Smrt - Going Off Track

SINGAPORE MASS RAPID TRANSIT: GOING OFF TRACK

On January, 2012, Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) Corporation’s Chief Executive

Officer (CEO), Phaik Hwa Saw, resigned from her position after two major breakdowns on the North-South Line in December 2011. SMRT was a public transport operator in Singapore, with a transportation network that comprised buses, trains and taxis. The two breakdowns were arguably the largest public transportation incidents in Singapore’s history, occurring two days apart and affecting more than 220,000 commuters. Widespread public outrage ensued, with heavy criticism of Saw for the breakdowns and her mismanagement of the corporation.

Prior to the incidents, Saw’s tenure as CEO had been associated with a particularly prosperous period in the history of SMRT. She had successfully navigated SMRT through its post-merger transition process and achieved a significant growth in profits. She had also transformed SMRT from a company focusing solely on transportation to one that provided all-around service and transportation to commuters.

Why did Saw become the target of public discontent? Were the breakdowns a result of her lack of ability to lead SMRT effectively?

LEADERSHIP HISTORY

Prior to Saw’s appointment in December 2002, SMRT had been traditionally led by men with engineering backgrounds and experience in military or public service.

SMRT was first led by Leong Geok Lim, who had a degree in engineering. He was widely acknowledged as the progenitor of the MRT system in Singapore, convincing the government at the time that the MRT system was the best option for improving public transportation there. Lim had previously been the executive director of MRT Corporation, the government agency that subsequently merged with other agencies to form the Land Transport Authority of Singapore.

In 1996, Rear Admiral Siew Jin Kwek replaced Lim. Kwek had previously served as Chief of Navy and had spent his career...