Howe Yoon Chong

Who was Howe Yoon Chong?

Howe Yoon Chong was a Minister in the Cabinet of Singapore and a member of parliament for Potong Pasir from 1979 to 1984. He was key in developing Singapore's infrastructural and financial framework, including the Mass Rapid Transit system, Singapore Changi Airport and public housing. In 1984, during his term as Minister for Health, to address issues raised by a greying population, he made the controversial proposal to raise the age for the withdrawal of Central Provident Fund savings from 55 to 60 years in order that Singaporeans might have more money to live on in their old age.

Howe, who graduated from the University of Malaya in Singapore in 1953, also served as a senior civil servant, holding the posts of CEO of the Housing and Development Board; Chairman of the Port of Singapore Authority, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office and Head of the Singapore Civil Service; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of National Development; and Deputy Chairman of the Economic Development Board. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Development Bank of Singapore, Great Eastern Life Assurance and The Straits Holding Company.