Tan Keong Choon BBM (Chinese: 陳共存; pinyin: Chén Gòngcún; 2 November 1916 – 27 October 2015) was a Chinese industrialist, community leader and philanthropist in Singapore. He is noted for his contributions to Singapore's development and support to the local Chinese community.[2]
Tan Keong Choon | |
|---|---|
| 陳共存 | |
 Tan in 2011 | |
| Born | 2 November 1916 |
| Died | 27 October 2015 (aged 98) |
| Education | Xiamen University |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for |
|
| Relatives | Tan Kah Kee |
| Tan Keong Choon | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese | 陳共存 | ||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 陈共存 | ||||||
| |||||||
Early life and education
editTan pursued Historical Studies in Xiamen University in 1935, and moved with his mother to Singapore in 1937 due to Japanese invasion of China.[3] After which, he pursued education in Singapore, Kunming, Hong Kong, and Jinan University in Shanghai up till the full outbreak of war in the Asia Pacific region.[4]
Business career
editTan entered business industry in 1940, at the age of 22.[3]
Tan was Managing Director of National Iron and Steel Mills Limited, he pioneered a wage scheme where workers were paid a basic wage, and received extra wages for extra work done. He also led a successful campaign against the shipping cartel which had agreed on set freight rates over the shipping routes from Singapore. He and Tan Eng Joo were instrumental in enabling rubber merchants to continue exporting using shippers who were not part of the cartel, thereby saving the rubber industry in Singapore.[2]
Tan also played an important role in introducing innovative rubber processing methods which met the requirements of the Standard Malaya Rubber, thus raising demand for quality rubber exports from Singapore.[2]
Public service
editTan served as the chairman of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) from 1951 to 1987, and served as vice-chairman of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan. He served as the Chairman of the National Parks Board and the Science Centre Singapore, and was awarded the Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (Public Service Star) and subsequently the Public Service Star (Bar) for his dedicated service to the nation.[2]
Education service
editTan headed the management committee for The Chinese High School and Hwa Chong Junior College for 26 years since appointment in 1971. Under his leadership, both institutions developed and transformed greatly into one of Singapore's top high schools and junior colleges respectively.[3]
Tan was one of the key leaders that ensured the successful integration of Nanyang University and University of Singapore into the current National University of Singapore, despite opposing the decision of the merger.[5]
Personal life
editTan suffered a stroke and had respiratory issues in 2012. Tan died in Gleneagles Hospital on 27 October 2015. A simple funeral ceremony was conducted.
References
edit- ^ "Prominent Chinese community leader Tan Keong Choon dies". www.straitstimes.com. 3 November 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
- ^ a b c d "PM Lee sends condolence letter to family of late rubber tycoon Tan Keong Choon". Channel News Asia. 5 November 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
- ^ a b c "（韩山元）陈共存先生——华中，华初大功臣 - 南洋古今 - 随笔南洋网 新加坡华文论坛". www.sgwritings.com. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
- ^ "陈嘉庚侄子陈共存心脏病发逝世 - 南洋商报". e南洋商报Nanyang Siang Pau | 马来西亚新闻真实报道. 4 November 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
- ^ "History of Nanyang University -34- 李光耀与陈共存来往的信件". www.nandazhan.com. Retrieved 23 July 2017.