I was shocked and saddened to learn of Dr Goh's passing there and then.
Without a doubt, Dr Goh Keng Swee will forever be remembered as THE ARCHITECT of modern Singapore by generations of thankful Singaporeans. I regard him as a true GIANT among the much respected founding fathers of Modern Singapore. Dr Goh has left his marks and imprints everywhere across the Singapore landscape.
Unk Dicko offers his condolences to Dr Phua Swee Liang and Dr Goh's Family.
[ Dr Phua, his wife, was a Science teacher in Victoria School, my old school in the early 60's ].
Arrangements are being made for a STATE funeral for this great man. Please check the link below for details.
I and D2 will go pay our humblest respects during the lying in state period.
Singapore
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May 14, 2010
REMEMBERING GOH KENG SWEE
Passing of a Colossus
By Chua Mui Hoong, Senior Writer
Dr Goh is best known for his contributions to the economic development of Singapore, although his imprint on modern Singapore stretches far beyond economics. -- ST PHOTO: STRAITS TIMES
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DR GOH Keng Swee, one of the Founding Fathers of Singapore, died early on Friday morning of pneumonia at home. He was 91.
His widow Dr Phua Swee Liang told reporters at their home in the East Coast area on Friday morning that Dr Goh died at about 5 am. He had been ill for many years and she was the main caregiver, helping to control his diabetes. She told reporters she felt emotionally numb at his death.
He leaves behind his wife, a son and daughter-in-law, two grandsons and three great grandchildren.
Dr Goh was a tax collector and then social welfare officer in Singapore in colonial times. A staunch anti-colonialist, he was part of a small band of men that met regularly at Mr Lee Kuan Yew's home in Oxley Road to discuss the setting up of a political party to fight the British colonial powers.
In 1959, he entered politics on the People's Action Party ticket. In 25 years of political service, he served as the Minister for Finance, Defence, and Education. He later became Deputy Prime Minister.
Dr Goh is best known for his contributions to the economic development of Singapore, although his imprint on modern Singapore stretches far beyond economics.
He was instrumental in going against conventional wisdom in propelling Singapore towards an export-oriented growth strategy dependent on foreign direct investment, at a time when other developing countries favoured import substitution. Institutions like the Economic Development Board, the Development Bank of Singapore, Jurong industrial corporation, Monetary Authority of Singapore and GIC (Government of Singapore Investment Corporation) were started by him.
In Education, he oversaw the introduction of streaming to provide customised education tracks by academic ability, a policy that later became controversial.
He also advocated the teaching of religious knowledge and was instrumental in creating the Humanities scholarship award to balance Singapore's emphasis on building up technical and scientific talent.
He built up Singapore's armed forces in the early days and continued to advocate the use of technology to improve their capability.
A man with varied interests, he was also involved in the creation of the People's Association and the Jurong Bird Park.
He influenced an entire generation of civil servants. He is credited with having instilled foundational values of thrift among them, as well as inspired them with his own entrepreneurial, never-say-die attitude.
Plans are being firmed up for a state funeral for Dr Goh.
Read more:
State funeral for Dr Goh
Remembering Dr GohDr Goh Keng Swee dies
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