Lee Khoon Choy
Lee Khoon Choy (Chinese: 李炯才; pinyin: Lǐ Jǐongcái born 24 January 1924) was a Malaysian teacher and journalist, and a Singaporean journalist, politician and diplomat, and an author and painter.[1] He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Singapore, a member of the first five Parliaments of Singapore, Senior Minister of State, and ambassador and high commissioner to eight countries.
Early years
Lee was born in 1924 in Butterworth, Penang, and was educated at Yeok Keow Chinese School and Chung Ling High School in George Town, Penang.[2][3]
During the Japanese occupation of Penang, he took refuge in his uncle's farm located in a jungle.[3]
Journalist (1946-1959)
In 1946 Lee commenced a career in journalism, culminating in his working for The Straits Times.[3]
Member of Parliament (1959-1984)
Resigning in 1959, Lee commenced his political career and was elected to the legislative assembly. He served as Minister of State for Culture, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Senior Minister of State in PMO. He stepped down from his parliamentary positions in 1984.[3]
Diplomat (1968-1974, 1984-1988)
In 1968 he commenced his diplomatic career, serving as Singapore's Ambassador to Egypt, Ethiopia, Yugoslavia, Lebanon and Indonesia, and High Commissioner in Pakistan. On stepping down from Parliament, he served as Singapore's Ambassador to Japan and South Korea.[3]
Retirement
He retired from public service in 1988, founding his own firm, Eng Lee Investment Consultants, in 1990.[3]
He has been and is a director of a number of companies. He is currently Chairman of Eng Lee Investment Consultants, and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Koh Brothers Group Ltd.[4] Previous positions held include:[3]
- Chairman, Sino-American (UIC) Tours Corporation
- Independent Director, Metro Holdings
- Non-Executive Chairman, SSH Corporation (formerly known as Sin Soon Huat)
- Independent Director, L & M Group Investments
Author
Since 1966 Lee has published ten books, including:
- Lee, Khoon Choy (2013) Golden Dragon and Purple Phoenix: The Chinese and Their Multi-Ethnic Descendants in Southeast Asia. Hackensack, New Jersey: World Scientific. 2013. p. 604. ISBN 978-981-4383-43-1.
- Lee, Khoon Choy (2005) Pioneers of Modern China: Understanding the Inscrutable Chinese. Hackensack, New Jersey: World Scientific. 2005. p. 576. ISBN 978-981-256-618-8.
- Lee, Khoon Choy (1999) A fragile nation: the Indonesian crisis. World Scientific Publishing.
- Lee, Khoon Choy (1995) Japan: Between Myth and Reality. World Scientific Publishing. ISBN 9810218656, 9789810218652.
- Lee, Khoon Choy (1993) Diplomacy of a Tiny State. World Scientific Publishing. ISBN 9810212194.
- Lee, Khoon Choy (1976) Japan: Between Myth and Reality.
Personal
Lee married Florence Khor Swee Hoon, and they had two sons. She died of cancer in 1959. In 1962 he married Eng Ah Siam, with whom he has had five daughters.
Lee's hobbies include painting and playing musical instruments.
Honours and awards
- 1974: (Indonesian) Bintang Bakti Utama (Meritorious Service Star) for his work in enhancing relations between Indonesia and Singapore.
- 1986: The Scholarly Achievement Award by the Japan Institute of Oriental Philosophy for his achievements in the research and development of eastern philosophy, thought and culture.
- 1988: (South Korean) Order of Diplomatic Service Merit for his service in promoting relations between South Korea and Singapore.
- 1990: (Singaporean) Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Distinguished Service Order) in recognition of his contributions.
- 1997: Made an honorary member of the Chinese National Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing for his contributions in the field of humanities and social sciences.
References
- ↑ Historical Dictionary of Singapore. Singapore: Justin Corfield. 2010. p. 143. ISBN 0810873877.
- ↑ Wong Hong Teng: Profile of the Class of 1957, Chung Ling High School, Penang. ISBN 981-04-7710-4
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Chew, Valerie (2008) Lee Khoon Choy, National Library Board, Singapore
- ↑ Lee, Khoon Choy, Independent Non-Executive Director of Koh Brothers Group Ltd since 1994, www.reuters.com
External links
- http://mrleekhoonchoy.webs.com/ Lee Khoon Choy's website
- The Lee Khoon Choy Collection at the National Library of Singapore comprises monographs, periodicals and documents pertaining to East Asian culture, art and history. These were acquired from his years of travel around the globe as a journalist, politician, artist and author. Collection Highlights: