In a landmark decision aimed at fostering sustainable development, His Majesty the King has appointed Mun Leong Liew as the Chief Executive Officer of the pioneering Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) within Bhutan’s Special Administrative Region. This strategic appointment marks a significant step towards establishing GMC as a global exemplar of mindful urban growth.
Alongside his CEO role, Mun Leong Liew joins the Board of Directors (BOD) of the Mindfulness City, a board that now includes notable figures such as Joichi “Joi” Ito, Yee Ean Pang, Seow Hiang Lee, Arun Kapur, and Lauren Chung. His Majesty, who also serves as the Chairman of the BOD, announced that additional members will be introduced in the near future, signaling ongoing commitment to assembling a diverse and experienced leadership team.
In a concurrent appointment, Joichi “Joi” Ito has been designated as the Chairman of the Gelephu Investment Development Corporation (GIDC). Ito’s extensive background in technology and innovation positions him to drive investment and economic expansion initiatives within GMC and beyond, enhancing Bhutan’s digital infrastructure and promoting green energy solutions.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City, unveiled by His Majesty in December 2023, is envisioned as a cutting-edge economic hub that redefines traditional notions of economic and social advancement. By integrating modern infrastructure with Bhutanese cultural values, GMC aims to achieve sustainable and transformative growth, setting a new standard for mindful urban development.
Mun Leong Liew brings a wealth of global experience to his new role, having led major international investment and development projects. His tenure with industry giants such as CapitaLand, Changi Airport Group, and Surbana Jurong Group underscores his expertise in urbanization, infrastructure, and airport development. Under his leadership, CapitaLand expanded to over 20 countries and reached a market capitalization of USD 12 billion, while Changi Airport Group launched the internationally acclaimed Jewel Changi Airport.
Liew expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am deeply honored to lead the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative. This project represents a unique opportunity to blend Bhutanese values with sustainable urban living, and I look forward to working with a talented team to bring His Majesty’s vision to fruition.”
Joichi “Joi” Ito’s appointment as Chairman of GIDC complements his role on the BOD. With a distinguished career that includes leading the Media Lab at MIT and serving as President of the Chiba Institute of Technology, Ito is well-equipped to foster innovation and technological advancements within GMC. His efforts will focus on enhancing digital connectivity, promoting green energy sources like hydropower and solar, and supporting the growth of technology sectors such as AI and blockchain.
Other BOD members bring diverse expertise to the table. Yee Ean Pang, founder of Urbina Capital, will guide investments in renewable energy and social sustainability. Seow Hiang Lee, former CEO of Changi Airport Group, offers unparalleled insights into urban development and international connectivity. Arun Kapur, instrumental in establishing Bhutan’s Druk Gyalpo’s Institute, will oversee the development of local talent, while Lauren Chung of Teneo will manage international relations and communications strategies.
The newly appointed leaders participated in the opening session of the Bhutan Innovation Forum in Paro, where renowned architect Bjarke Ingels presented the masterplan for GMC. This collaboration underscores the project’s commitment to innovative design and sustainable practices.
As Gelephu Mindfulness City takes shape, it aims to become a beacon of economic and social harmony, integrating advanced infrastructure with the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. The initiative seeks to attract visionary professionals and partners from around the world, driving forward a new era of mindful and sustainable growth for the Kingdom and beyond.
With His Majesty’s visionary leadership and the expertise of its newly appointed board members, Gelephu Mindfulness City is poised to set a global standard for sustainable urban development, reflecting Bhutan’s unique commitment to balancing progress with the well-being of its people and the environment.
