Former OCBC chairman Lee Seng Wee dies, aged 85

LEE Seng Wee, the former chairman of OCBC Bank, died peacefully last Friday at the age of 85.

He sustained a head injury during a fall and was brought to the Singapore General Hospital, where he underwent neurosurgery. He later succumbed to complications arising from the fall.

Mr Lee was first appointed to the board of OCBC Bank on Feb 25, 1966. He was last re-appointed as a director on April 28 this year. He served as chairman from August 1995 to June 2003, and spearheaded the successful takeover bid for Keppel Capital Holdings and all its subsidiaries in August 2001.

Mr Lee served on the OCBC Bank Board Executive Committee and the Board Nominating Committee. He was also chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Temasek Trust and a director of several companies, including Lee Rubber Group Companies and Lee Foundation.

He leaves behind his wife, three children and six grandchildren. A private service with cremation was held last Saturday in accordance with his wishes. His family has requested to mourn in private and asked that no wreaths be sent. Donations may be made to the National Neuroscience Institute Health Research Endowment Fund.