Quotes
		Profile Quotes Photos Write2us
Alan Bragasam, Cheng Huang Leng (1), (2), (3), Choo Chiau Beng, Chua Choo Meng, Chung Chee Kit, David Chin (1), (2), (3), David See Leong Kit, Fok Swee Yin, Fong Ying Yew (1), (2), Goh Chee Seng, Goh Chok Tong, Professor J B Caldwell, John J Bajor, Khor Teik Lin, Kung Yew Hock, Lawrence Mah (1), (2), Lim Boon Heng, Lim Soon Heng (1), (2), (3), Loke Mun Chong, Long Sey Hai (1), (2), (3), M K Jabbar, Noni Chin, Quah Cheng Bee (1), (2), Dr. R L Townsin, Seow Tiang Keng, Sim Kee Boon, Sito Kwan Hong, Tan Cheng Hui, Tan Kim Pong, Tan Kwai Phian, Tay Kim Kah, Tay Kiong Pang, Theodore J Triphyllis, Toh Siong Hoe & Fong Ying Yew, Tong Chong Heong (1), (2), Wong See Heng (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), Yeo Boey Chua (1), (2), (3), Yong Chee Min (1), (2)

Chua Chor Teck
As re-counted by his colleagues, peers,
friends and family members.

Tribute by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong

I remember Chor Teck as a master ship-repairer. I was then working in Neptune Orient Lines. We sent some of our ships to his Keppel Shipyard for repairs. Chor Teck always ensured that the workmanship was excellent and reliable.

I remember him as a true friend. I liked his simple unassuming ways, his warmth and ready smile, and his sincerity and humility. Everybody who knew him liked and respected him.

I remember him as the proverbial Singapore boy, who came from a poor family, apprenticed himself, studied and worked hard, rose to become the head of a large company, and gave his time and knowledge selflessly to society to benefit others. He was an admirable role model for young Singaporeans.

Goh Chok Tong
Senior Minister, Singapore (12 Aug 2004 - date)

Tribute by former Chairman of the Keppel Group, Mr. Sim Kee Boon

It started with a complaint.

Years ago the then Ministry of Communications was located in Cable Car Tower along side Keppel Shipyard in Telok Blangah Road.

One day the shipyard was sandblasting a ship under repair in one of the drydocks. The noise was so great it was difficult to get any work done in my office. I was then Permanent Secretary in the Ministry. I telephoned Chua Chor Teck and asked him if he could lower the noise level.

The next time I got to know Chor Teck was when I became Chairman of the Keppel Group in 1985. Little did I realise that he was a workaholic and a much-loved leader among his men. He often spent Sunday mornings or afternoons walking around the yard just to get a real feel of how things were getting on.

Working late until evening and then having a shower and change in the office before attending the obligatory Captain's reception in one of the newly-repaired Russian ships in the yard happened often to him. With liquor and spirits flowing freely, it took an iron constitution to survive these events.

Early in my tenure as Chairman, I was startled one morning to be confronted with a large pile of telexes (there were no e-mails or faxes then) and was told that these were copies of daily correspondences between the yard and its many clients and that the MD (Chor Teck) would flip through them to keep himself informed. I thought this was carrying it to the extreme but this is simply an illustration of how far Chor Teck stretches the concept of devotion and dedication to job.

When I hinted that he ought to spend some time with his family, he said the only quality time he spent with his son was when he sent him to school every morning. Even the golf, which I persuaded him to take up, had to go when Singapore followed Malaysia and added one more hour of daylight saving time and everyone had to start work an hour earlier.

Throughout the early difficult years when the Keppel Group was in the doldrums, he showed great fortitude and cheerfulness, always puffing away at his pipe. He tried exceedingly hard to inculcate in the organisation the "Keppel culture" of loyalty, thrift and hard work. To this day, Keppel is not known among large companies to be a generous employer. When he was ill in hospital, he insisted on having papers on Keppel matters be sent to him until I put a stop to it.

Chor Teck is among that rare breed of CEOs who founded and nurtured a great organisation without much thought of self-interest or gain.

