Former labour chief Lim Boon Heng may not have a background in finance, but his private and public sector experience and willingness to build a rapport with people make him an ideal chairman of Temasek Holdings. SMU Vice President (Business Development and External Relations) and Associate Professor of Finance, Annie Koh, said that the appointment of former Cabinet Minister Lim Boon Heng as the new chairman will "provide a long-term runway for Temasek" and ensures there is sufficient time for the chairman to settle in before more succession changes are made.