{{Short description|Singaporean civil servant}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Use British English|date=February 2025}} {{Family name hatnote|Lim|lang=Chinese}} {{for|the theatrical producer|Benny Lim (theatrical producer)}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Benny Lim | honorific_suffix = DUBC PJG PPA(E) PPA(P) | image = | caption = | office1 = Chairman of the Housing and Development Board | predecessor1 = Bobby Chin Yoke Choong | term_start1 = {{start date|2023|04|01|df=y}} | office2 = Chairman of the National Parks Board | predecessor2 = Christina Ong | successor2 = Loh Khum Yean | term_start2 = {{start date|2018|08|01|df=y}} | term_end2 = {{end date|2023|09|30|df=y}} | office3 = Director of the Internal Security Department | predecessor3 = Chiang Chie Foo | successor3 = Pang Kin Keong | term_start3 = {{start date|1997|04|01|df=y}} | term_end3 = {{end date|2004}} | birth_name = Benny Lim Siang Hoe | birth_date = {{bya|1957|03}} | birth_place = Terengganu, Malaya | alma_mater = London School of Economics and Political Science (MSc)<br />National University of Singapore (BA) | module = {{anchor|Chinese name}} {{Infobox Chinese | child= yes | hide= yes | c = | t = 林雙河 | s = 林双河 | p = Lín Shuānghé | mi = {{IPAc-cmn|l|in|2|.|sh|u|ang|1|.|h|e|2}} }} }} '''Benny Lim Siang Hoe'''{{Efn|Chinese: see Chinese name and romanisation}} {{Post-nominals|country=||list=DUBC PJG PPA(E) PPA(P)}} (born March 1957) is a Singaporean civil servant and the incumbent chairman of the Housing and Development Board.
From 1997 to 2004, Lim was director of the Internal Security Department. Lim was permanent secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (2005–2011), Prime Minister's Office (2011–2016), Ministry of National Development (2011–2016) and National Security Coordination Secretariat (2011–2016). Lim also served as a director of SBS Transit from 2018 to 2021,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=Christopher |date=2018-04-26 |title=3 retired permanent secretaries join boards of ComfortDelGro and its subsidiaries |url=https://str.sg/oGAm |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=Christopher |date=2021-03-25 |title=Two SBS Transit directors to join chairman Lim Jit Poh in retiring from board |url=https://str.sg/J9LF |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659}}</ref> and chairman of Temasek Foundation from 2020 to 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-05 |title=蔡琼莹出任淡马锡基金会主席 |trans-title=Jennie Chua appointed Chairperson of Temasek Foundation |url=https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20240905-4640929 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Lianhe Zaobao |language=zh}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-05 |title=Temasek Foundation appoints Jennie Chua as new chairman |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/temasek-foundation-new-chairman-jennie-chua-4587676 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=CNA}}</ref>
== Early life and education == In March 1957, Benny Lim Siang Hoe was born in Terengganu, Malaya, and was the second son in his family. In 1959, Lim and his family moved to Singapore as his father, Henry Lim, was offered a job at Malayan Bitumen Products, located in Bukit Timah, His mother worked briefly as a nurse before becoming a homemaker after Lim was born. Lim and his family lived in Katong.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Henry |date=2008-08-07 |title=Oral History Interview Reel 3 |url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/oral_history_interviews/record-details/60fde9fe-1161-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=nas.gov.sg}}</ref>
Lim received his early education at Siglap Primary School, and later moved on to Raffles Institution (RI). An active sports player, Lim represented RI at judo, discus and shot put competitions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1970-07-31 |title=Ronnie is judo champ |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singherald19700731-1.2.107.1 |access-date=2025-02-22 |work=Singapore Herald |pages=14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Yap |first=Sonny |date=1972-05-15 |title=Raffles sprint star favoured |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19720515-1.2.78 |access-date=2025-02-22 |work=New Nation |pages=18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1972-07-26 |title=CHIJ scores second judo win |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19720726-1.2.83 |access-date=2025-02-22 |work=New Nation |pages=16}}</ref> A head prefect of RI, he obtained a Singapore-Cambridge GCE Ordinary Level in 1973 and a Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level in 1975.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1973-03-02 |title=GCE 'O' level (English) results |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19730302-1.2.92 |access-date=2025-02-22 |work=New Nation |pages=17}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Sher Maine |date=2012-03-12 |title="Life is More Complicated than Black and White" |url=https://psdchallenge.psd.gov.sg/people/cuppa/life-is-more-complicated-than-black-and-white |access-date=2025-02-22}}</ref>
In 1981, under a police scholarship awarded by the Public Service Commission, Lim graduated from the National University of Singapore and obtained a Bachelor of Arts with honours in english literature. Lim proceeded to pursue graduate studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He graduated in 1990 with a Master of Science with distinction in political sociology.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-05 |title=DISTINGUISHED ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ALUMNI AWARD 2022 |url=https://fass.nus.edu.sg/about-us/stars/stars-2022/distinguished-arts-and-social-sciences-alumni-award-2022/#mrbennylim |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=National University of Singapore}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=1997-03-23 |title=New director for Internal Security Dept |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19970323-1.2.39.10 |access-date=2025-02-22 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659 |pages=32}}</ref>
