforcing our Labour Movement’s social mission, as these enterprises ensured that essential goods and services remained accessible for ordinary Singaporeans. His strategic vision has always been to ensure the enterprises operated with commercial viability, without losing sight of their foundational commitment to workers and their families.

A Legacy of Integrity and Vision

Brother Lim’s leadership was always marked by his humility, integrity, and deep empathy for the everyday struggles of working families. His work cemented NTUC Enterprise as a pillar of Singapore’s social safety net.

Reflecting on Brother Lim's immense contributions, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said, “Brother Lim Boon Heng is a giant of our Labour Movement, a selfless leader whose entire career has been devoted to Singapore. From his time as NTUC Secretary-General, laying the groundwork for many of the progressive labour policies we see today, to his instrumental role in shaping NTUC Enterprise into the powerful force for social good it is now, his impact is immeasurable. The foundation he built, based on a deep sense of mission and integrity, will continue to guide our efforts forward. We thank him profoundly for his exemplary leadership and wish him well, knowing that his legacy of caring for our workers will endure."

The Next Bound

NTUC welcomes the incoming Chairman, Brother Tan Hee Teck, to carry on the good work that Brother Lim had put in place for the growth and sustainability of its enterprises. We are confident that Brother Tan will effectively implement improvements across all businesses managed by NE. With his proven track record, he will guide NE and its enterprises in supporting our Labour Movement’s mission to assist workers, their families, and all Singaporeans. In doing so, NE will continue to provide sustainable solutions that enhance the lives of workers and their families, strengthening the overall social fabric of our community. Its portfolio must offer affordable, quality essential goods and services to Singaporeans. By aligning with these goals, NE will further support the aspirations of Singaporeans and contribute to a more inclusive society.

On the leadership transition, NTUC President K Thanaletchimi commented, “On behalf of NTUC, I express our deepest gratitude to Brother Lim Boon Heng for his exemplary leadership as NE Chairman. His vision and contributions have profoundly shaped our Labour Movement, leaving a legacy of strength and resilience for the future. I commend him for taking responsibility for the Income episode; his unwavering commitment demonstrates a strong sense of duty to ensure the sustainability of NE’s impact business. He has also laid the groundwork for a smooth transition for the new Chairman. I warmly welcome Brother Tan to our Labour Movement.”

Our Labour Movement extends its deepest gratitude to Brother Lim Boon Heng for his unwavering dedication, strategic wisdom, and tireless energy in serving Singapore's workers. We also warmly welcome Brother Tan Hee Teck as the incoming NE Chairman.