SINGAPORE, 6 FEB 2025 – The National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new council for the 2025–2027 term, led by Mr Tan Chong Huat as its chairman. Among the new members are Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim, CEO of Make-A-Wish Singapore; Mr Firdaus D’Cruz, CEO of Pertapis; Mr Ng Ser Song, Former Senior Advisor for Drugs & Advocacy; and Mr David Yap, Creative Director of Design Arcade 2000.
As the advisory body to the Ministry of Home Affairs, NCADA serves as a vital bridge between the government and the community. Its primary mission is to champion advocacy on anti-drug policies, foster meaningful community engagement, and support Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on drugs. By connecting with individuals and communities, NCADA strives to demonstrate that the vision of a drug-free society is a shared responsibility for every Singaporean.
Under the leadership of Chairman Mr Tan Chong Huat, the new council is committed to advancing its mission with a renewed focus to promote and foster a deeply personal and emotional connection to the vision of a drug-free Singapore, ensuring that the message of community-wide prevention and social resilience resonates across all segments of society.
Mr Tan Chong Huat said: “Drug abuse is a challenge that impacts families, friendships, and futures, making it essential for society to stand united in its resolve to combat this issue. As we embark on a new term, we shall champion and play a leading role in anti-drug advocacy efforts, starting with sparking meaningful conversations that not only educate but also resonate with individuals, parents, and communities on a personal level. By fostering collaborations with like-minded partners, empowering our stakeholders, and inspiring advocacy, we aim to build a society where everyone can thrive in a safe and drug-free environment. Together, we can lay the foundation for a future where lives are protected from the harms of drugs.”
Many longstanding members, including Vice-Chairman Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, Dr Tracy Loh, Mr Ahmad Firdaus Bin Daud, Dr Jimmy Lee, and Mr Ravindran Nagalingam, will continue their service, bringing continuity and stability to the council’s leadership. They are joined by newer members like Mr Nicholas Gabriel Lim, Dr Adrian Loh, Mr Ngien Hoon Ping, who were appointed in the previous term. NCADA also thanks outgoing members Ms Elaine Loo and A/P Narayanan Ganapathy for their contributions.
Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim, who spent 12 years in social service agencies supporting women, families, and children, looks forward to contributing to the council. A former editor and immediate past president of the Singapore Muslim Women’s Association (PPIS), Ms Hazlina currently serves on the boards of organisations such as Yayasan Mendaki, the Singapore Kindness Movement, and Community Chest.
Ms Hazlina said, “Helping those affected by drug abuse recover and reintegrate into society is a collective effort. Prevention is equally crucial—it starts with creating awareness and engaging with communities to foster resilience. The council has a unique opportunity to partner like-minded organisations and halfway houses to inspire positive change and build a society where everyone has the chance to lead fulfilling, drug-free lives.”
By forging partnerships, sharing impactful stories, and engaging the community, NCADA seeks to empower stakeholders and inspire meaningful action. The council invites all Singaporeans to join this mission by fostering meaningful conversations, supporting ground-up initiatives, and contributing to a future free from the harms of drugs.
Please refer to Annex A for the full list of NCADA council members. For more information on NCADA’s initiatives and programmes, visit https://www.ncada.org.