== Career == In 1975, Lim began his career as a police constable in the Singapore Police Force (SPF), inspired by his mother who was also a volunteer social worker.<ref name=":0" />
On 1 October 1984, Lim was one of four officers from the Internal Security Department (ISD) to be promoted to deputy superintendent.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1984-11-06 |title=Mandy Goh promoted to senior ASP |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19841106-1.2.30.8 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659 |pages=14}}</ref> He was later promoted to senior assistant commissioner of SPF and deputy director of ISD.<ref name=":1" />
On 1 April 1997, Lim succeeded Chiang Chie Foo as director of ISD.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Regan |date=2002-03-15 |title=FBI director says Al-Qaida looking for new base, warns too much unknown in Southeast Asia |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On 1 January 2004, Lim assumed the portfolio of second permanent secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and promoted to permanent secretary a year later.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-12-10 |title=New top govt appointments |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20031210-1.2.10.2 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Today |pages=6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-12-10 |title=Senior civil servants to move on Jan 1 |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20031210-1.2.9.4 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659 |pages=4}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chen |first=Huifen |date=2005-05-12 |title=New Iras chief named amid civil service shuffle |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes20050512-1.2.19.1 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Business Times |oclc=464696647 |pages=12}}</ref> In May 2005, Lim signed a memorandum of understanding with Riaz Mohammad Khan to increase collaboration between Pakistan and Singapore and combat terrorism.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Buenas |first1=Danial |last2=Lee |first2=Steven |date=2005-05-11 |title=S'pore, Pakistan to start talks on free trade pact in June: PM |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes20050511-1.2.5.3 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Business Times |oclc=464696647 |pages=2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2005-05-10 |title=Pakistan, Singapore sign pact on combating terrorism, crimes |work=BBC Monitoring}}</ref>
On 1 September 2011, while concurrently permanent secretary for MHA, Lim succeeded Chiang as permanent secretary for the Prime Minister's Office.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-08-20 |title=PM's Office to get new permanent secretary |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper20110820-1.2.5.4 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The New Paper |pages=4}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-08-20 |title=Benny Lim kini Setiausaha Tetap Ehwal Luar dan PMO |trans-title=Benny Lim is now Permanent Secretary for PMO |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian20110820-1.2.8.4 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Berita Harian |oclc=53812840 |pages=2 |language=ms}}</ref> Two months later, Lim swapped portfolios with Tan Tee How, assuming the position of permanent secretary of the Ministry of National Development, while Tan assumed his position at MHA. Lim was also appointed as permanent secretary for the National Security Coordination Secretariat.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Toh |first=Elgin |date=2011-10-04 |title=Permanent secretaries swop MND and MHA jobs |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20111004-1.2.9.8 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659 |pages=6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-10-04 |title=PSD announces permanent secretary movements |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper20111004-1.2.7.1 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Today |pages=8}}</ref>
On 30 April 2016, after 37 years in the public service, Lim retired.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-03-23 |title=PSD umum perubahan jawatan Setiausaha Tetap beberapa kementerian |trans-title=PSD announces changes to the positions of Permanent Secretaries of several ministries |url=https://www.beritaharian.sg/singapura/psd-umum-perubahan-jawatan-setiausaha-tetap-beberapa-kementerian |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Berita Harian |oclc=53812840 |language=ms}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lim |first=Benny |date=2017-01-18 |title=Nation building reboot needed |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20170118-1.2.25.5 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659 |pages=22}}</ref> The next day, Lim was appointed as co-managing director of Infocomm Development Authority, to prepare for the merger with the Media Development Authority.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sim |first=Walter |date=2016-03-23 |title=Changes in permanent secretary appointments from May, as veteran civil servant retires |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20160323-1.2.7.17 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659 |pages=12}}</ref> In a tribute to Lim, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Lim was “respected and loved as a leader” and added that "the ministers, in particular, will miss his political acumen, strong heart and clear mind".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Amanda |date=2016-04-27 |title=PM lauds Benny Lim as example of top-notch civil servant |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20160427-1.2.5.1 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Today |pages=2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-04-27 |title=Daripada konstabel polis kepada setiausaha tetap |trans-title=From police constable to permanent secretary |url=https://www.beritaharian.sg/singapura/daripada-konstabel-polis-kepada-setiausaha-tetap |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Berita Harian |oclc=53812840 |language=ms}}</ref>
