SPCA appoints Walter Leong as new executive director, succeeding Aarthi Sankar
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has named Walter Leong as its new executive director. Leong, 59, brings decades of experience in sustainability, the environment and animal welfare, succeeding Aarthi Sankar, who led the organisation since 2021.
- Walter Leong, 59, appointed as SPCA’s new executive director, succeeding Aarthi Sankar.
- Leong previously served as deputy executive director at the Singapore Environment Council and founded an agritech company.
- SPCA says the appointment comes amid rising cases of animal cruelty, calling for stronger advocacy and action.
SINGAPORE: The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has appointed Walter Leong as its new executive director, the organisation announced in a statement on 18 July.
Leong, 59, succeeds Aarthi Sankar, 38, who has held the position since November 2021.
He brings with him extensive experience across the private, public and non-profit sectors. His background includes technical and operational roles in multinational corporations, leadership positions in public agencies, and the founding of an agritech company.
Most recently, he served as deputy executive director at the Singapore Environment Council.
“Walter’s commitment to sustainability, the environment and animal welfare is not only professional but also deeply personal,” SPCA said.
In his new role, Leong will oversee the organisation’s operations, including animal welfare programmes, outreach and advocacy efforts, fundraising, stakeholder engagement and general administration. He leads a team of around 50 staff members.
Leong said he hopes to strengthen SPCA’s mission of promoting kindness towards animals and protecting those most in need.
“The goal is to continually enhance our animal welfare service while at the same time trying to make them redundant, because in an ideal state, there would no longer be a need for animal shelters or cruelty investigation,” he said.
“Our animals would all be safe at home or well cared for in the community. They will, not just in the eyes of the law but also in each of our hearts, be treasured as living beings who can feel as we do. Until then, the SPCA will continue to be there for our animals in need, for as long as they need us.”
Describing the new appointment as both a responsibility and a privilege, he added, “Serving the animal welfare cause is a huge responsibility and honour.”
SPCA chairwoman Tang Wai Ying said Leong’s appointment comes at a critical time, as the rise in animal cruelty demands urgent and coordinated action.
“His appointment comes at a challenging moment, when the rise in animal cruelty demands more than compassion – it calls for action,” she said.
“Walter brings heart, conviction and leadership to strengthen partnerships and rally Singaporeans to build a kinder world for our animals.”
Tang also paid tribute to Aarthi for her years of service.
“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing executive director, Ms Aarthi Sankar. Her commitment has moved mountains. We, and the animals, say thank you.”
In response to media queries, the SPCA said Aarthi “remains supportive of the organisation’s work.”
