Howe Yoon Chong, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Howe Yoon Chong

20th century Singaporean politician, civil servant and businessman

Date of Birth: 12-Aug-1923

Place of Birth: People's Republic of China, China

Date of Death: 21-Aug-2007

Profession: politician, civil servant

Nationality: Singapore

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Howe Yoon Chong (Chinese: ???; pinyin: Hóu Yongchang) DUBC PJG (1923 – 21 August 2007) 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 (MRT) 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 (CPF) 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 (HDB) (1960–1970); Chairman of the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office and Head of the Singapore Civil Service (1970–1979); Minister of Defence (1979–1982); and Minister of Health (1982–1984).
In addition, he served as Chairman of the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) (1970–1979, 1985–1990), Great Eastern Life Assurance (1992–2000) and The Straits Holding Company (1992–2007).