Tan Chok Kian

On 15 February 1931, Tan was born in Johor, Malaysia, and had a total of 14 brothers and sisters. His father was a businessman who migrated from China, and died when Tan was nine years old.

Initially studying at a Chinese-medium primary school in Johor, Tan enrolled in St. Anthony's Boys' School in Singapore from Primary 2 onwards.{{Cite web |last=Tan |first=Chok Kian |date=1993-02-10 |title=Oral History Interview |url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/oral_history_interviews/interview/001400 |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=nas.gov.sg}}{{Cite news |date=1979-05-28 |title=Catholic schools' key role in moral education |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19790528-1.2.52 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=12}} After the Japanese occupation of Singapore ended, Tan continued to study at St. Anthony's and obtained a Senior Cambridge.{{Cite news |title=Singapore Students Assume Role Of City Fathers For A Day |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19501008-1.2.46 |access-date=2025-02-07 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=5}}{{Cite news |date=1951-03-06 |title=SINGAPORE, JOHORE CAMBRIDGE RESULTS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19510306-1.2.112 |access-date=2025-02-07 |work=The Straits Times |pages=8}} Thereafter, Tan attended St. Joseph's Institution.

In 1955, Tan graduated from the University of Malaya in Singapore with a Bachelor of Arts in economics.{{Cite news |date=1955-07-08 |title=B.A. (HONS) PASSES AT THE UNIVERSITY |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19550708-1.2.115 |access-date=2025-02-07 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}}{{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=2025-02-07 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=4}}

Upon graduation in 1955, Tan joined the Singapore Civil Service and he was posted to the Ministry of Health. A few months later, Tan was transferred to the Chief Secretary's Office, assisting William Goode. In 1957, Tan was transferred to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Less than a year later, Tan was transferred to the Ministry of Finance (MOF). Tan served as the principal assistant secretary in the ministry.{{Cite news |date=1960-12-07 |title=Three top State civil servants at talks in Canberra |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19601207-1.2.37 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=Singapore Free Press |pages=3}}{{Cite news |date=1960-12-14 |title=Mr. Lim Eng Bee at Canberra party |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19601214-1.2.40 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}}

On 1 September 1961, his promotion was approved by Yusof Ishak.{{Cite news |date=1961-09-19 |title=INCHE YUSOF APPROVES PROMOTIONS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610919-1.2.31 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}} During a strike by more than 200 People's Association staff,{{Cite news |date=1961-09-26 |title=Strike by half the People's Assn. staff |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610926-1.2.8 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} Tan led a delegation to negotiate with the union representatives, discussing matters such as salary increment and better working conditions.{{Cite news |date=1961-12-07 |title=PAY TALKS FOLLOW A STRIKE THREAT |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19611207-1.2.67 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=The Straits Times |pages=6}}{{Cite news |date=1961-12-28 |title=Pay talks between Govt. and union to go on |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19611228-1.2.81 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=The Straits Times |pages=9}} In 1962, Tan succeeded A. G. B. Colton, the last expatriate in the treasury division of MOF, as deputy secretary.{{Cite news |date=1962-03-14 |title=Last expat in treasury |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19620314-1.2.47 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}}

In April 1965, while serving as a governor of Singapore Polytechnic, Tan was appointed to chair a committee into reorganising the registrar's office of Nanyang University, with the aim of making the office as efficient as other local institutions.{{Cite news |date=1965-04-08 |title=Nantah to reorganise registrar's office |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19650408-1.2.22 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}}

