Ngiam Tong Dow
{{Short description|Singaporean civil servant (1937–2020)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Use Singapore English|date = September 2024}}
{{Family name hatnote|Ngiam|lang=Chinese}}{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Ngiam Tong Dow
| honorific_suffix = DUBC PJG PPA(E) PBS
| image = 220px
| caption = Ngiam in the 1990s
| office1 = Chairman of the Housing and Development Board
| predecessor1 = Hsuan Owyang
| successor1 = Aline Wong
| termstart1 = {{Start date|1998|10|01|df=y}}
| termend1 = {{End date|2003|09|30|df=y}}
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1937|6|7|df=y}}
| birth_place = Singapore, Straits Settlements, British Malaya
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2020|8|20|1937|6|7|df=y}}
| death_place = Singapore
| alma_mater = Harvard University (MPA)
University of Malaya in Singapore (BA)
St. Andrews School
Serangoon English School
| occupation =
| spouse = Jeanette Gan Choon Neo ({{abbr|m.|married}} 1961)
| children = 2
| module = {{Infobox Chinese
| child= yes
| hide= yes
| c =
| t = 嚴崇濤
| s = 严崇涛
| p = Yán Chóngtāo
| mi = {{IPAc-cmn|yan|2|.|ch|ong|2|.|t|ao|1}}
}}
}}
Ngiam Tong Dow {{Post-nominals|country=||list=DUBC PJG PPA(E) PBS}} (7 June 1937 – 20 August 2020) was a Singaporean civil servant who became the youngest permanent secretary at the age of 35, and held the position until his retirement from the civil service in 1999. He worked in various government ministries, statutory boards, and agencies, helping to shape public policies and national projects, leading to Singapore's economic growth in the first few decades after independence.{{Cite news |last=Meah |first=Natasha |date=22 August 2020 |title='Straight as an arrow': Friends, family share memories of Ngiam Tong Dow at wake of former top civil servant |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/straight-arrow-friends-and-family-share-memories-ngiam-tong-dow-wake-former-top-civil |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=Today}}
Ngiam served as the acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communications (1970–1972), and was promoted to be permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance (1972–1979 and 1986–1999), Prime Minister's Office (1979–1994), Ministry of Trade and Industry (1979–1986) and Ministry of National Development (1987–1989). He also served as chairman in several statutory boards and government-linked companies, such as the Economic Development Board (1975–1982), DBS Bank (1990–1998), Central Provident Fund (1998–2001), Housing Development Board (1998–2003), HDB Corp (2003). He was also the chief executive officer of DBS from 1991 to 1998.
Early life and education
Ngiam was born in the Straits Settlements (present-day Singapore) on 7 June 1937 to a Hainanese family, and was the eldest among his siblings. His father, Ngiam Fook Quee, worked as an interpreter, translating English to most Chinese dialects. During the Japanese occupation of Singapore, his father quickly picked up Japanese and worked as an interpreter for the Japanese. In 1946, his father died from tuberculosis, and his mother began working as a servant to raise Ngiam and his siblings.{{Cite book |last=Ngiam |first=Tong Dow |title=A Mandarin and the Making of Public Policy: Reflections by Ngiam Tong Dow |publisher=NUS Press |year=2006 |isbn=978-9971-69-350-3 |editor-last=Tay |editor-first=Simon S. C. |location=Singapore |pages=4–17, 24, 31–34, 37, 45–46, 150–152 |language=en}} Ngiam received his primary education at Serangoon English School and secondary education at St. Andrew's School. Prior to starting his undergraduate studies, Ngiam worked as a journalist with The Straits Times.{{Cite news |last=Ngiam |first=Tong Dow |date=7 June 1957 |title=I meet Prof. Cheng a man of many parts |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19570607-1.2.68 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}}
In April 1959, Ngiam graduated from the University of Malaya in Singapore (now known as National University of Singapore) with a Bachelor of Arts in economics.{{Cite news |date=25 April 1959 |title=241 PASS UNIVERSITY ARTS DEGREE EXAMS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590425-1.2.53 |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}} In 1963, while serving as an economist, Ngiam was among 12 other top civil servants from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, specially selected to take a one-year course in public administration at the Harvard Graduate School of Public Administration (now known as Harvard Kennedy School). In August 1964, Ngiam topped his class by obtaining distinction in all four subjects related to public administration, and graduated with a Masters in Public Administration.{{Cite news |date=9 August 1964 |title=Singapore man beats them at Harvard |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640809-1.2.66 |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}}
Career
= 1959–1970: Early beginnings =
On 1 August 1959, Ngiam began his career as a civil servant in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, before being posted as an administrative assistant to the economic development division under the Ministry of Finance after a few months. The newly created division only consisted of three other people — Minister for Finance Goh Keng Swee, permanent secretary Hon Sui Sen, and the office boy. In 1960, Ngiam provided figures for the five-year development plan, titled "State of Singapore Development Plan, 1960-1964". The plan aimed to increase employment opportunities in Singapore through a series of investments from the World Bank and the United Kingdom.{{Cite web |date=1 May 2020 |title=Integrating Human Capital into National Development Planning in Singapore |url=https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/288331595613626022/pdf/Integrating-Human-Capital-into-National-Development-Planning-in-Singapore.pdf |access-date=21 September 2024 |website=World Bank}} In 1961, Ngiam joined Hon Sui Sen in establishing the Economic Development Board (EDB), and was quickly promoted to its chief promotions officer. Subsequently, in 1964, after graduating from Harvard University, he was promoted to serve as the land and estates manager, in charge of managing S$80 million worth of land assets under EDB, such as the Jurong Industrial Estate.
