Temasek CEO Dilhan Pillay Reflects on Leadership, Strategic Shifts, and Sustainability Goals

Temasek Holdings CEO Dilhan Pillay shared insights into his journey from law to investment management, describing his early days at Temasek as a "baptism of fire." Originally planning a four-month break after leaving his role at WongPartnership in 2010, he instead joined Temasek on short notice in September due to urgent economic concerns in Europe. Initially taking up portfolio management, Pillay’s commitment grew, eventually leading him to serve as CEO in 2021.

Pillay shared that his diverse roles, including managing Temasek’s regional offices in Europe and the Americas, helped him hone key leadership skills. These roles provided valuable exposure to varied investment landscapes and enabled him to navigate Temasek’s global strategic shifts, which rely heavily on on-the-ground insights and robust networks. He emphasized how critical information flow is in investment, where, as he puts it, "know-who is best."

Drawing from former CEO Ho Ching’s collaborative style, Pillay has cultivated a consultative approach, valuing input from his team. Under his leadership, Temasek’s approach has adapted to focus on a stable, maturing global portfolio, shifting from Ho’s focus on building an initial growth portfolio.

With Temasek’s assets now valued at S$389 billion, Pillay’s focus is to position the firm for sustainable growth. Sustainability is at the forefront of the company's 2021-2030 blueprint, marked by a recently launched sustainability report and the establishment of a S$44 billion “sustainable living” portfolio. Recognized as an industry leader in sustainability, Temasek champions long-term investment strategies that emphasize environmental responsibility, which Pillay identifies as essential to fulfilling Temasek’s mission to support Singapore’s economic future.