Lim Chong Yah Passed Away: What Happened to Lim Chong Yah? How Did Prominent Economist Lim Chong Yah Die?
by Ushapriyanga | Updated Jul 10, 2023
Who was Lim Chong Yah?
Lim Chong Yah was born in 1932 in Malacca, Malaysia was a highly esteemed economist and scholar renowned for his remarkable tenure as the chairman of the National Wages Council for an impressive 29 years. He holds the prestigious title of professor emeritus at both the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. Previously, he served as the Albert Winsemius Chair Professor of Economics at the latter institution.
After completing his studies, Lim embarked on an illustrious career that led him back to his alma mater, the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, where he assumed the role of a lecturer and later became the head of the division of applied economics.
During this time, there were discussions regarding Lim's potential appointment to a cabinet position within the Malaysian government. However, the country was facing significant communal tensions in the late 1960s. Consequently, the University of Singapore presented an opportunity to Lim in 1969.
The journey of Lim Chong Yah, marked by his profound expertise and dedication to economics, has left an enduring legacy. His pivotal role in shaping wage policies through his chairmanship of the National Wages Council stands as a testament to his immense contribution to Singapore's economic landscape. As a respected academic, his impact resonates through his emeritus positions and notable professorship.
Lim Chong Yah Passed Away
Professor Lim Chong Yah, a highly respected economist who played a pivotal role in establishing a wage consensus for Singaporean workers over a span of nearly three decades, passed away at the age of 91 on July 8, 2023. Born in Malacca to a shopkeeper father, Prof. Lim faced the loss of his mother at a young age.
Prof. Lim received a scholarship to pursue his studies in economics at the University of Malaya, which was situated in Singapore at that time. After completing his education, he joined the Singapore administrative service.
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 esteemed title of Emeritus Professor, the highest academic recognition, at both the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
In 2005, Prof. Lim was appointed as the Albert Winsemius Chair Professor of Economics at NTU, a prestigious professorship reserved for renowned scholars. This appointment further solidified his status as an exceptional economist.
Prof. Lim 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 current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The passing of Professor Lim Chong Yah marks the end of an era for Singapore's economic landscape. His leadership in establishing wage consensus 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 passing weighs heavily upon our hearts, as we bid farewell to an eminent economist who devoted his life to forging a wage consensus for Singaporean workers.
With heavy hearts, we learned that this remarkable soul, born in Malacca and the son of a humble shopkeeper, departed from this world at the age of 91. Our hearts ache as we reflect on the untimely loss, especially knowing that he experienced the profound grief of losing his mother at the tender age of eight.
How Did Prominent Economist Lim Chong Yah Die?
The reason has been disclosed, In a poignant lament, we mourn the departure of Professor Lim Chong Yah, a towering figure in the realm of economics, whose unwavering commitment to forging wage consensus for Singaporean workers graced the passage of time for nearly three arduous decades. With heavy hearts, we bid adieu to this luminary who, at the tender age of 91, departed from our realm on a melancholic Saturday morning.
Guided by destiny's whims, Professor Lim found solace in the halls of knowledge, his mind thirsting for the wisdom that lay within the realm of economics. The scholarship bestowed upon him by the University of Malaya beckoned him to traverse the corridors of Singapore, a city that would forever leave an indelible mark upon his soul. With an unwavering spirit, he answered the call, immersing himself in the pursuit of wisdom.
Lim Chong Yah Obituary
In an official letter of condolences addressed to Madam See Nah Nah, the wife of the late Professor Lim Chong Yah, Mr. Lee expressed deep sorrow and acknowledged the pivotal role Prof. Lim played as the 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 consisting of representatives from the government, trade unions, and employers, served as the platform for annual negotiations and recommendations. These deliberations paved the way for harmonious industrial relations and progressive wage adjustments, contributing to the overall stability and growth of Singapore's economy.
The passing of Prof. Lim Chong Yah leaves a profound void in the realm of economics and the field of industrial relations. His extensive tenure as the NWC chairman and his unwavering dedication to promoting fairness and progressiveness in wage policies have left an indelible mark on Singapore's economic landscape. His visionary leadership and commitment to the tripartite partnership will be remembered as a cornerstone of Singapore's journey towards prosperity and social harmony.
Lim Chong Yah Passed Away-FAQs
Lim Chong Yah was an eminent economist and scholar who served as the chairman of the National Wages Council for 29 years. He held the title of professor emeritus at both the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University.
Lim Chong Yah passed away at the age of 91 on a Saturday morning.
Lim Chong Yah played a crucial role in shaping wage policies as the chairman of the National Wages Council. His leadership helped establish wage consensus and promote fairness in Singapore's workforce. He contributed to maintaining industrial peace, ensuring equitable distribution of economic growth, and strengthening the tripartite partnership between the government, trade unions, and employers.
Lim Chong Yah had an extensive academic background. He studied economics and received a scholarship to pursue his studies at the University of Malaya. He later became a lecturer at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur and headed the division of applied economics. He held various prestigious academic positions, including the Albert Winsemius Chair Professor of Economics at Nanyang Technological University.
Lim Chong Yah is survived by his wife, Madam See Nah Nah, and their two daughters and two sons. His eldest child, Lee Suet Fern, is a lawyer married to Lee Hsien Yang, the younger son of Singapore's first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, and the brother of current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.