Sim Kee Boon
Chairman, Keppel Group (May 1984 to 31 Dec 1999)

Humble Beginnings

Like many Singaporean parents, my Dad came from China before World War 2 to seek his fortune. He found work with Poh Heng Goldsmith, learnt to make jewelry and rose to master craftsman level. When the War broke out, he was already married with one child (Chor Teck was born in 1939). He hid our family in the Hougang area where we survived on whatever fish he could catch from the swamps. After the War, he moved to Lim Chu Kang and become a farmer on rented land. He was daring because he knew nothing about farming. Through trial and error and a large dose of common sense, he raised pigs and chicken and grew vegetables on rented land. Though he was not a carpenter, he also built the pigpens, chicken coops and our house!

A farmer's life was not idyllic. It was back breaking but honest work and through his sweat raised us 5 children (3 boys and 2 girls). We of course helped with whatever chores assigned to us. And we at our peak raised about 50 pigs and 2,000 chickens. However, our Dad's bitter experience with farming put us off this profession when we grew up. To raise pigs and chicken, he needed capital, which he had to borrow with the promise to pay when the livestock is sold. This arrangement was fine provided there was no misfortune during the intervening months and the price of livestock was good. We still shudder at the memory of waking up one morning to find our pigs and chicken dead or dying from disease. We still feel the injustice of the poor prices we fetched for our livestock when all farmers did well and end up with a glut situation! Our Dad due to circumstances beyond his control got into this debt trap with the inability to pay off his loan. To make ends meet, he sold household items - soap, brushes and utensils on the back of his bicycle to folks living in our kampong and those living as far as Chua Chu Kang. This he did after tending the farm in the morning. And he did well for the income from this "sideline" was larger than what we could earn from the farm.

Despite the two incomes, there just wasn't enough for all of us to go to school, so Chor Teck, our eldest brother decided to stop going to school at 15 so that we could go to school. I (Chor Meng) was about 10 then and even at that age, we understood the sacrificed he made for us. Luckily, his teacher was kind and helpful. He got Chor Teck with 6 years of education in Chinese and 3 years in English, to be accepted in 1959 (at the age of 16 years as a student at the Dockyard Technical College, Singapore while serving his 5-year Apprenticeship at the H. M. Dockyard.

Chor Teck was extremely thrifty and gave our Dad what he had saved from his apprenticeship pay and what he got from teaching Maths part-time at the Vocation Institute. He studied extremely hard and did quite well. He completed his 5 years of apprenticeship, finished top of his batch and went to work for United Engineers for a year (July 1961 to July 1962) as a Junior Ship Draughtsman. He then joined Vosper Thornycroft for a short spell before joining the Singapore Harbour Board (later renamed Keppel Shipyard).

During his apprenticeship (1956 to 1960) years, he must have studied at night like a man possessed. There were times when he would drink water to stem his hunger so that the money saved could be used for his books and pay for his examination fees. As a private candidate, he got 6 "O" (3 of the subjects were done twice!) and 2 "A" levels plus an awesome total of 5 City & Guilds certificates (see full list in appendix).

To cap it all, he topped the Commonwealth for the City & Guilds of London Institute Full Technological Certificate (1st Class) in Shipbuilding examinations. We believe that because his award was made through the Ministry of Education, Chor Teck was "spotted" by the then Education Minister, Mr. Yong Nguk Lin who probably had a significant influence over the award of the Harbour Board scholarship to Chor Teck. By this time we were totally dependent on Chor Teck for our livelihood, as our father had stopped working - he was ill and was about 50 when he died of kidney failure. And we knew that Chor Teck was unwilling to accept the scholarship unless the scholarship terms included a stipend for us to live on during his absence. The Harbour Board agreed to this condition and gave our family $300 and we attribute this to Mr. Yong's influence.

Thus in 1965, Chor Teck was able to go to Sunderland Polytechnic in the UK to do a Higher National Certificate in Naval Architecture. His tutors found him "over qualified" with his array of City & Guilds certificates and recommended him to Newcastle University to pursue his degree. Chor Teck graduated top of his class in 1968 and worked for Keppel Shipyard until his untimely death in 1986.

As told to Cheng Huang Leng by his brothers, Choo Meng and Chor Tien (1986)

Apprenticeship Days

In 1956, to get into the apprenticeship scheme, we got to have a minimum Primary 6 education level to pass a qualifying examination. Chor Teck and I were among hundreds assembled in Beatty School hall one morning. We were among the better (and at that time the "luckier") ones - the top 40 plus to be selected.

