SINGAPORE: A Nation Mourns

The nation mourns the loss of Fock Siew Wah, a respected leader and founding chairman of both the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT, who passed away at the age of 84.

In a heartfelt Facebook tribute, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his deep sorrow over Mr. Fock's death. "I have known Siew Wah for many years, beginning when we both served on the 1985 Economic Committee. He dedicated over forty years of distinguished service to Singapore in both the private and public sectors," Mr. Lee shared, highlighting Mr. Fock's significant impact on the country's development.

Mr. Fock's Legacy in Transport

Mr. Fock, born in 1940, was a pivotal figure in Singapore’s transport evolution, being the first chairman of SMRT—originally known as Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Limited—and the LTA. His leadership during the establishment and growth of Singapore’s public transport system set the groundwork for what is now one of the most efficient mass transit systems in the world.

Beyond Transport

Beyond his contributions to transport, Mr. Fock was instrumental in numerous other organizations. He served on the boards of Temasek Holdings, DBS Bank, and Singapore Airlines, overseeing critical growth and development initiatives within these vital sectors of the Singapore economy.

Leadership at PSA International

In August 2005, he took the helm at PSA International, where he guided the company until his retirement in 2019, expanding its global reach to over 50 terminals across 17 countries and doubling the cargo volume to more than 80 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Under his stewardship, Singapore firmly established itself as a key international logistics hub.

Tributes from Leaders

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat also paid tribute to Mr. Fock, remarking, "As the first Chairman of the Land Transport Authority from 1995 to 2002, he achieved phenomenal milestones such as the opening of the Woodlands Line in 1996 and the Bukit Panjang LRT in 1999." Mr. Chee noted Mr. Fock's contributions have significantly shaped Singapore's integrated transport systems, including the development of the nation’s first Integrated Transport Hub at Toa Payoh in 2002.

A Lasting Impact

The loss of Fock Siew Wah marks the end of an era for Singapore’s transport development, with both Mr. Lee and Mr. Chee vowing to honor his legacy by continuing their efforts to improve and strengthen Singapore’s infrastructure.

His foresight and commitment to excellence in public service have left an indelible mark on Singapore, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt across the community. As tributes pour in, it’s evident that Fock Siew Wah's remarkable journey as a leader and innovator will forever resonate within the fabric of Singapore’s history.