Chua Kim Yeow, Singapore's first local accountant-general, dies

CHUA Kim Yeow, a former accountant-general who later became a candidate in Singapore's first presidential election, died of pneumonia on Sunday morning. Mr Chua, 90, had been admitted to Singapore General Hospital after falling critically ill early this month.

In 1961, he became the first Singaporean to be appointed accountant-general, succeeding a British accountant. He remained in this role for 18 years during which he received the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 1964 and the gold medal in 1975.

After retiring from civil service, Mr Chua joined DBS Bank in 1986 as executive chairman for seven years.

Just when he retired from banking in 1993, Mr Chua was urged by Cabinet ministers to run in Singapore's first presidential election to give voters a choice of candidates. He agreed and reluctantly stood against former deputy prime minister Ong Teng Cheong.

He received 41.3 per cent of valid votes. After the election, Mr Chua returned to corporate world and took up various appointments, including chairman of Singapore's stock exchange from 1994 to 2000 and chairman of Stamford Tyres from 2000 to 2013.

"The Board and Management of Stamford Tyres would like to extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late Mr Chua and express their heartfelt appreciation for Mr Chua's invaluable counsel and guidance to the Stamford Tyres Group," Stamford Tyres said on Monday.

Mr Chua is survived by four daughters, three grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. His wife Seah Sok Meng died four years ago.

His wake is held at his home in Hua Guan Avenue, off Dunearn Road. He will be cremated on Wednesday.