Thus at age 16, we became apprentices at the Naval Base Dockyard. Chor Teck was trained to be a Shipwright and myself an Engine Fitter/Turner. We were also allowed to enroll in the Dockyard Technical College. Thus our week comprised 2 days in class and 3.5 days in the workshop. We were paid $15 a week during our 1st year with increments every year to about $21 per week in our 5th year.

From Year 1, it was clear to all of us that Chor Teck and three others including Foo Hee Liat and Kwan Choon Seng were the brighter ones, taking the top positions for our batch. For Year 2, I did well in the examinations - scoring an average of 75%+ for my papers. I thought I would be among the top 3 based on past results. But alas I was proven wrong because Chor Teck and the brighter ones returned with averages of 90%+ scores! He was so good that when we were stuck for answers to a problem, we would ask Chor Teck class and he never refused us. This was very much to the annoyance of one instructor who threw chalk at us during one such consultation. As you all know by now, Chor Teck went on to top our batch.

It was a long way from Chua Chu Kang to Sembawang, so Chor Teck rented a room just outside the Dockyard. There were times when he would let me bunk with him instead of the long journey to my home in Newton. After a long day, I would be sound asleep by 10 p.m. while Chor Teck would still be poring over his books. There were also times when I woke up late at night to find him still with his books. It was a few years later that we knew that he was studying for his GCEs, O-levels and City & Guilds courses at the same time! In sports, he was quite good at table tennis and I am proud to record that we won the "Apprenticeship Sports Club Table Tennis Doubles" in 1957.

We became good friends and he would invite some of us to his family farm. The faded photographs I still keep brought back fond memories of the good times we had. His parents were kind to us all and she always saw to it that we leave with some eggs for our families.

Long Sey Hai
Fellow Apprentice at Naval Dockyard (1956)

A considerate and helpful host

After a family gathering in Chor Teck's home, I discovered that my son had left my car key in the car. Chor Teck took the trouble to drive my family home which was on the other end of Singapore. He even stayed on for a drink. When he drove me back to get my car, Chor Teck did not show any sign of displeasure. His only concern was that I might punish my son.

Tong Chong Heong
Shiprepair Manager, Keppel Shipyard (1985)

He would invite all of us to his house for Chinese New Year. I went on Day 1 but felt uncomfortable because I was a small fry among many big people. The following year I did not show up. On the morning of the next day (Day 2) Mr. Chua came to my workshop and demanded, "Give me one good reason why you did not turn up yesterday." I told him of my discomfort and he said, "Come in the evening, after 5.00 pm." From then on, all of us junior officers would turn up in the evening and enjoyed ourselves tremendously. What touched me most was that there were at least 100 of us and he had noticed my absence.

Tan Kwai Phian
Electrical Section Manager at Keppel Shipyard (1986)

A friend, mentor, uncle and role model - all rolled into one

I remember a stretch of 8 months when I worked night shifts and somehow on ships that Mr. Chua was in charge as SRM. Even at 4.00 am he would turn up to Anchorage to check the progress of work and find out if we need help.

On one occasion, I told him that I needed more "laskas" and a few minutes later, he showed up to help out himself and together we removed a sand pump from a dredger.

On another occasion, he found me fitting a bearing. He told me that he was not an engineer and asked me to teach him to do it on the spot.

Fok Swee Yin
Trainee Technician (better known as "Ah Meng") (1968)

We were 18 when we went to Newcastle for our studies. Though his scholarship did not pay him very well and though Alice (his wife) was not working, he went out of his way to make us feel at home. I remembered the many occasions that he had invited us to his house for dinner. And I remember the house well. It was not pretentious and I could still see the dining table, which was a piece of plywood over a bathtub that he has installed in his kitchen. Simple meals, simple house, but the fellowship and the brotherly care for us were from his heart.

I remember also that he could only afford self-rolled cigarettes. I could of course afford Dunhills (at the beginning of the month before my money ran out) and was so happy to be able to offer him some. He was a man of simple means, but a great heart and we owed much to him in helping us 18 year-olds through what were tumultuous years.

Alan Bragasam
Fellow student, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK (1968)

His favourite song was Bobby Goldsboro "Honey" --- whenever I hear the song, it is a reminder of his warm friendship.

When he was appointed Managing Director of the Keppel Group, I had asked him about his expanded responsibilities. His reply, "David, the world is moving very fast. So all of us must also adapt just as fast." is a most invaluable piece of advice for everyone and for all times.