In 1968, Ngiam, together with Goh Keng Swee, initiated Singapore's first and largest purchase of gold from the Government of South Africa.{{Cite news |date=10 March 2023 |title=Singapore's central bank boosts gold reserves 30% in Jan |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapores-central-bank-boosts-gold-reserves-30-jan |access-date=9 November 2024 |work=The Business Times}} Inviting the Minister of Finance Nico Diederichs to their hotel room at the sidelines of the 1968 World Bank meeting, Goh and Ngiam began negotiating a purchase of 100 tons of gold, at a fixed price of US$40,{{Clarify|reason=per ounce?|date=December 2024}} above the market price of US$35. Diederichs agreed to the deal, passed a half-sliced United States one-dollar bill to Ngiam, and instructed Ngiam to meet in Switzerland to complete the transaction. Later on, Ngiam, together with Wee Cho Yaw, managing director of United Overseas Bank, arrived at the Swiss Bank Corporation, where the banker requested Ngiam's half of the bill.{{Cite web |title=Torn US Dollar Bill |url=https://www.commarts.com/project/28056/torn-us-dollar-bill |access-date=9 November 2024 |website=Communication Arts |language=en-us}} As both the serial numbers on the banker's half and his half matched, Ngiam's identity was verified, and the gold purchase was completed.{{Cite book |last=Orchard |first=Freddy |title=Bold Vision: The Untold Story of Singapore's Reserves and Its Sovereign Wealth Fund |date=2021 |publisher=Epigram Books |isbn=9789815105131 |edition=1st |location=Singapore}}{{Cite news |last=Conners |first=Emma |date=4 February 2022 |title=How a man who washed his own underwear built investment colossus GIC |url=https://www.afr.com/world/asia/how-singapore-s-gic-became-an-investment-colossus-20220202-p59t7m |access-date=9 November 2024 |work=Australia Financial Review}}
= 1970–1972: Ministry of Communications =
In 1970, Ngiam was promoted to acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communications.{{Cite news |date=22 April 1980 |title=Dr Goh's bright boy for perm sec |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19800422-1.2.25 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=New Nation |pages=5}} On 28 July 1970, Ngiam led a delegation of five to the British Board of Trade, to discuss launching a regular flight service between Singapore and London, operated by Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA).{{Cite news |date=8 September 1970 |title=MSA: No comment on breakdown of talks |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19700808-1.2.101 |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=18}}{{Cite news |date=27 July 1970 |title=Talks open on MSA's UK route |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singherald19700727-1.2.37 |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=Singapore Herald |pages=6}} However, on 8 August 1970, talks between both countries broke down. In return for approval, firstly, MSA had to give a second British airline, Cathay Pacific (CPA), increased flights to Singapore and rights to fly to Australia and New Zealand via Singapore, when the first British airline, British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), already had such privileges. Secondly, if MSA needed to charter aircraft to operate the Singapore-London service, only aircraft from CPA and BOAC could be chartered.{{Cite web |last=Ngiam |first=Tong Dow |date=26 August 1970 |title=Statement by Mr Ngiam Tong Dow, Ag Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Leader of Singapore delegation in the August 1970 negotiations with the U.K., and the Singapore Government nominee Director on the MSA Board of Directors |url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/PressR19700826.pdf |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=www.nas.gov.sg}}
Unagreeable to the terms, Ngiam issued a statement that the landing rights of CPA and BOAC would be revoked by August 1971, if MSA was not given the rights to operate the flight service.{{Cite news |date=27 August 1970 |title=S'PORE TO REVOKE BOAC LANDINGS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19700827-1.2.2 |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=Eastern Sun |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=27 August 1995 |title=25 Years Ago, On This Day... |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19950827-1.2.49.3.2 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=2}} On 28 September 1970, talks restarted at the Fullerton Building, and an agreement was reached after 10 days.{{Cite news |date=6 September 1970 |title=MSA'S LONDON TALKS RESTART THIS MONTH |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19700906-1.2.13 |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=Eastern Sun |pages=3}}{{Cite news |date=26 September 1970 |title=Who's who for air talks on Monday |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singherald19700926-1.2.8 |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=Singapore Herald |pages=1}} MSA began operating the Singapore-London service from April 1971.