In 1970, Tan was appointed as permanent secretary for the Ministry of National Development.{{Cite news |date=1970-02-25 |title=21st century city plans |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19700225-1.2.112 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=The Straits Times |pages=17}}{{Cite news |date=1971-05-13 |title=Work camp |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710513-1.2.32 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}} In September 1971, he was transferred back to MOF, serving as its permanent secretary.{{Cite news |date=1971-09-19 |title=Lantekan baru dalam bahagian kewangan |trans-title=New appointments in the finance department |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19710919-1.2.14 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=Berita Harian |pages=2 |language=ms}}{{Cite news |date=1972-11-10 |title=PILLAY TO HEAD NEW FINANCE MINISTRY SECTION |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19721110-1.2.117 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=19}} To make the city more lively, Tan together with principal planner, A. G. S. Danaraj, announced plans for more stores, hawker centres, parks and shopping centres.{{Cite news |date=1971-09-24 |title=Plan to inject night life in city centre |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710924-1.2.81 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=The Straits Times |pages=13}} In August 1972, Tan was promoted to superscale grade C with four other permanent secretaries,{{Efn|Namely Tay Seow Huah, Kwa Soon Chuan, Ngiam Tong Dow and Cheng Tong Fatt.}} earning {{SGD|2350|link=on}} per month.{{Cite news |last=Pang |first=Cheng Lian |last2=Wee |first2=Sunny |date=1972-08-21 |title=Govt. to promote its top men |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19720821-1.2.7 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=New Nation |pages=1}}

On 1 January 1972, Tan was appointed as chairman of Post Office Savings Bank (POSB), the same day that the Post Office Savings Bank of Singapore Act came into effect, making the bank a statutory board of the Ministry of Communications.{{Cite news |date=1972-11-12 |title=Improved facilities for POSB depositors |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19721112-1.2.98.8 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=22}}Republic of Singapore. [http://eservice.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding_s.aspx?bid=4396424 Government Gazette. Subsidiary Legislation Supplement. (December 10 1971). The Post Office Savings Bank of Singapore Act, 1971 (S 311/1971).] Singapore: [s.n.], pp. 1054–1055. (Call No.: RSING 348.5957 SGGSLS). Retrieved 10 February 2025. During the official opening of its headquarters along Middle Road in 1973, Tan hoped that the bank would provide better service to its customers and encourage more saving habits.{{cite news |last=Tan |first=Chok Kian |date=1973-02-23 |title=Better service is foremost thought of Board: Tan |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730323-1.2.157.4 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |page=17}}

In 1975, Tan was transferred to the Ministry of Social Affairs. From 1976 to 1977, Tan was also concurrently permanent secretary for the Ministry of Culture, after its permanent secretary, Kwa Soon Chuan, retired.{{Cite news |date=1977-01-05 |title=Top post in Culture Ministry open |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19770105-1.2.10 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Business Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1977-01-05 |title=SOON CHUAN TO RETIRE AFTER 26 YEARS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19770105-1.2.52 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}} Thereafter, he was appointed as director general of Nanyang University. Tan announced plans to increase recruitment efforts for high calibre lecturers, aimed at making sure the quality of lecturers were on par with University of Singapore.{{Cite news |date=1978-03-18 |title=Nantah quashes talk of stricter marking |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780318-1.2.53 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=13}}{{Cite news |date=1978-05-23 |title=Nantah urged: Step up bid to recruit top lecturers |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780523-1.2.66 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=12}}

In January 1979, Tan announced a new subsidiary of the bank, named POSB Computer Services Pte. Ltd., aimed at increasing computerisation efforts. He also signed a purchase agreement with IBM for a {{SGD|4500000|link=on}} IBM 3031, to handle a huge increase in volume of transactions handled by the bank.{{Cite news |date=1979-01-23 |title=POSB sets up computer unit |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19790123-1.2.41 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Business Times |pages=12}}{{Cite news |date=1979-01-23 |title=POSB's new computer to cope with transactions |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19790123-1.2.55 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=9}}

On 12 October 1980, Tan succeeded Han Cheng Fong as chairman of the Central Provident Fund (CPF).{{Cite news |date=1980-11-02 |title=POSB CHIEF TAKES OVER AS CHAIRMAN OF CPF BOARD |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19801102-1.2.72 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=15}}