David See Leong Kit
Fellow student, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK (1968)

Chor Teck's favourite song in Newcastle begins with the words "See the tree, how big it's grown....". And then he would stop. He said he could never remember the rest of the lyrics. But whenever I hear that song, it reminds me of how much we have lost.

I shall always remember Chor Teck and Alice for their sincerity and warmth in opening their house to us in Newcastle (and subsequently in Singapore too). Although things were pretty basic back then, there was no mistaking their hospitality, friendship, generosity and compassion. Their home was our home-away-from-home.

Notwithstanding his brilliant achievements in Newcastle University and Keppel Corp, Chor Teck was an inspiration in humility. No airs and with an ever-ready smile, he was always willing to lend a sympathetic ear and share his wise counsel.

Tay Kiong Pang
Fellow student, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK (1968)

Indeed he and Alice were more than our elder brother and sister. They adopted us as their "children"!

I remembered that he ate fish and chips every day at the University, because it was the cheapest meal one could have at the time.

When we returned from Newcastle, I remember Chor Teck and Alice invited us over from time to time. In one of the first get-togethers, he gave us advice. One that is firmly etched in my memory is his advice not to rush into getting "4 wheels" i.e. a car. He said to give priority to putting money into a house. A house appreciates in value over time, but a car depreciates and the expenditure is used up. Very wise advice, even now!

Lim Boon Heng
Fellow student, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK (1968) - Minister, Prime Minister's Office (2001 - date)

Never heard of Lee Kuan Yew but have heard of Chua Chor Teck

I remember the story of an English student in South Shields when asked if he heard of Lee Kuan Yew said no but he knew of a Chua Chor Teck.

Chor Teck won a Port of Singapore Authority's (PSA) scholarship to study Naval Architecture at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. He graduated with 1st Class Honours in 1968, topped his class and also won the university Gold Medal for Merit performance.

Tan Cheng Hui
Fellow student, University of Newcastle- upon-Tyne, UK (1968)

"Not only did he achieve a First Class Honours in '68 but if was one of the best performances ever in this Department by an undergraduate."

Dr. R L Townsin
Faculty Professor, Department of Naval Architecture & Shipbuilding, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK (1968)

I first met Chor Teck at Newcastle University, about 40 years ago, and although at that time we were not close friends (he was my senior by 1 year) I, as all others in the Naval Arch. Dept. had the highest respect for him. He was very intelligent, hard working and the best student in the department.

I really got to know Chor Teck well from the early 1970's (Dec.1973) when we did our first repairs/dry-docking at Keppel. He immediately requested to see me. When we met he was extremely warm and friendly. We talked about Newcastle, our student days and the friends we made there, at the end of our meeting, even though he was already General Manager of Keppel, he told me his door was always open in case I needed assistance either in the yard or otherwise. He took me to lunch the next day and to dinner with Alice a few days afterwards, just to show me that he really meant what he said about being there for me.

During 1970's I came to Singapore every year and naturally always at Keppel Shipyard because of Chor Teck. By the end of the decade we had become very close personal as well as family friends. In 1979 I spent 2 months in Singapore overseeing major repair works at Keppel. Because of the length of my stay and since it was during July and August I had brought over my family. My wife already knew Chor Teck and Alice from the previous years "Posidonia Exhibition" in Piraeus, but I was pleasantly surprised as to how quickly and easily my two elder sons hit it off with Sui Tong and Hui Khoon. Their family was so warm towards me and my family that I will always cherish the time we spent together. One must not forget that by then Chor Teck was the No.1 man at Keppel yet he was as approachable and friendly as always.

One of the worst moments of my life was at the end of 1985 when Alice advised me that Chor Teck was very seriously ill and did not have long to live. My immediate reaction was that this could not be true. God could not be so unfair. People like Chor Teck made the world a better place, from every aspect. He was highly intelligent, hard working, a dedicated family man and a really decent human being. Since then I have always felt that if in the world we had a few more Chor Tecks it would be a much much better place.

Theodore J Triphyllis
Fellow student, University of Newcastl- upon-Tyne, UK (1968)

Tribute from his Professor

The staff of the Department of Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne were greatly saddened to learn of the death of Chua Chor Teck. He was the first of a line of very able students to come to Newcastle from Singapore to study naval architecture. After three years he graduated in July 1968, and it was no surprise to those who knew his work that he achieved a First Class Honours degree.