{{Cite news |date=9 October 1970 |title=New UK S'pore air pact |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singherald19701009-1.2.4 |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=Singapore Herald |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=9 October 1970 |title=MSA wins rights to London |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19701009-1.2.4 |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=Eastern Sun |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=9 October 1970 |title=Air talks success |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701009-1.2.12 |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} On 19 October 1970, Ngiam led another delegation of four to Bern, to discuss launching a regular flight service between Singapore and Rome, operated by MSA. After five days of talks, an agreement was reached.{{Cite news |date=21 September 2024 |title=Singapore air talks team off to Berne |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singherald19701020-1.2.24 |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=Singapore Herald |pages=3}}{{Cite news |date=1 November 1970 |title=Accord is reached with Italy for MSA service to Rome |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701101-1.2.33 |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=6}}{{Cite news |date=1 November 1970 |title=MSA going to Rome |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19701101-1.2.13 |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=Eastern Sun |pages=3}} Throughout 1971, he led various delegations to discuss and launch regular flight services from Singapore to Ceylon, Czechoslovakia, Tokyo, and North American cities via Tokyo.{{Cite news |date=26 February 1971 |title=Singapore, Ceylon air talks |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19710226-1.2.37 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=New Nation |pages=3}}{{Cite news |date=8 September 1971 |title=Signed: Air pact with Czechs |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710908-1.2.88 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=17}}{{Cite news |date=5 October 1971 |title=TALKS WITH JAPAN ON MSA FLIGHTS BEYOND TOKYO |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19711005-1.2.65 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}}
Announced on 26 January 1971 by the governments of Malaysia and Singapore, MSA was split into Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines. To ensure that existing services operated by MSA were not disrupted, both countries came together to discuss an air transport agreement. Ngiam led the Singapore delegation, and discussed the distribution of existing air routes and fleet of aircraft to both airlines.{{Cite news |last=Raman |first=P. M. |date=26 January 1971 |title=MSA to split |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710126-1.2.3 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=28 April 1971 |title=Air pact talks get under way |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710428-1.2.3 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} On 21 August 1972, at the age of 35, Ngiam was the youngest civil servant to be promoted to permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communications (now known as Ministry of Digital Development and Information).{{Cite news |last1=Pang |first1=Cheng Lian |last2=Wee |first2=Sunny |date=21 August 1972 |title=Govt. to promote its top men |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19720821-1.2.7 |access-date=21 August 2024 |work=New Nation |pages=1}} Shortly after, on 21 December 1972, he was transferred to be permanent secretary of development in the Ministry of Finance (MOF).{{Cite news |date=2 December 1972 |title=Top govt. men in job swops |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19721202-1.2.5 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=New Nation |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=20 December 1972 |title=Changes in jobs for six top govt officers |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19721220-1.2.88 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=16}}
= 1972–1994: Ministry of Finance, Prime Minister's Office =
In 1973, Ngiam accompanied Minister for Finance Hon Sui Sen to represent Singapore for the first time at the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade during the Tokyo Round, allowing Singapore to enjoy concessions on trade tariffs with other member countries.{{Cite news |date=24 August 1973 |title=Hon for GATT meeting: A 'first' for Singapore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730824-1.2.43 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}} In addition to his existing portfolio, on 12 February 1979, Ngiam was appointed as permanent secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).{{Cite news |date=12 February 1979 |title=Top job in govt goes to Sim |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19790212-1.2.10 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} On 22 March 1979, he was transferred from the Ministry of Finance to become permanent secretary in the newly created Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).{{Cite news |date=22 March 1979 |title=Ministry's address |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19790322-1.2.2.2 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |last=Soh |first=Tiang Keng |date=22 March 1979 |title=Ngiam is PS to new ministry |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19790322-1.2.28 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}} On 1 April 1980, Ngiam succeeded Ridzwan Dzafir as the chairman for the watchdog committee on inflation, ensuring that shops and supermarkets cease from price gouging.{{Cite news |last=Soh |first=Tiang Keng |date=1 April 1980 |title=Ngiam heads committee on inflation |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800401-1.2.7 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}
