Quick Facts
Biography
Tan Keong Choon (2 November 1916 – 27 October 2015), was a Chinese industrialist, community leader and philanthropist in Singapore. He was remembered for his selfless contributions to Singapore's development and support to the local Chinese community.
Life
Early life
Tan pursued Historical Studies in Xiamen University in 1935, and moved with his mother into Singapore in 1937 due to the Japanese Invasion of China. After which, he pursued education in Singapore, Kunming, Hong Kong, and Jinan University in Shanghai up till the full outbreak of war in the Asia Pacific region. Tan entered business industry in 1940, at the age of 22.
Business career
Mr Tan was Managing Director of National Iron and Steel Mills Limited, he pioneered a wage scheme where workers were paid a basic wage, and received extra wages for extra work done. He also led a successful campaign against the shipping cartel which had agreed on set freight rates over the shipping routes from Singapore. He and Mr Tan Eng Joo were instrumental in enabling rubber merchants to continue exporting using shippers who were not part of the cartel, thereby saving the rubber industry in Singapore.
Tan also played an important role in introducing innovative rubber processing methods which met the requirements of the Standard Malaya Rubber, thus raising demand for quality rubber exports from Singapore.
Supporting education
Tan headed the management committee for The Chinese High School and Hwa Chong Junior College for 26 years since appointment in 1971. Under his leadership, both institutions developed and transformed greatly into one of Singapore's top high schools and junior colleges respectively. The Chinese High School attained inependant status in 1988.
Tan was one of the key leaders that ensured the successful integration of Nanyang University and University of Singapore into the current National University of Singapore, despite opposing the decision of the merger.
Public service
Tan served as the chairman of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) from 1951 to 1987, and served as vice-chairman of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan. He served as the Chairman of the National Parks Board and the Singapore Science Centre, and was awarded the Public Service Star and subsequently the Public Service Star (Bar) for his dedicated service to the nation.
Later life
Tan suffered a stroke and had respiratory issues in 2012. Tan passed on in Glaneagles Hospital on 27 October 2015. A low-key funeral ceremony was conducted.