In 1984, the 14th World Congress of Savings Banks was held in Singapore, making it the first time the congress was held in Asia.{{Cite news |date=1984-04-03 |title=World Congress of Savings Banks comes to Singapore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19840403-1.2.15.33 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=35}} As the host country, Tan addressed more than 700 delegates from 40 countries in his opening speech.{{cite news |last=Tan |first=Chok Kian |date=1984-04-03 |title=Facing the future together |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19840403-1.2.67.2 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Business Times |page=25}}

On 16 February 1986, on his 55th birthday, Tan had to retire as chairman of CPF, and he was succeeded by Lim Siong Guan.{{Cite news |date=1986-02-15 |title=New chairman for CPF Board |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19860215-1.2.38 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Business Times |pages=12}}{{Cite news |date=1986-02-15 |title=New CPF chairman |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860215-1.2.8 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} The next day, after 14 years of service, Tan was replaced by Chua Kim Yeow as chairman of POSB.{{Cite news |date=1985-12-13 |title=POSB chairman quitting post to concentrate on CPF |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19851213-1.2.9 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Business Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1985-12-14 |title=POSB chief calls it a day |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19851214-1.2.80 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=48}}{{Cite news |date=1986-02-08 |title=Kim Yeow to be POSB chairman |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19860208-1.2.42 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Business Times |pages=12}}

In October 1986, Tan was the only Singaporean to serve as a director for the Asia–Pacific board of IBM.{{Cite news |date=1986-10-21 |title=Chok Kian to join IBM board for Asia and Pacific |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19861021-1.2.23.7 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=11}}{{Cite news |date=1986-10-21 |title=Singaporean appointed to new IBM board |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19861021-1.2.9.10 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Business Times |pages=3}} In November 1986, Tan was offered a contract by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to serve as the executive chairman of the Stock Exchange of Singapore for a three-year term.{{Cite news |last=Jarhom |first=Najeeb |date=1986-11-07 |title=Tan Chok Kian takes SES top slot |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19861107-1.2.47.9 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Business Times |pages=17}}{{Cite news |date=1986-11-07 |title=CPF chief to head SES committee |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19861107-1.2.6 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |last=Hoe |first=Anthony |date=1986-11-07 |title=New chapter begins in stock exchange's history |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19861107-1.2.53.5 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=27}} One of the first order of business was the establishment of a disciplinary subcommittee, aimed at investigating possible rule violations and act against listed companies.{{Cite news |last=Hoe |first=Anthony |date=1986-11-12 |title=Exchange forms discipline committee |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19861112-1.2.39.3 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=21}}{{Cite news |last=McLaughlan |first=Loretta |date=1986-11-19 |title=SES sets up first Disciplinary Subcom |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19861119-1.2.41.15 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Business Times |pages=17}} In December 1986, Tan also announced the acquisition of a {{SGD|500000|link=on}} HP 9000 800 series 840 system to detect insider trading, share rigging and other forms of market abuse.{{Cite news |last=Soong |first=Martin |date=1986-12-13 |title=SES computer to monitor trading irregularities |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19861213-1.2.4 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Business Times |pages=1}} In April 1987, Tan announced another computer acquisition, a {{SGD|4000000|link=on}} IBM 3090 model 150, to cope with an increase in online transactions.{{Cite news |date=1987-04-08 |title=SES buys $4m computer to upgrade service |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870408-1.2.38.5 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=21}}

In June 1988, Tan was appointed as Singapore's trade representative to Taiwan.{{Cite news |date=1988-05-22 |title=Stock exchange head is Singapore's new trade rep to Taiwan |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19880522-1.2.20.3 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=10}}{{Cite news |date=1988-05-23 |title=Wakil dagang ke Taipei |trans-title=Trade representative to Taipei |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19880523-1.2.14.5 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=Berita Harian |pages=3 |language=ms}} In November 1989, Tan was succeeded by E. W. Barker as chairman of the stock exchange.{{Cite news |date=1989-11-10 |title=Barker named new SES Chairman |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19891110-1.2.68.2 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=49}}{{Cite news |last=Borch |first=Andrea |date=1989-11-10 |title=SES names E W Barker as new chairman |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19891110-1.2.40.7 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Business Times |pages=17}}

Tan was a Catholic.

