Cheong Koon Hean facts for kids

Cheong Koon Hean (born in 1957) is a well-known urban planner and architect from Singapore. She has played a very important role in shaping Singapore's cities and homes.

About Cheong Koon Hean

Cheong Koon Hean is a highly respected leader in urban planning. An urban planner is someone who designs and manages how cities grow. They decide where buildings, parks, and roads should go. An architect designs buildings. Cheong Koon Hean has used her skills to help make Singapore a great place to live.

Her Education Journey

Cheong Koon Hean was a special student known as a Colombo Plan scholar. This scholarship helped her study architecture at Newcastle University in 1981. She earned a first-class degree, which means she was a top student.

Later, she continued her studies at University College London. There, she earned a master's degree in Urban Development Planning. This helped her learn even more about how to plan cities. She also attended a special program at Harvard Business School. In 2010, the University of Newcastle gave her an honorary doctorate in architecture. This was a special award for her achievements.

Leading Singapore's Development

Cheong Koon Hean started working for the government in 1984. She became a public servant, which means she worked for the people of Singapore.

Shaping the City: Urban Redevelopment Authority

From 2004 to 2010, Cheong Koon Hean was the CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). The URA is like the main planner for Singapore's land and buildings. As CEO, she was in charge of many important tasks. These included protecting old, historic buildings and managing real estate.

The Straits Times, a newspaper, said her work at URA was key. It helped make Singapore a special and important global city. She was also the first woman ever to lead the URA. This was a big achievement!

Building Homes: Housing and Development Board

After her time at URA, Cheong Koon Hean became the CEO of the Housing and Development Board (HDB). She held this role from 2010 to 2020. The HDB is responsible for providing affordable homes for people in Singapore. Her leadership helped ensure many Singaporeans had good places to live.

Current Roles

Today, Cheong Koon Hean continues to contribute her expertise. She is the Chair of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities. She is also a Professor of Practice at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. In addition, she chairs the Centre for Liveable Cities. This center works to make cities better and more sustainable for everyone.

Awards and Recognition

Cheong Koon Hean has received many awards for her hard work and leadership.

• In 1997, she received a silver Public Administration medal.
• In 2005, she was awarded a gold Public Administration medal. These medals are given for excellent service to the public.
• In 2010, she won the Her World Woman of the Year award. This award celebrates women who have made a big difference.
• In 2014, Cheong Koon Hean was honored by being added to the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame. This special hall recognizes amazing women who have shaped Singapore.