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‘Baptism of fire’: Andre Khor on leading Singapore refiner Aster through an energy crisis

Growing up the son of a steel labourer taught him the value of hard work and dignity, which he applies to the business today

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Sharanya Pillai

Sharanya Pillai

Published Fri, Jun 19, 2026 · 01:00 AM
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    • Aster deputy CEO Andre Khor, citing the age of the “polycrisis”, says: “It’s very important to be agile, to be focused on execution… We don’t know all the answers but we keep going forward.”
    • Aster deputy CEO Andre Khor, citing the age of the “polycrisis”, says: “It’s very important to be agile, to be focused on execution… We don’t know all the answers but we keep going forward.” PHOTO: TAY CHU YI, BT

    The strategies and stories that shape today’s leaders.

    [SINGAPORE] Less than a year after Aster Chemicals and Energy took over the oil refinery on Singapore’s Pulau Bukom, the company was thrust into a full-blown global energy crisis.

    To adapt to the uncertainties, its deputy CEO Andre Khor is taking on what he calls a “startup mindset”.

    The Leadership PlaybookAsterIran warOil refining

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