At the annual EDB dinner in November 1980, Ngiam announced that he will relinquish his role as chairman of EDB from January 1981 to P.Y. Hwang, ambassador to Belgium, after holding the position since January 1975.{{Cite news |date=28 November 1980 |title=Hwang to be new chief of EDB |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19801128-1.2.9 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=29 January 1982 |title=Hwang takes over as chairman of EDB |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19820129-1.2.15 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} However, in December 1980, Minister for Trade and Industry Goh Chok Tong requested Ngiam to remain as chairman for another year, while reassuring that Hwang will be the successor.{{Cite news |date=19 December 1980 |title=Ngiam is asked to stay on another year |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19801219-1.2.44 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=13}}{{Cite news |date=5 January 1981 |title=Another term |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810105-1.2.43 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=9}} As such, Ngiam stepped down as chairman on 1 January 1982. In 1985, he was selected for the Eisenhower fellowship.{{Cite news |date=1985-03-17 |title=Tong Dow selected for Eisenhower fellowship |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850317-1.2.21.17 |access-date=2025-01-12 |work=The Straits Times |pages=13}} While continuing as permanent secretary in PMO, Ngiam was transferred from MTI to return as permanent secretary of budget in MOF on 1 January 1987.{{Cite news |date=14 December 1986 |title=Four in Perm Sec changes |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19861214-1.2.5 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} Ngiam was also appointed as the first permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Development on 1 February 1987, before stepping down on 1 November 1989 and assuming the role of permanent secretary of revenue in MOF.{{Cite news |date=21 January 1987 |title=Ngiam named MND's First Perm Sec |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870121-1.2.6 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=21 January 1987 |title=Ngiam to be a permanent secretary at MND |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19870121-1.2.8 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=15 October 1989 |title=Three top civil servants to rotate positions |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19891015-1.2.6 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite web |date=15 October 1989 |title=Joint Statement from the Prime Minister's Office and Public Service Commission |url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/LKY19891014_0001.pdf |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=www.nas.gov.sg}}
On 1 February 1990, Ngiam succeeded Howe Yoon Chong as chairman of DBS Bank, and a year later on 1 February 1991, he was promoted to chief executive officer (CEO).{{Cite news |date=2 December 1989 |title=Ngiam Tong Dow to be DBS Chairman |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19891202-1.2.63.8 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=48}}{{Cite news |date=2 December 1989 |title=Ngiam Tong Dow to head DBS Bank from February |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19891202-1.2.33 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=14}}{{Cite news |last=Vasuki |first=S. N. |date=12 February 1991 |title=Ngiam is now executive chairman of DBS Bank |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19910212-1.2.4 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=1}} Under his tenure, DBS grew internationally. In 1990, DBS started a joint venture bank with Tat Lee Bank in Indonesia, and launched a full-service branch in Hong Kong.{{Cite news |last=de Silva |first=Gerry |date=16 April 1991 |title=New phase 'will see DBS going international' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19910416-1.2.48.35 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=35}} In 1992, DBS began issuing American depository receipts, bought a 10% stake in Wing Lung Bank for HK$380.7 million (S$81.3 million) and a 3.4% stake in Thai Danu Bank for S$7 million.{{Cite news |last=Quak |first=Hiang Whai |date=21 January 1992 |title=DBS issues sponsored ADRs in US |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19920121-1.2.16.9 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=6}}{{Cite news |last=Ong |first=Catherine |date=13 March 1992 |title=DBS Bank takes 10pc stake in HK's Wing Lung |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19920313-1.2.4 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=14 April 1992 |title=DBS Bank pays $7m for 3.4% stake in Thai bank |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19920414-1.2.54.34 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=39}} In 1995, DBS was the first local bank to receive approval to open its first branch in Shanghai, further expanding its international footprint.