Saw Phaik Hwa

15. Saw Phaik Hwa

Ex-SMRT CEO Saw Phaik Hwa’s resignation came after two massive train breakdowns last December, which affected more than 200,000 commuters and in turn, resulted in a public clamour against Saw.

Petitions for her ouster circulated online, even as the 57-year-old pledged to stay on as CEO to “put everything right”. She changed her mind in January when she decided to resign “to pursue personal interests”. Saw is now CEO for Auric Pacific Group, which has a varied portfolio in food manufacturing, distribution and retail.

Taking over from Saw is former Chief of Defence Force Desmond Kuek, who assumed his new role in October.

Unfortunately, things on SMRT’s end haven’t been picking up much, as far as we can see.

Here’s to a better year in 2013, SMRT and Singapore.