After his first degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Singapore, Mr Chew took a Masters in operations research and management studies at Imperial College, University of London. 

Mr Chew joined Singapore Airlines in 1972.  He held senior assignments in Tokyo, Rome, Sydney, Los Angeles and London, and headed the Planning and the Marketing divisions at corporate headquarters.   Before becoming CEO in June 2003, he was Senior Executive Vice-President for Administration, covering finance, treasury, corporate planning, human resources, legal and corporate affairs. 

Mr Chew is the Chairman of Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise.  He is the Deputy Chairman of Singapore Airport Terminal Services Ltd., SIA Engineering Co., and a director of Virgin Atlantic Airways.