Fock Siew Wah, the former chairman of Singaporean ports giant PSA International, has died.
He took on the helm of PSA in August 2005 and remained there until he retired in 2019.
Singapore’s politicians took to Facebook to express their condolences.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Fock was a pioneer leader with a deep sense of duty, having served more than four decades in both private and public sectors.
“As chairman of PSA International from 2005 to 2019, he guided its growth into a leading global port operator,” said Wong.
Transport minister Chee Hong Tat said that during Fock’s tenure at the PSA, total cargo volumes handled doubled to more than 80m teu.
Chee also noted that the company’s international footprint grew to more than 50 terminals in 17 countries.
“The excellent connectivity we have today and our reputation as a trusted international hub port is built on the strong foundations, hard work and sheer grit of many of our predecessors like Mr Fock,” said Chee.
PSA International group CEO Ong Kim Pong said the news Fock's passing has “deeply affected all of us at PSA.”
“He was a remarkable leader and wise mentor to many of us. Mr. Fock served PSA International as group chairman for over 13 years, and his visionary leadership was pivotal in shaping the organisation’s transformation into the global port operator it is today,” said Ong
Ong described Fock as playing an instrumental role in fostering a harmonious relationship between management, unions, and staff, as well as forging strong ties with key senior-level stakeholders, such as partners, government agencies and shipping lines.
“His contributions have set a high standard, and we will continue to honour his memory by upholding his beliefs in integrity and partnership as we strive for greater heights. On behalf of the PSA Board, management, unions and staff, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family.”
Born in 1940, Fock was the founding chairman of SMRT, the public train transport system in Singapore and the Land Transport Authority.
He also held board membership roles on sovereign wealth fund Temasek, DBS and Singapore Airlines.