{{Cite news |last=Quak |first=Hiang Whai |date=11 January 1995 |title=DBS Bank, Socgen get nod to open Shanghai branches |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19950111-1.2.52.9.2 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=22}}{{Cite news |last=Raj |first=Conrad |date=20 April 1995 |title=DBS Bank to build on regional businesses |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19950420-1.2.52.3 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=19}} On 9 May 1998, Ngiam stepped down as chairman and CEO, with S. Dhanabalan and John Olds succeeding as chairman and CEO respectively.{{Cite news |last=Raj |first=Conrad |date=7 April 1998 |title=Dhanabalan to leave SIA to head DBS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19980407-1.2.4 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=23 May 1998 |title=DBS confirms new CEO |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19980523-1.2.95.47 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=75}} On 12 October 1994, after more than 15 years on the job, Ngiam relinquished his position as permanent secretary in PMO.{{Cite news |date=23 April 1994 |title=Andrew Chew to retire as head of civil service |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940423-1.2.2 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=9 October 1994 |title=New Labour perm sec, auditor-general |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19941009-1.2.7.6 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=3}}
= 1994–2020: Later career =
On 1 August 1998, Ngiam was appointed as chairman of the Central Provident Fund (CPF), and in October 1998, he was also appointed as chairman of the Housing Development Board (HDB).{{Cite news |date=11 April 1998 |title=Dr Chew to head PSC |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/stoverseas19980411-1.2.5.3.1 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}}{{Cite news |date=30 June 1998 |title=New Perm Sec for PMO |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19980630-1.2.5.6 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=3}}{{Cite news |date=10 September 1998 |title=HDB chairman to retire next month |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19980910-1.2.36.2 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=25}} On 7 June 1999, after almost 40 years on the job, Ngiam retired from the civil service, while retaining his chairmanships at CPF and HDB.{{Cite news |last=Leow |first=Jason |date=8 May 1999 |title=Ngiam Tong Dow to retire from civil service |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19990508-1.2.6.1 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=2}}{{Cite news |date=8 May 1999 |title=Calling it quits |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper19990508-1.2.6.9 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The New Paper |pages=6}} On 1 August 2001, Ngiam stepped down as chairman of CPF.{{Cite news |date=28 July 2001 |title=New chief for CPF |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20010728-1.2.54.7 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=2}} During his term at HDB, Ngiam introduced various initiatives, such as the Lift Upgrading Programme and the Build-to-Order scheme.{{Cite news |last=Ng |first=Jun Sen |date=22 August 2020 |title=Ngiam Tong Dow helped S'pore become a business hub, contributions have enduring impact today: PM Lee, President Halimah |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ngiam-helped-singapore-become-business-hub-contributions-have-enduring-impact-today-pm-lee |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=Today}} In July 2003, Ngiam stepped down as chairman of HDB, and was appointed chairman of HDB Corp (now known as Surbana Corporation), the privatised arm of HDB.{{Cite news |last=Ng |first=Boon Yian |date=24 June 2003 |title=Aline is new HDB chief |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20030624-2.2.5.4 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=Today |pages=4}}{{Cite news |date=24 June 2003 |title=Ngiam Tong Dow leaves HDB to lead HDB Corp |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes20030624-1.2.8.3 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=2}}
From 1999 to 2019, Ngiam served as the pro-chancellor for the National University of Singapore (NUS), and was an adjunct lecturer Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy from 2005 to 2017.{{Cite web |date=21 August 2020 |title=A deep loss for Country and University: In memory of Mr Ngiam Tong Dow |url=https://news.nus.edu.sg/a-deep-loss-for-country-and-university-in-memory-of-mr-ngiam-tong-dow/ |access-date=23 September 2024 |website=news.nus.edu.sg |language=}} During a dialogue session held at NUS in 2012, Ngiam urged academics to "help the State to ask the right questions" by offering their opinions on national issues, arguing that this was the key to Singapore achieving economic development. Stressing that universities should not research for the sake of doing so, he reiterated that academics across disciplines should come together to study a local issue, so that "thinkers in ivory towers" can make better decisions for Singapore.{{Cite news |last=Ng |first=Jing Yng |date=9 November 2012 |title=Thinkers 'should join conversation' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20121109-2.2.5 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=Today |pages=1}}
