The Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) appoints Mr Asad Shiraz as its Chief Executive Officer

The Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Asad Shiraz as its Chief Executive Officer. The appointment will take effect on 5 November 2002.

Mr Shiraz, 45 years, is currently the Senior Director Tourism Marketing of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Jurong Bird Park, as well as the WRS since July 1997 and July 2000 respectively.

Mr Shiraz brings with him over 20 years of experience in the tourism and travel industry. He was instrumental in developing and implementing strategies and plans to boost tourism in Singapore following the Asian financial crisis in 1997/98. He also capitalized on the millennium fever to draw tourists to Singapore. The efforts resulted in a 10.5% growth in arrivals to Singapore in 2000.

Dr Kwa Soon Bee, Chairman of WRS, said: "Asad's wealth of experience in the tourism and travel industry is a strong asset to WRS. We are confident that he will be able to revitalise the appeal of WRS' wildlife parks and make them truly iconic attractions for both Singapore residents and international visitors. With his strong sense of global tourism trends, Asad is well-positioned to take WRS through to the next stage of development of its Master Plan."

On his new appointment, Mr Shiraz commented: "I am privileged to be given this opportunity to work in WRS. Its three attractions: the Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoological Gardens and the Night Safari, have won local and international recognition as amongst the top zoological and tourist attractions in Singapore and the region for many years. In particular, their large and comprehensive collection of animals and birds, as well as the pioneering of new concepts in exhibit design and construction have received many accolades. The attractions have also been recognised for their efforts and success in conservation and breeding of rare and endangered animals and birds. I look forward to working with the team in WRS to meet the challenges of a more discerning, increasingly sophisticated and well-travelled visitor base as well as to make WRS' three attractions amongst the best in the world.