Pang Tee Pow

{{Family name hatnote|Pang|lang=Chinese}}{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Pang Tee Pow

| honorific_suffix = DUBC PJG PPA(P)

| birth_date = {{birth year|1928}}

| birth_place = Singapore, Straits Settlements

| death_date = {{dda|1977|11|15|1928|df=y}}

| death_place = Singapore General Hospital, Singapore

| alma_mater = University of Malaya (BA)
Raffles Institution

| module = {{Infobox Chinese

| child= yes

| hide= yes

| c =

| t = 馮世保

| s = 冯世保

| p = Féng Shìbǎo

| mi = {{IPAc-cmn|f|eng|2|.|shi|4|.|b|ao|3}}

}}

| children = 4

| spouse = Moonlight Hing

| image =

| office1 = Chairman of the Housing and Development Board

| predecessor1 = Howe Yoon Chong

| successor1 = Lee Hee Seng

| termstart1 = {{start date|1969|02|01|df=y}}

| termend1 = {{end date|1970|08|11|df=y}}

| office2 = Chairman of the Central Provident Fund Board

| predecessor2 = K. M. Byrne

| successor2 = Lim Joo Hock

| termstart2 = {{start date|1966|09|06|df=y}}

| termend2 = {{end date|1970|09|01|df=y}}

| resting_place = Choa Chu Kang Cemetery

| death_cause = Lung cancer

}}

Pang Tee Pow {{Post-nominals|country=||list=DUBC PJG PPA(P)}} ({{circa}} 1928 – 15 November 1977) was a Singaporean civil servant and former chairman of the Housing and Development Board between 1969 and 1970. From 1966 to 1970, Pang was also the chairman of the Central Provident Fund Board.

Early life and education

Pang attended Raffles Institution, and obtained a Senior Cambridge in 1949.{{Cite news |date=1949-03-23 |title=CAMBRIDGE RESULTS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/maltribune19490323-1.2.47 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Malaya Tribune |pages=4}}{{Cite news |date=1949-06-07 |title=R.I. "Recovering In Every Way" |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19490607-1.2.63 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}} He then joined the Singapore Civil Service as a laboratory assistant. In August 1950, Pang was promoted and became a labour inspector in the Labour Department.{{Cite news |date=1950-08-11 |title="HOLIDAY INSPECTORS" |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/indiandailymail19500811-1.2.46 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Indian Daily Mail |pages=4}}{{Cite news |date=1950-08-12 |title=SHOPKEEPERS ARE TO BE PROSECUTED |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19500812-1.2.43 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Singapore Free Press |pages=5}}{{Cite news |date=1950-11-17 |title=Joss Sticks 'Not Taken On Visits' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/indiandailymail19500811-1.2.46 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}}

On 26 January 1951, Pang was awarded a government scholarship to study at the University of Malaya.{{Cite news |date=1951-01-27 |title=S'pore Govt. Awards 40 Scholarships |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19510127-1.2.27 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=2}}{{Cite news |date=1951-01-27 |title=S'PORE GOVT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19510127-1.2.90 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}} In October 1955, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in economics.{{Cite news |date=1955-10-16 |title=250 Awarded Degrees At University |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19551016-1.2.49 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=4}}

In September 1975, together with J. Y. Pillay, Pang attended the 13-week Advanced Management Program at Harvard University.{{Cite news |date=1975-09-06 |title=Harvard course for 2 top civil servants |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19750906-1.2.61 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=9}}

Career

= Early career =

Upon graduation, Pang joined the administrative service in the Singapore Civil Service, serving as the assistant commissioner for labour.{{Cite news |last=Low |first=Mei Mei |date=1985-08-09 |title=Roll of honour |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850809-1.2.87.3.1 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}} During his tenure, Pang represented Singapore at numerous International Labour Organisation conferences.{{Cite news |date=1957-07-31 |title=ILO TALKS AT THE 'VARSITY |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19570731-1.2.33 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Singapore Free Press |pages=7}}{{Cite news |date=1962-06-05 |title=Minister to attend ILO meeting |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19620605-1.2.134 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=16}}

In September 1959, Pang was transferred from the Prime Minister's Office to the Ministry of Home Affairs to serve as an administrative officer.{{Cite news |date=1959-09-18 |title=TOP JOBS CHANGES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590918-1.2.44 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}} In October 1959, Pang was also appointed as a registrar of citizens and an assistant registrar of societies.{{Cite news |date=1959-10-04 |title=NEW REGISTRAR |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19591004-1.2.43 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}}{{Cite news |date=1959-10-10 |title=Dual posts |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19591010-1.2.29 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}} In the next month, Pang requested 15 societies thought to have ceased operations to proof their existence.{{Cite news |date=1959-11-09 |title=15 bodies: 'Show proof you exist' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19591109-1.2.45 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Singapore Free Press |pages=5}}

