Wee Cho Yaw, the former chairman and CEO of Singapore bank UOB, has died at the age of 95.
Wee is one of Southeast Asia’s most successful businessmen, having helmed UOB Group for more than 60 years before he retired from the board in 2018.
He was also chairman of real estate developer UOL Group.
In a statement on Saturday, UOB said: “It is with deep sadness that UOB announces the passing of Dr Wee Cho Yaw, Chairman Emeritus and Adviser to the UOB Group at the age of 95.
“Dr Wee, a visionary banker, celebrated businessman and community pillar, was pivotal to UOB’s development as a leading bank in Asia.”
Who was Wee Cho Yaw?
Wee Cho Yaw was a Singaporean billionaire businessman, chairman emeritus and honorary adviser of the United Overseas Bank (UOB), and chairman of the UOL Group.
Born in Singapore, Wee Cho Yaw grew up in a banking family. His father founded the United Overseas Bank in 1935, and Wee Cho Yaw became part of the Board of Directors of what was then known as the United Chinese Bank in 1958.
He became Managing Director in 1960, and began to serve as CEO in 1974, when his father chose to retire. He served as CEO until 2007, when he stepped down, and his son, Wee Ee Chong took over as CEO.
In addition to his bank interests, he has also invested in significant amounts of land through Kheng Leong, and his family owns nearly 25% of Haw Par, the company that manufacturers the pain-relieving ointment, “Tiger Palm”.
He was awarded the Public Service Star by the government of Singapore in the early 70s, and an honorary doctorate by the University of Singapore in 2008.
Who was Wee Cho Yaw married to?
Wee Cho Yaw was married to Chuang Yong Eng, a Singaporean woman of Chinese descent. They married in 1955 and had five children together.
Who is Wee Cho Yaw’s wife Chuang Yong Eng?
Chuang Yong Eng a board member of Kheng Leong Company, the family’s investment entity. She is known for her support of her husband’s business and philanthropic endeavors.
She attended the late banker’s wake on Sunday with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. She maintains a relatively private life, with limited details available about her personal affairs.
Wee Cho Yaw Children
Wee Cho Yaw and his wife Chuang Yong Eng had five children together. Their names and some details are:
Wee Ee Cheong: The eldest son and the current deputy chairman and CEO of UOB. He was born in 1959 and is 65 years old.
Wee Wei Ling: The eldest daughter and the executive director of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, a subsidiary of UOL Group. She was born in 1961 and is 63 years old.
Ee-chao Wee: The second son and the chairman of UOL Group and United Industrial Corporation, both property development companies. He was born in 1963 and is 61 years old.
Ee Lim Wee: The third son and the chairman of Haw Par Corporation, a healthcare and leisure company. He was born in 1965 and is 59 years old.
Wee Wei Chi: The youngest daughter and the executive director of Kheng Leong Company, the family’s investment entity. She was born in 1967 and is 57 years old.
Wee Cho Yaw Grandchildren
Wee Cho Yaw had a number of grandchildren, each with their own achievements and interests. The names of his grandchildren are:
Wee Teng Wen: The co-founder and managing partner of The Lo & Behold Group, a hospitality company that operates restaurants, bars and hotels in Singapore.
Jonathan Eu: The co-founder and CEO of Grain, an online food delivery platform that aims to provide healthy and delicious meals.
Alexandra Eu: The co-founder and creative director of In Good Company, a fashion label that focuses on minimalist and modern designs.
Shin Hui Tan: The founder and CEO of The Nail Social, a social enterprise that offers manicure and pedicure services while empowering underprivileged women.
Grace Wee Jingsi: The founder and director of The Wee Clinic, a medical aesthetics clinic that offers skin and body treatments.
Wee Teng Chuen: The founder and director of The Wee Marketing Company, a digital marketing agency that helps businesses grow their online presence.
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