He was determined to obtain the fullest value from this opportunity to study in England and to learn as much as possible about both the science and practices of shipbuilding. It was not easy to arrange sponsored practical experience, but in his determination to learn shipbuilding 'from the inside' he enlisted during one vacation as a labourer in a Tyneside shipyard rather than waste time in activities unrelated to his ambitions. These were difficult times for Chor Teck, and the support of his wife Alice, through those early days and cold northern winters, was something that he often spoke of later with great warmth.

To the many students from Singapore who succeeded him at Newcastle, he became both a 'father figure' and an example to strive to follow. In setting his high standards of commitment and achievement he thus clearly contributed not only to the success of many later students (amongst whom the class of degree obtained as enviably high), but also through them and his own outstanding work, to the remarkable growth of marine industry in Singapore through the nineteen-seventies.

During those years, to those of us from Newcastle who were able to visit Singapore, it was always a great pleasure to meet him again, as he progressed in responsibility and eminence. He enjoyed the gatherings at which he and his wife were such excellent hosts to the Newcastle graduates.

The University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne is proud to have been associated with a naval architect of such character and distinction. His life and work have been an example to us all.

Professor J B Caldwell
Head of Department of Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK (1986)

His word is good enough

I first met Mr. Chua Chor Teck when the first ship built under my supervision was dry-docked at Keppel Tanjong Pagar Yard in 1972. It was my first job as a Technical Assistant with Vosper Thornycroft Pte. Ltd. The vessel, a supply vessel, was docked for bottom cleaning and painting prior to the sea trials. I was the shipbuilder's representative at the dry-docking. It was supposed to be a simple straightforward job of not more than two days. It was the first time I ever sent a ship for dry-docking.

However, during the inspection of the ship's bottom the owner's representatives made many demands that threatened to extend the dry-docking period, postponing the sea trials and the delivery date of the vessel with financial consequences. The demands from the owner's representatives included re-checking of all the draft marks, rechecking the straightness of the keel of the vessel, renewal of many pieces of underwater shell plating, which had pitted as a result of stray welding current while the vessel was afloat after launching. I suspected that the owner's representatives were using delaying tactics, as the vessel had not found a charter as yet. For some peculiar reasons our management gave in to the owner's demands but without giving me additional days to complete the job.

As a conscientious young man I was really worried and worked tirelessly to get my vessel undocked. The vessel had already exceeded the scheduled two days in dry-dock and my management was pressing me daily for the ship to be undocked. Life was really miserable when the control of the vessel was under the charge of another shipyard.

One late evening when I was all alone, feeling miserable and down-hearted at the progress of the vessel, Mr. Chua Chor Teck came and introduced himself to me at the bottom of the dry-dock. I was taken aback that I was talking to the man himself. I took the opportunity to pour out the problems I had with my ship. Mr. Chua was a good listener. He empathized fully with my problems. I felt really good after talking with him. He probably realised that I was young, inexperienced and required encouragement. He assured me that my ship would be delivered at the quickest possible time despite the many extra work orders. I was really touched by his personal interest, assurance and his help. The vessel was eventually undocked, had a successful sea trial and delivered to the ship owner.

Tan Kim Pong
Technical Assistant, Vosper Thornycroft Pte Ltd (1972)

I've been Keppel's representative in the United States and Canada for more then 25 years. When I think how such a large portion of my life has been spent with a single employer I realize how this could not have been possible without knowing Chor Teck and the legacy he left with Keppel.

I first met Chor Teck in 1978. I had just transitioned from the marine dept of a major oil company to an agency that represented Keppel at that time. Shortly after joining that agency it became apparent Keppel's interests had to be served in a more focused fashion. The process of choosing another alternative began in earnest. All the US agencies were vying to capture Keppel.

Seeing this as a major loss for my employer, I was naturally concerned about my own security. At this time I was approached by oil major and felt for my family's sake I should again shift.

Having more or less determined my next direction, I was suddenly and unexpectedly called by Chor Teck who asked if I'd be interested in opening their new US office. Frankly I was stunned. Not only because it was about 0600hrs but also wondering why he hadn't talked to all the other worthy candidates. He called from London and said he could be in New York later that day and would call. After running this through a more awakened mind I thought I and/or he was mistaken about his arriving in New York that same day and that I was a candidate.