In April 1960, Pang was appointed as acting deputy deputy controller of immigration.{{Cite news |date=1960-04-12 |title=IMMIGRATION CONTROLLER PROMOTED |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19600412-1.2.79 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}} In October 1961, he was promoted to registrar of societies.{{Cite news |date=1961-10-01 |title=New registrar |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19611001-1.2.19.5 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}}{{Cite news |date=1961-10-06 |title=New registrar |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19611006-1.2.36.4 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Singapore Free Press |pages=4}} On 26 December 1961, Pang succeeded Kok Ah Loy as commissioner for the Ministry of Labour.{{Cite news |date=1961-12-26 |title=Labour chief Kok moved to Ministry of Finance |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19611226-1.2.15 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Singapore Free Press |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1961-12-28 |title=RETURN TO THE LABOUR SERVICE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19611228-1.2.29 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}} In January 1962, during a strike by the union of the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Pang invited both the bank management and the union representatives for talks to settle the dispute and end the strike.{{Cite news |date=1962-01-12 |title=New talks held in bid to end S'pore bank strike |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19620112-1.2.77 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=9}}{{Cite news |date=1962-01-13 |title=Bank: We will not apologise to union |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19620113-1.2.112 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=19}} In February 1962, Pang was appointed by Chief Justice Alan Rose to be a commissioner of oaths.{{Cite news |date=1962-02-07 |title=Two for Oaths |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19620207-1.2.56 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Singapore Free Press |pages=4}}

In May 1963, Pang was appointed by Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin to chair a committee of inquiry to probe into the conversion of daily-rated government employees to a monthly-rated scale.{{Cite news |date=1963-05-11 |title=Daily-rated men's case: Govt names five for inquiry |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630511-1.2.96 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=9}}{{Cite news |date=1963-05-17 |title=Probe opens on Govt daily-rated workers |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630517-1.2.53 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=6}} A year later, in May 1964, the committee published an interim report, and recommended the government to implement a wage revision for daily-rated government employees as soon as possible.{{Cite news |date=1964-05-24 |title=WAGE REVISION URGED FOR 10,000 IN GOVT |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640524-1.2.68 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}}

= Ministry of Labour (1966–1970) =

In 1966, Pang was promoted to become permanent secretary for the Ministry of Labour.{{Cite book |last=Ministry of Manpower |url=https://www.mom.gov.sg/-/media/mom/documents/about-us/mom70/mom-70th-anniversary-book.pdf |title=CHARTING OUR PATH: 70 Years of Working Together and Lessons for Tomorrow |publisher=The Nutgraf |year=2025 |isbn=978-981-94-2143-5 |editor-last=Low |editor-first=Aaron |location=Singapore |language=en |access-date=2025-05-11 |editor-last2=Chia |editor-first2=Sue-Ann}} On 6 September 1966, Pang succeeded K. M. Byrne as chairman of the Central Provident Fund Board (CPF).{{Cite news |date=1966-09-07 |title=NEW C.P.F. CHAIRMAN |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19660907-1.2.12.40 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Eastern Sun |pages=5}} On 1 February 1969, Pang replaced Howe Yoon Chong as chairman of the Housing and Development Board.{{Cite news |date=1969-01-31 |title=New Chairman Of Housing And Development Board |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19690131-1.2.37 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Eastern Sun |pages=3}} In September 1969, Pang was also appointed as permanent secretary for the Home Affairs Division and Central Manpower Base of the Ministry of Interior and Defence.{{Cite news |date=1969-09-06 |title=Another top post for Pang |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19690906-1.2.75 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=10}}{{Cite news |date=1969-09-06 |title=PM Lee mungkin bentuk sa-buah Kementerian baru |trans-title=PM Lee may form a new Ministry |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19690906-1.2.60 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Berita Harian |pages=5 |language=ms}}

= Ministry of Defence (1970–1977) =

On 11 August 1970, Pang was appointed as the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Defence.{{Cite news |last=Lim |first=Peter |date=1970-08-11 |title=Hon takes over Finance |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19700811-1.2.2 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} As such, he stepped down as chairman of HDB, however, there was no immediate successor.{{Cite news |date=1971-04-02 |title=HDB gets a new chairman |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singherald19710402-1.2.37 |access-date=2025-01-14 |work=Singapore Herald |pages=4}}{{Cite news |date=1971-04-02 |title=New chief for housing board |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19710402-1.2.9 |access-date=2025-01-14 |work=Eastern Sun |pages=2}} On 1 September 1970, Pang stepped down as chairman of CPF, and he was succeeded by Lim Joo Hock.{{Cite news |date=1970-09-19 |title=New chairman |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19700919-1.2.21 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=2}} In December 1970, Pang took over Hon Sui Sen as chairman of Sembawang Shipyard.{{Cite news |date=1970-12-25 |title=Pang Tee Pow Is Sembawang's new chairman |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singherald19701225-1.2.40 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Singapore Herald |pages=4}}

On 17 March 1974, during the opening of the Singapore Armed Forces Non-Commissioned Officers (SAF NCOs) Club on Beach Road, Pang explained that construction costed {{SGD|236000|link=on}}, and he hoped that the club will be self-financing through the support of SAF NCOs.{{Cite news |date=1974-03-18 |title=HDB TO GIVE RESERVISTS PREFERENCE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19740318-1.2.72 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=17}}