On 1 August 2018, Lim was appointed as chairman of the National Parks Board (NParks), succeeding Christina Ong.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Jan |date=2018-07-30 |title=Veteran civil servant Benny Lim appointed new NParks chairman |url=https://str.sg/odq9 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-07-31 |title=Mantan setiausaha tetap Benny Lim dilantik Pengerusi NParks |trans-title=Former permanent secretary Benny Lim appointed NParks chairman |url=https://www.beritaharian.sg/ekoniaga/mantan-setiausaha-tetap-benny-lim-dilantik-pengerusi-nparks |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Berita Harian |oclc=53812840 |language=ms}}</ref> On 1 April 2023, Lim succeeded Bobby Chin Yoke Choong as chairman of the Housing and Development Board.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-04-01 |title=Pengerusi baru Lembaga HDB |trans-title=New HDB Board Chairman |url=https://www.beritaharian.sg/singapura/pengerusi-baru-lembaga-hdb |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Berita Harian |oclc=53812840 |language=ms}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Koh |first=Sarah |date=2023-03-31 |title=HDB to get new chairman from April 1 |url=https://str.sg/iZHx |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659}}</ref> On 30 September 2023, Lim stepped down as chairman of NParks, and he was succeeded by Loh Khum Yean.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yong |first=Li Xuan |date=2023-09-29 |title=Veteran public servant Loh Khum Yean to be appointed as new NParks chairman |url=https://str.sg/icwx |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-29 |title=Pelantikan kepimpinan baru dalam Iras, NParks |trans-title=New leadership appointments in Iras, NParks |url=https://www.beritaharian.sg/singapura/pelantikan-kepimpinan-baru-dalam-iras-nparks |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Berita Harian |oclc=53812840 |language=ms}}</ref>
== Personal life == Lim has two beagles.<ref name=":0" /> His younger brother, Raymond Lim, is a former Singaporean politician.<ref name=":2" />
== Awards and decorations == * 80x80px Public Administration Medal (Silver), in 1987.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1987-08-09 |title=The award winners |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870809-1.2.24.26 |access-date=2025-02-21 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659 |pages=18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |date=1987-08-09 |title=National Day Honours 1987 |url=https://www.pmo.gov.sg/-/media/PMO/National-Day-Awards/PDF-before-1998/NDA-Recipients-1987-pdf.ashx |journal=Republic of Singapore Government Gazette |volume=29 |issue=38 |access-date=2025-02-21}}</ref> * 80x80px Public Administration Medal (Gold), in 2002.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chuang |first=Peck Ming |date=2002-08-09 |title=Yeo Ning Hong gets top National Day award |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes20020809-1.2.19.3 |access-date=2025-02-21 |work=The Business Times |oclc=464696647 |pages=8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-08-09 |title=NATIONAL DAY AWARD WINNERS |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20020809-1.2.44.17 |access-date=2025-02-21 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659 |pages=21}}</ref> * 80x80px Meritorious Service Medal, in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Almenoar |first=Maria |date=2010-08-09 |title=PUB chairman tops National Day Awards list |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20100809-1.2.3 |access-date=2025-02-21 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659 |pages=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ong |first=Andrea |date=2010-08-09 |title=Not his 1st national award |via=NewspaperSG |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20100809-1.2.31.4.9 |access-date=2025-02-21 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659 |pages=5}}</ref> * 80x80px Distinguished Service Order, in 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Co |first=Cindy |date=2021-08-09 |title=DBS and SIA chairman Peter Seah heads list of National Day Award recipients |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/dbs-and-sia-chairman-peter-seah-heads-list-national-day-award-recipients-2100991 |access-date=2025-02-21 |work=CNA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Shiying |date=2021-11-28 |title=Public servants, community leaders among 5,720 given National Day awards |url=https://str.sg/3NCY |access-date=2025-02-21 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659}}</ref>
== Notes == <references group="lower-alpha" responsive="1"></references>
== References == {{reflist}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Lim, Benny}}
Category:Living people Category:1957 births Category:Singaporean civil servants Category:Permanent secretaries of Singapore Category:Singaporean people of Chinese descent Category:Raffles Institution alumni Category:National University of Singapore alumni Category:Alumni of the London School of Economics Category:Recipients of the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang Category:Recipients of the Pingat Jasa Gemilang Category:Recipients of the Pingat Pentadbiran Awam Category:Singaporean police officers Category:People from Terengganu Category:Singaporean chairpersons of corporations