Sure enough Chor Teck did make it to New York that same day via the Concorde. He left an industry meeting and all the other candidates who flocked there to register their interest. He asked for a discreet place to meet. The only secure site I could think of was my home which at the time was overtaken by three young children. You can imagine trying to convince my wife this whole chain of events was for real.

As it turned out our meeting and family dinner has become a memorable event in my family's life. Chor Teck's warmth, honesty and love of family overwhelmed us all. His talk of his children and ours getting together someday in Singapore as well as his ability to relate to all of them didn't make my decision an easy task. Frankly I wondered how he could have boxed me in such a situation and if this was how he intended to persuade me. It must be appreciated how this contrasted with the approach of American industry where personal and professional lives are rarely mixed.

Somehow we did get down to business that day. After the deal was struck, the rest is history. The years at Keppel bear witness to Chor Teck's legacy. Yes there's complete dedication expected but the return in caring for each employee is the spirit he so carefully nurtured and left behind. It has become the Keppel way. In all the 35 years I've spent in the industry it's the last 25 that make me grateful I was available to answer the phone that early morning and to put my faith and trust in Chor Teck as he did with me.

John J Bajor
Keppel's US and Canadian Representative (2003)

Sensitive to the effort put in by the other guy

When I was teaching, I would occasionally visit Keppel to salvage scrap (a pressure gauge or control valve), which I could dissect and turn into a teaching aid. On one such visit in the late1970s, I dropped into Chor Teck's office to say hello.

It was about lunchtime and I found eating his char kway teow at his desk behind two piles of documents. He was signing a document while eating.

Cheng Huang Leng
Deputy Principal, Singapore Polytechnic (1982)

Being thrifty, hard on self but generous to others

In 1977, Chor Teck spent several months in the Harvard Business School attending the AMP Programme. Although he was already the Chief Executive of a major corporation, he was clearly delighted to go back to school. I remembered he was particularly happy sampling the simple fare at the Yenching Restaurant in Harvard Square. One Sunday after lunch, not long after his arrival to Cambridge, he said that he needed to buy a pair of new shoes. Not knowing Boston well, he asked me to come along with him.

We went from one good shoe shop to the next, but nothing met his approval. Eventually, we ended up in the basement of a discount store, where there was a small crowd rummaging through a pile of 'odd lot' shoes. Joining the crowd, he soon emerged delightfully holding a pair. Clearly, he was very pleased with the cost effective solution, which he found.

Later, when I saw him with this bargain basement find on his feet, I thought it no way reduced the stature of this; rather, it enhanced my respect for him. Truly, Chor is one who, in the words of Rudyard and Kipling's "if", 'Can talk with crowds and keep his virtue, or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch'.

Chung Chee Kit
Manager, Keppel Shipyard (1977)

Support for workers and treating as equals

Mr. Chua got on well with the workers He was approachable with no airs about him. He introduced the Annual Family Day so workers and their families could get the chance to visit places like the Zoo, Sentosa Island for free. He also started scholarships for the workers' children. When he became the MD of Keppel he started a training centre in the company to equip local workers to take on the more skilled jobs.

Mr. Chua was very supportive of the union. The union leaders could always walk into his office to talk with him if they had any difficulties that could not be resolved. It was his idea to allow the union to run the Keppel canteen and the profits to be channeled into the union fund. He allowed the union office to be housed in the company premise.

M K Jabbar
President, Keppel Employees' Union (1974)

Mr. Chua was a man of good character and a very good employer. He was always willing to help workers with their problems. Workers and union leaders could go and see him anytime. His door was always open. If he was busy, he would arrange to meet them on another day.

He never rejected them. When there was a problem, he would slowly and patiently talk to union leaders. He was very supportive of the union.

Sito Kwan Hong
General Secretary of Keppel Employees Union (1974)

In 1986, when I visited him in hospital and Mr. Ang Kong Hua came in. I knew he was a big guy at NatSteel. Mr. Chua introduced me to him as "my colleague".

Wong See Heng
Planning Manager, Keppel Shipyard (1986)

Whenever we meet, he would ask, "Any problem with safety?" And I would tell him; "None" and during the many years when he was in charge, we did not have any problem because of his support and commitment to safety at our yard.

