Timah Partners, Singapore’s pioneering permanent holding company, has announced Kelvin Ho as the inaugural candidate in its CEO Succession Programme (CSP). This marks a significant step in addressing Southeast Asia’s SME succession crisis. Ho, a former senior executive at the Economic Development Board (EDB), brings nearly two decades of leadership experience to the programme, which aims to cultivate a new generation of business leaders for enduring SMEs.
Timah Partners’ CSP is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, offering a structured pathway for entrepreneurial operators. The programme includes stages such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A) exposure, apprenticeship under a seasoned CEO, and eventual full operational leadership. Candidates benefit from competitive compensation, equity ownership, and support from a world-class advisory group, ensuring a smooth transition to SME leadership.
Dennis Chua, Founder and CEO of Timah Partners, stated, “Kelvin embodies the grounded, values-driven, long-term oriented leadership that SMEs in Singapore want and need.” Ho’s appointment follows Timah Partners’ successful $50 million Series A funding round in June 2025, backed by notable investors and founders of iconic holding companies.
Timah Partners’ unique approach contrasts with traditional private equity models by focusing on long-term stewardship rather than short-term financial gains. The firm acquires high-quality B2B businesses with predictable revenues, aiming to consolidate fragmented markets. Ho’s role in the CSP is expected to set a precedent for future candidates, reinforcing Timah’s commitment to sustainable business growth and leadership development in the region.
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