In September 2013, Ngiam was interviewed by the Singapore Medical Association. In the interview, topics such as the Certificate of Entitlement scheme, the civil service, and his personal life were covered. When asked for his opinions on transforming Singapore into a global city, he questioned the benefit of organising the Formula One (F1) night race yearly, and believed that taxpayer money should be spent wisely and not on a frivolous expense such as F1. Ngiam also felt that ever since the salaries of ministers increased to align with the top earners in Singapore, every minister would hesitate to speak their mind. Ngiam also commented that the civil service was much tamer than in his time, and that the People's Action Party had become "too elitist" with a "lack of empathy" for the people of Singapore.{{Cite web |last=Ngiam |first=Tong Dow |date=2013 |editor-last=Toh |editor-first=Han Chong |title=Singapore – International Medical Centre: A Missed Opportunity, or Not Too Late? |url=https://www.sma.org.sg/UploadedImg/files/Publications%20-%20SMA%20News/4509/Interview%20NTD%20full%20transcript.pdf |access-date=23 September 2024 |website=Singapore Medical Association}} On 11 October 2013, Ngiam had to clarify and retract some of the statements made during the interview, citing that he retired from the civil service in 1999 and would not have any knowledge about what happened in the civil service and government anymore.{{Cite news |date=12 October 2013 |title=Ngiam clarifies comments in SMA interview |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ngiam-clarifies-comments-sma-news-editor |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=Today}}
Personal life
Ngiam was a Christian. He died on 20 August 2020, after being in ill health for four and a half years.{{Cite news |last=Meah |first=Natasha |date=22 August 2020 |title='Straight as an arrow': Friends, family share memories of Ngiam Tong Dow at wake of former top civil servant |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/straight-arrow-friends-and-family-share-memories-ngiam-tong-dow-wake-former-top-civil |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=Today}}{{Cite news |last=Ho |first=Grace |date=20 August 2020 |title=Former top civil servant Ngiam Tong Dow dies, aged 83 |url=https://str.sg/Jhyi |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times}} He is survived by his wife,{{Cite web |date=20 August 2020 |title=In loving memory of Ngiam Tong Dow |url=https://obits.sg/d/ngiam-tong-dow/4236/en |access-date=21 September 2024 |website=obits.sg}} who he had married in 1961, as well as a daughter, son, and three grandchildren.
Bibliography
In 2006, NUS Press published the book A Mandarin and the Making of Public Policy: Reflections by Ngiam Tong Dow, providing his opinions and criticisms on the economic foundation laid by the founding generation of political leaders in Singapore.
- {{Cite book |last=Ngiam |first=Tong Dow |title=A Mandarin and the Making of Public Policy: Reflections by Ngiam Tong Dow |publisher=NUS Press |year=2006 |isbn=978-9971-69-350-3 |editor-last=Tay |editor-first=Simon S. C. |location=Singapore |pages= |language=en}}*
- {{Cite book |last=Ngiam |first=Tong Dow |title=Dynamics of the Singapore Success Story: Insights by Ngiam Tong Dow |publisher=Cengage Learning Asia |year=2010 |isbn=978-9814-33-607-9 |editor-last=Zhang |editor-first=Zhibin |location=Singapore |language=en}}
Awards and decorations
- 80x80px Distinguished Service Order, in 1999.{{Cite news |date=9 August 1999 |title=CJ Yong gets rare national Honour |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19990809-1.2.4 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=22 November 2021 |title=PMO {{!}} Recipients |url=https://www.pmo.gov.sg/national-day-awards/recipients?page=1&keywords=ngiam+tong+dow&award=&year= |access-date=23 September 2024 |website=PMO |language=en}}
- 80x80px Long Service Medal, in 1995.{{Cite news |last=Low |first=Michelle |date=9 August 1995 |title=Prominent executives honoured |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19950809-1.2.10.1 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Business Times |pages=2}}
- 80x80px Meritorious Service Medal, in 1978.{{Cite news |last=Ngoo |first=Irene |date=9 August 1978 |title=A-G and Pang head the hons list |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780809-1.2.6 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}
- 80x80px Public Administration Medal (Gold), in 1971.
References
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Category:National University of Singapore alumni
Category:Harvard Kennedy School alumni
Category:Singaporean people of Chinese descent
Category:20th-century Singaporean businesspeople
Category:Recipients of the Pingat Pentadbiran Awam
Category:Recipients of the Pingat Jasa Gemilang
Category:Recipients of the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang
Category:Permanent secretaries of Singapore
Category:Saint Andrew's School, Singapore alumni
Category:Singaporean chairpersons of corporations