Yeo Boey Chua
Safety Manager, Keppel Shipyard (1986)

One evening at about 9.00 pm, our SRM, Mr. Chua could not find the Duty Maintenance Chargehand (we knew he was AWOL!). He did not get angry and asked me if I could fire up the potable oil-fired boiler - we needed steam to heat up and remove a propeller boss. Though I was an Electrical Chargehand, I told him that I could do it having seen it done before. (Mr. Chua is so nice that it's hard to say no to him) I was however concerned with safety as I did not know how to control the firing - to what pressure and temperature? I shared my concern with Mr. Chua. I was surprised that he did not order me to proceed knowing that he would be in trouble for failing to get the job done on time. Instead, he listened to my explanation and decided that we should wait until the next Maintenance Chargehand come on duty even at the cost of a delay of at least 8 hours.

Goh Chee Seng
Electrical Section Chargehand, Keppel Shipyard (1986)

The success story of Mr. Chua Chor Teck, a dockyard apprentice who rose through the ranks to be the top man at Keppel Shipyard was such a great inspiration for many of us who were young apprentices in the early 1970s. He was more than a role model, someone who showed genuine interest in helping junior officers overcome difficulties in order to advance their career. I was granted a Keppel Scholarship in 1977 to study naval architecture in UK. Although my tuition fees and living expenses were taken care of, I was still faced with financial difficulties as I have to stop work for two years and will not be able to support my family. When Mr. Chua came to know about this, he immediately granted me a small monthly allowance to enable me to continue supporting my family.

Yong Chee Min
Shiprepair Manager, Keppel Shipyard (1977)

From 1983 to 1986 I was posted to the Philippines. Chor Teck would visit us as part of his responsibility. He could have met us in Manila but he would insist on taking that pot-holes ridden road all the way to Batangas to our yard to "see the boys". When time permitted, we would stop at one of the roadside stalls for lunch. He loved the freshwater "Japanese" fish barbequed or fried till crispy. "Reminds me of my childhood days," he would tell us. Sitting at our lunch, no one would believe that he is MD of a very large company!

His care and concern for people was always high and I did not realise how high until the Aquino crisis. Business was down by 60% but Chor Teck decided that we should not shut down operations. We were to continue, dispense with subcontractors and keep our people by doing all work ourselves. There should be no retrenchment. Normal attrition was the only labour reduction acceptable. If there was no work for 3 weeks in a row, we would lend our workers up to a week's pay to help them tide over till the situation improved. The union and our workers were quick to see that we would not desert them and gave their full cooperation. Chor Teck was proven right again - we got through that crisis with a tiny profit while other MNCS pulled out of the Philippines or suffered heavy losses due to industrial actions and strikes.

On the 2nd day of one Chinese New Year, I had to call him to meet an important Filipino customer. While it was a holiday in Singapore, it was a working day in the Philippines. He did not get upset or tried to change the date. Instead, he agreed to the meeting and turned up the next day with mandarin oranges and ang pows for all of us!

Fong Ying Yew
Executive Vice President, Keppel Philippines Shipyard (1986)

Be thrifty, spend company $ as if it's your own

In 1977, when I joined Singapore Slipway, one advice he gave to me which I now give to all our Officers is; if you spend company money as if it is your own money, as thrifty as you normally are, you cannot do wrong. Hence even today one of the features in Keppel is Thrift. As a good leader he had walked the talk and he told me that a small ship owner friend, whom Keppel Shipyard gave credit to, was a bit bashful when he walked out of the First Class section on a common trip to KL when Chor Teck walked out of the Economy Class. Today our policy at KOM and SPC is for short trips, everyone including myself will travel economy.

Choo Chiau Beng
Chairman & CEO, Keppel Offshore & Marine (2005)

In 1980, we were in Moscow to meet a Russian customer to tender for the conversion of two whaling ships into fish factories. After the meeting, we found ourselves with large amounts of documents and drawings to hand carry back to Keppel. As our limits were exceeded, we suggested that we leave our company brochures behind. Mr. Chua said, "No. Brochures cost money to print and since I am not carrying much, I will carry them with me." With that he collected the brochures and stuffed them into his hand luggage.

Wong See Heng
Planning Manager, Keppel Shipyard (1980)

In the early eighties when recycling was not the buzz word it is today, Chor Teck would make sure a used envelope was reused a couple of times before it ends up in the trash can. Old furniture had a new lease of life with a coat of varnish. The decade old office in Telok Blangah got a makeover every once in awhile. He was not penny pinching. He just was ahead of others in protecting the environment. This waste-not want-not discipline percolates down the line and became a part