Temasek to polish image
Singapore's state-linked investment company Temasek Holdings is trying to improve its image after receiving negative publicity over some foreign acquisitions, the Straits Times reported yesterday.
The newspaper said that Temasek had created a new senior position - corporate affairs managing director - in apparent recognition of the need to improve public perceptions of its intentions and links with the government.Temasek's purchase of shares in Shin Corp from the family of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra triggered a political crisis that forced Thaksin to announce he will step down. Demonstrators in Bangkok set ablaze posters of Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching, Temasek's CEO, while condemning the tax-free windfall of Thaksin's family. In a separate incident, Temasek accidentally released last week a revealing internal document meant to give its executives and spokespersons guidelines on how to respond to media queries on a number of sensitive issues. A former local broadcaster, Myrna Thomas, will take up the new corporate affairs post at Temasek next week. Temasek spokeswoman Eva Ho confirmed the appointment and said the new official's primary focus would be to "effectively manage our communications with our stakeholders".
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