Singapore-based semiconductor testing firm AEM Holdings sees leadership change and short-term market reaction following the resignation of CEO Amy Leong.
· AEM CEO Amy Leong resigns after just over a year
· Share price drops 4.7% in morning trade
· New CEO Samer Kabbani steps in
· Market watchers for signs of stability and growth
Singapore-listed surprised markets on Monday with the sudden announcement that CEO Amy Leong has stepped down. The leadership change prompted an immediate market response, with AEM shares opening at S$1.64, a 4.7% drop from Friday’s close of S$1.72. The company attributed the move to a “board-led leadership realignment for growth,” and clarified there were no unresolved disagreements between Leong and the board. Leong will remain with the company as a senior advisor to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.
Executive transition details
Subject Information
Former CEO Amy Leong
Tenure Jul 1, 2024 – Jul 27, 2025
New CEO Samer Kabbani
Previous role President & Chief Technology Officer
Monday opening price S$1.64 (down 4.7%)
Midday price S$1.66 (down 3.5%)
YTD performance (pre-exit) Up 19.4%%
Leong’s tenure lasted just over a year, during which she led the company through several strategic decisions. While the nature of her exit appears amicable, her short tenure and the abruptness of the change have raised questions about the company’s forward trajectory. Her replacement, Samer Kabbani, an internal candidate with deep operational experience. His technical background and familiarity with the company suggest continuity in AEM’s technical direction; analysts will be closely watching the company over the next few quarters.
Short-term reaction, long-term focus
Although the stock faced immediate pressure at the opening bell, it recovered slightly by midday.Analysts are expecting short-term volatility but believe AEM’s fundamentals remain strong. Singaporean investors will watch for early signals from the new CEO regarding innovation, regional expansion, and client diversification.
For retail and institutional investors alike, this is more than just a leadership change; it is a critical moment in how AEM positions itself in an evolving semiconductor landscape. The next set of quarterly results will likely determine whether investor sentiment can bounce back fully. If Kabbani can maintain growth momentum while aligning with market expectations, this brief dip may turn out to be a buying opportunity rather than a red flag.