Lim Chong Yah passed away on 8 July 2023 at the age of 91, we are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Lim Chong Yah, paying tribute to his contributions to the Singapore economy.
Who was Lim Chong Yah?
Born in 1932 in Malacca, Malaysia, Lim Chong Yah was a highly respected economist and scholar known for his remarkable tenure as chairman of the National Wages Council for an impressive 29 years. He holds the prestigious title of Professor Emeritus at the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. He previously worked as the Albert Winsemius Chair Professor of Economics at the latter institution.
After graduating, Lim embarked on an illustrious career that took him back to his alma mater, the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, where he took on the role of lecturer and later became head of the department of applied economics.
During this time, there were discussions about Lim’s potential appointment to a post in the Malaysian government cabinet. However, in the late 1960s, the country faced significant social tensions. Accordingly, the University of Singapore offered an opportunity to Lim in 1969.
Lim Chong Yah’s journey, marked by his deep expertise and commitment to economics, has left a lasting legacy. His key role in shaping wage policies through his chairmanship of the National Wages Council is testament to his immense contribution to Singapore’s economic landscape. As a respected academic, his influence is echoed by his emeritus positions and distinguished professorship.
Lim Chong Yah passed away
Professor Lim Chong Yah, a highly respected economist who played a key role in establishing a consensus on wages for Singaporean workers over a period of almost three decades, died at the age of 91 on 8 July 2023. Born in Malacca to a merchant father, Prof. Lim faced the loss of his mother at a young age.
Prof. Lim received a scholarship to continue his studies in economics at the University of Malaya, which was located in Singapore at the time. After finishing his education, he got a job in the administrative service of Singapore.
His contributions and expertise in the field of economics led him to become the Chairman of the National Wages Council for an impressive 29 years. In addition to this role, he held the coveted title of Professor Emeritus, the highest academic honor, at both the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
In 2005, prof. Lim has been appointed the Albert Winsemius Chair of Economics at NTU, a prestigious professorship reserved for renowned scholars. This appointment further strengthened his status as an exceptional economist.
Behind prof. Lima is survived by two daughters and two sons. His eldest child, Lee Suet Fern, is a lawyer who is married to Mr Lee Hsien Yang, the younger son of Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, and the brother of the current Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong.
Professor Lim Chong Yah’s death marks the end of an era for Singapore’s economic landscape. His leadership in establishing a consensus on wages and his contributions as an eminent economist have left a lasting impact on the country and its workforce.
What happened to Lim Chong Yah?
The recent news of Professor Lim Chong Yah’s death weighs heavily on our hearts as we bid farewell to an eminent economist who dedicated his life to building a consensus on wages for Singaporean workers.
It is with a heavy heart that we learned that this extraordinary soul, born in Malacca and the son of a humble merchant, left this world at the age of 91. Our hearts ache as we reflect on his untimely loss, especially knowing that he experienced the profound grief of losing his mother at the age of eight.
How did prominent economist Lim Chong Yah die?
The reason revealed, we mourn the passing of Professor Lim Chong Yah, a towering figure in the field of economics, whose unwavering commitment to building a consensus on wages for Singapore’s workers graced the passage of time for nearly three difficult decades. With heavy hearts, we said goodbye to this light who left our area at the tender age of 91 on a melancholy Saturday morning.
Guided by the vagaries of fate, Professor Lim found solace in the halls of knowledge, his mind thirsting for the wisdom that lies in the realm of economics. A scholarship awarded to him by the University of Malaya invited him to walk the corridors of Singapore, a city that would forever leave an indelible mark on his soul. With an unwavering spirit, he answered the call, immersing himself in the search for wisdom.
Lim Chong Yah obituary
In an official letter of condolence addressed to Madam See Nah Nah, wife of the late Professor Lim Chong Yah, Mr Lee expressed his deep sorrow and acknowledged the key role played by Prof. Lim served as chairman of the National Wages Council (NWC) during the critical years spanning from 1972 to 2001, a period that coincided with Singapore’s significant economic development.
The NWC, a tripartite body comprising government, union and employer representatives, served as a platform for annual negotiations and recommendations. These considerations paved the way for harmonious industrial relations and progressive wage adjustments, contributing to the overall stability and growth of the Singapore economy.
The death of Prof. Lim Chong Yaha leaves a deep void in the field of economics and industrial relations. His extensive tenure as President of the NWC and his unwavering commitment to promoting fairness and progressivity in wage policies have left an indelible mark on Singapore’s economic landscape. His visionary leadership and commitment to tripartite partnership will be remembered as the cornerstone of Singapore’s journey towards prosperity and social harmony.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education