Competition watchdog names ex-director Alvin Koh as new CEO

THE Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) announced on Thursday (Mar 28) the appointment of its former director Alvin Koh as its new chief executive officer (CEO) and commission member. The posts are effective Apr 1. 

He succeeds Sia Aik Kor, who became the commission’s CEO in 2019. She takes on a new role in the State Courts on Apr 1.

Koh’s appointment marks his return to the competition watchdog, where he was previously director of legal and enforcement. His account on LinkedIn says he was a director there from 2008 to 2012. Back then, the commission was known as the Competition Commission of Singapore. 

As CCCS’ new CEO, he will be responsible for overseeing key functions, including administering and enforcing the Competition Act and the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. 

He will also advise the government and public agencies on national needs and policies related to competition and consumer protection. 

He said: “Tackling anti-competitive conduct and unfair practices remain our primary objective, and we will take on relevant and impactful cases to maintain our enforcement presence.

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“In the medium term, CCCS will focus on digital markets, price transparency and supporting Singapore’s green transition.”

Previous roles he has held include public-sector positions at the Ministry of Finance, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore and the Supreme Court of Singapore.

Between 2019 and last year, he was chief legal officer and divisional director at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). There, he oversaw key functions, including prosecution of manpower offences, civil advisory, work-injury compensation adjudication and major policy pieces, such as the proposed Workplace Fairness and the Platform Workers legislation.