Tan Keong Choon a leading light: PM Lee

Singapore

THE late Tan Keong Choon was a "pioneer and a leading light of the Chinese community," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote in a letter offering his condolences to the family of the former industrialist.

Mr Tan contributed to many aspects of Singapore's development and the promotion of Chinese culture, PM Lee wrote.

As a rubber entrepreneur, Mr Tan introduced innovative rubber processing methods that raised demand for quality rubber exports from Singapore, PM Lee noted. He also fought against a shipping cartel that had agreed to set freight rates on routes from Singapore.

As managing director of National Iron and Steel Mills, Mr Tan also introduced a wage scheme in which workers received extra wages for additional work. He was also council president of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Industry for several terms between 1973 and 1987, leading many delegations overseas to seek new business opportunities.

Beyond the business arena, Mr Tan was a strong supporter of education who chaired the Chinese High School and Hwa Chong Junior College management committees. He was also chairman of the National Parks Board and the Singapore Science Centre. "In his personal capacity, Mr Tan was a much respected benefactor who contributed generously to the community," PM Lee said. Mr Tan died on Oct 27 of diseases related to old age. He was two days shy of his 97th birthday.