On 5 January 1957, Tan married Antoinette Kwok Sai Eng at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.{{Cite news |date=1957-01-06 |title=MARRIED IN SINGAPORE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19570106-1.2.111 |access-date=2025-02-07 |work=The Straits Times |pages=11}} They had a daughter and two sons.{{Cite news |last=Siow |first=Li Sen |date=2015-12-21 |title=Former POSB chairman Tan Chok Kian dies at age 84 |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/former-posb-chairman-tan-chok-kian-dies-age-84 |access-date=2025-02-06 |work=The Business Times}}{{Cite news |date=2015-12-22 |title=Obituary |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20151222-1.2.82 |access-date=2025-02-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=8}}

Tan and his family lived in the Windsor Park estate, off Upper Thomson Road. Tan was an avid golf player, representing his ministry during inter-ministry competitions at the Singapore Island Country Club.{{Cite news |date=1972-08-31 |title=Civil Service tourney at SICC |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19720831-1.2.75 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=New Nation |pages=21}} In November 1974, Tan also represented Singapore in a golf match against Malaysian civil servants held in Kuala Lumpur.{{Cite news |date=1974-10-15 |title=Top civil servants in Spore team for annual match |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19741015-1.2.111.4 |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=26}}

After suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, Tan died on 20 December 2015.{{Cite news |last=Sim |first=Walter |date=2015-12-22 |title=Former top civil servant dies, 84 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20151222-1.2.26.9 |access-date=2025-02-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}} A memorial mass was held for him on 16 January 2016 at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Upper Thomson Road in Bishan.{{Cite web |date=2016-06-01 |title=The Order |url=https://www.orderofmaltasingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/The-Order-Jul-2016.pdf |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=Order of Malta, Singapore}}

• 80x80px Public Administration Medal (Gold), in 1980.{{Cite news |date=1980-08-09 |title=IN THE SERVICE OF THE COUNTRY... |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800809-1.2.36.7 |access-date=2025-02-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=6}}{{Cite report |url=https://www.pmo.gov.sg/-/media/PMO/National-Day-Awards/PDF-before-1998/NDA-Recipients-1980-pdf.ashx |title=Government Gazette Extraordinary National Day Honours 1980 |date=1980-08-09 |publisher=Republic of Singapore |issue=3103 |volume=22 |access-date=2025-02-06}}
• 80x80px Public Administration Medal (Silver), in 1963.{{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=2025-02-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite report |url=https://www.pmo.gov.sg/-/media/PMO/National-Day-Awards/PDF-before-1998/NDA-Recipients-1963-pdf.ashx |title=Government Gazette Extraordinary National Day Honours 1963 |date=1963-06-03 |publisher=State of Singapore |issue=1271 |volume=5 |access-date=2025-02-06}}

• 80x80px Officer Cross of Merit of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, in 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-10 |title=Investiture and Celebratory Dinner 2024 |url=https://www.orderofmaltasingapore.org/investiture-and-celebratory-dinner-2024/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=Order of Malta, Singapore}}
• 80x80px Knight of Magistral Grace in Obedience
• 80x80px Conventual Chaplain ad honorem, in 2003.{{Cite web |date=2005-12-15 |title=Knights of Malta: To defend the faith and to serve the poor |url=https://catholicnews.sg/2005/12/15/knights-of-malta-to-defend-the-faith-and-to-serve-the-poor/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=CatholicNews}}

{{reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tan, Chok Kian}}

Category:1931 births

Category:2015 deaths

Category:Permanent secretaries of Singapore

Category:Patrons of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Category:Knights of Magistral Grace of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Category:Singaporean civil servants

Category:University of Malaya alumni

Category:Saint Joseph's Institution, Singapore alumni

Category:Recipients of the Pingat Pentadbiran Awam

Category:Singaporean economists

Category:Singaporean Roman Catholics

Category:Singaporean people of Chinese descent

Category:Singaporean chairpersons of corporations

Category:People from Johor