Personal life

Pang was married to Moonlight Hing, and they had three daughters and a son.{{Cite news |date=1977-11-16 |title=Defence Perm Sec dies of cancer |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19771116-1.2.15 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1990-04-05 |title=Obituary |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19900405-1.2.56.2 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=37}} He was also an avid golf player, and he often played at the Singapore Island Country Club. In May 1975, Pang lead the Singapore team at golf against Malaysia during the annual civil service tournament.{{Cite news |date=1975-05-23 |title=Pang will lead Singapore team at golf |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19750523-1.2.107.2 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=26}}{{Cite news |date=1975-05-23 |title=Malaysia tipped to win 'Civil Games' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19750523-1.2.31.5 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=New Nation |pages=17}}

On 29 July 1977, Pang was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Singapore General Hospital after suffering a myocardial infarction. Dr Kwa Soon Bee, the hospital's superintendent of nursing and brother of Kwa Geok Choo, said Pang's condition was "satisfactory".{{Cite news |date=1977-08-04 |title=Tee Pow dlm unit rawatan intenaif |trans-title=Tee Pow in the intensive care unit |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19770804-1.2.61 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Berita Harian |pages=8 |language=ms}}

On 15 November, Pang died from lung cancer in Singapore General Hospital. A funeral was held at his residence located at 24A Berrima Road, and he was later buried in Choa Chu Kang Cemetery.{{Cite news |date=1977-11-17 |title=国防部常任秘書馮世保癌症逝世李總理致唁深表哀悼 |trans-title=Prime Minister Lee expressed deep condolences for the death of Pang Tee Pow, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, due to cancer |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/shinmin19771117-1.2.42 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Shin Min Daily News |pages=3 |language=zh}}{{Cite news |date=1978-12-09 |title=A-G heads line-up at investiture |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19781209-1.2.4 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} Minister for Defence Goh Keng Swee, alongside many high-ranking military officers, attended his funeral.{{Cite news |date=1977-11-20 |title=DR. GOH AMONG VIPs AT PANG'S FUNERAL |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19771120-1.2.37 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}} In a condolence letter addressed to his wife, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew wrote:

{{Quote|text=I cannot find words equal to my sorrow at the death of Pang Tee Pow.
The day after a meeting on 28 July in the Cabinet Office, I heard he was taken ill. A few days later, I was told it was cancer of the lung. I found it painful to see him decline so rapidly on the several occasions I visited him. It must have been a harrowing experience for your children and you.
I first knew him some 15 years ago. He was my secretary. He was dependable and unflappable. The last 7 years he spent in the Ministry of Defence. His competence, hard work and judgement, stemming from long experience handling men, these qualities made him a pillar of strength in Mindef. He never evaded his responsibilities nor shirked unpleasant decisions — qualities essential for the management of a large disciplined force.
We shall all miss him. I understand how grievous your loss is for I feel the gap that has been left in the top ranks. This gap is not easy to fill. My deepest sympathies to you and your children.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Kuan Yew|title=CONDOLENCE LETTER SENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR LEE KUAN YEW TO MRS PANG TEE POW ON 16TH OF NOVEMBER 1977.|date=1977-11-16|access-date=2025-05-11|url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/lky19771116.pdf}}}}

Awards and decorations

80x80px Distinguished Service Order, posthumously awarded in 1978.{{Cite news |date=1978-08-09 |title=Top National Day award goes to A-G |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19780809-1.2.51 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Business Times |pages=12}}{{Cite news |last=Ngoo |first=Irene |date=1978-08-09 |title=A-G and Pang head the hons list |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780809-1.2.6 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}

80x80px Meritorious Service Medal, in 1970.{{Cite news |date=1970-08-09 |title=Pingat 9 Ogos untok 230 |trans-title=August 9 Medal for 230 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19700809-1.2.7 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Berita Harian |pages=1 |language=ms}}{{Cite news |date=1971-06-26 |title=Nation honours 124 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710626-1.2.5 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}

80x80px Public Administration Medal (Silver), in 1963.{{Cite news |date=1978-12-09 |title=薛尔思总统颁发 78年度国庆勋章 |trans-title=President Sheares presents the 1978 National Day awards |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/scjp19781209-1.2.32.3 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=Sin Chew Jit Poh |pages=3 |language=zh}}{{Cite news |date=1963-06-03 |title=S'PORE NATIONAL DAY HONOURS FOR 424 RESIDENTS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630603-1.2.8 |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}

References

Category:1977 deaths

Category:1928 births

Category:Singaporean chairpersons of corporations

Category:Deaths from lung cancer in Singapore

Category:Singaporean civil servants

Category:Permanent secretaries of Singapore

Category:University of Malaya alumni

Category:Recipients of the Pingat Pentadbiran Awam

Category:Recipients of the Pingat Jasa Gemilang

Category:Recipients of the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang

Category:Singaporean people of Chinese descent