Condolence Letter from President Halimah Yacob on the Passing of Mr Ngiam Tong Dow

21 August 2020

Dear Jeanette

My husband and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved husband, Mr Ngiam Tong Dow.

Mr Ngiam had a long and illustrious career in the public service, spanning over four decades. At 33, he was the youngest Permanent Secretary to be appointed in the civil service, heading the Ministry of Communications.  Subsequently, he went on to lead various key ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of National Development. Mr Ngiam also held significant positions in many other public agencies, including the Housing and Development Board, Singapore Telephone Board, Economic Development Board, Central Provident Fund and Surbana Corporation Pte Ltd.

Many of Mr Ngiam’s contributions continued to have an enduring impact to the lives of Singaporeans, even today.  One example is the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, which he played a key role in operationalising when he was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications. He was also a strong advocate for our local enterprises, which paved the way for the vibrant SME landscape we see today in Singapore.

For his remarkable achievements in the public service, Mr Ngiam was conferred numerous national awards, including the Public Administration Medal (Gold) in 1971, the Meritorious Service Medal in 1978 and the Distinguished Service Order in 1999.

Always one who spoke passionately on issues, Mr Ngiam believed in the contestation of ideas within the public service, so that our people will be served in the best possible way. After his retirement, he continued to share his wisdom with the younger generation, in his capacity as Adjunct Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at National University of Singapore and the School of Humanities and Arts at Nanyang Technological University.

Singapore is deeply grateful to Mr Ngiam for his selfless devotion to our country and people. Mr Ngiam was a shining example of a gentleman who led by example and served his nation to the best of his abilities.

Please accept my most heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this time of mourning.

Yours sincerely,

HALIMAH YACOB