About The EDB Society

As individuals and as an association, The EDB Society’s member continue with passion and fervour in support of The EDB mission.

The EDB Society is an association set up in 1989, comprising former and current officers from The EDB. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) is proudly an organisation that has seen and steered the economic development of Singapore from early mass industrialisation in the sixties to globalisation in the nineties to sustainable international economic eco-systems in current day.

Our Members comprise the leaders, thinkers and doers behind the economic success that is Singapore. From founding Members such as the late Mr I F Tang, Mr Chan Chin Bock, to subsequent EDB Chairmen such as Mr Ngiam Tong Dow, the late Mr P Y Hwang, Mr Philip Yeo, Mr Teo Ming Kian, Mr Lim Siong Guan, Mr Leo Yip, and current Chairman Dr Beh Swan Gin, The EDB Society has consistently been associated with pioneer work and thought leadership focused on Singapore’s sustainable economic development in the context of the global economy. As individuals and as an association, the Society's Members continue with passion and fervour in support of The EDB mission. The EDB Society is registered with the Singapore Registry of Societies. Click here for information on Constitution.

A New Identity

The Society launched its new logo on 23 Nov 2021 at the Wireside Chat “From EDB to Political Service - Managing Transitions, Contributing to Singapore's Development”.

In use for more than 30 years, the logo was re-designed when EDB refreshed its logo for its 60th Anniversary in August 2021.

Our new logo aims to have a fresh timeless look, yet convey the continuous mission of serving the different generations of Members and stakeholders. It adopts the “EDB”’ logo font and colour to reflect our nexus, alignment and support of EDB’s mission. To enhance the Society’s unique identity and branding, we retain the two red lines from the old logo (to underscore support for the 2 entities), and incorporate the red dot above “i” (to emphasize each Member’s individual contribution to Singapore’s development).

The overall design keeps the balance between old and new, reflecting the Society’s heritage while at the same time looking forward into the digital age.

The Designer is Mr Pow Ying Hern. The final design was selected after intense discussions and voting by EXCO Members.

"The key to EDB's success is its people, who carry with them the pioneering spirit and desire to shape a better economic future for Singapore"

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 2011
"EDB officers had imbibed the values and attitudes of their leaders in Singapore - a willingness to learn from others and a readiness to accept assistance from any quarter..."

Lee Kuan Yew, 2002

EDB Society’s Mission

The Objectives

To foster interaction and dialogue among EDB, its alumni and other Members through these programmes: - establishment of a forum where Members can share their knowledge and experience to promote national economic development and international cooperation; and - sponsorship of high-level discussion and study groups on technology, world business trends, investment opportunities in the region and beyond.

To promote social interaction among EDB, its alumni and other Members, and leading thinkers on economic development

Membership Growth

As of 20 Mar 2024, The EDB Society has 1276 members. They include many outstanding individuals who have made contributions to the economic growth and prosperity of Singapore over the last five decades, helping to create a better life for all Singaporeans.

Whether they are active in the government, business, academic or community circles, the Members maintain close links to the Board through the Society's programmes and activities. They are highly regarded in their respective fields and continue to contribute to the mission of nation-building even after their EDB careers. The membership stronghold and nexus with EDB offer indisputably many powerful networking opportunities.

Public Engagements

Over the years, The EDB Society has organised and conducted several successful book launches, networking events, breakfast talks as well as conferences. Through these activities, the Society aims to harness the experience and wisdom of its Members so that they can share and exchange insights on the various challenges of economic and societal development. In 1997, The EDB Society, together with The Straits Times organised a seminar series to offer a platform for Singapore's first generation pioneers to share stories and insights of what shaped and would be shaping Singapore.

Executive Committee Members 2024/25