Who Is Ong Teng Cheong? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ong Teng Cheong was born on January 22, 1936. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 89th birthday. Ong served as the President of Singapore from 1993 to 1999, making history as the first Singaporean to hold this office. His presidency was marked by numerous contributions to the nation, including championing public service and fostering a culture of multi-racialism. Prior to his presidency, Ong had an illustrious career in politics, serving in various capacities such as Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Communications and Information.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 22, 1936 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Singapore, Straits Settlements |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Singapore |
| Date of death | 8 February, 2002 |
| Died Place | Tanglin, Singapore |
Popularity
Ong Teng Cheong's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Ong’s exact height and weight during his lifetime are not extensively documented, he was known for maintaining a professional and dignified appearance throughout his political career. If alive today, the physical stats would reflect a man dedicated to his health and fitness during his younger years.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ong Teng Cheong was married to his wife, who was a significant figure in his life and supported him throughout his political journey. The couple has two children who continue to uphold the values instilled by their father. In remembrance and appreciation of their family's legacy, Ong’s descendants contribute to various community and philanthropic initiatives.
In 1993, Ong resigned from the PAP, his ministerial positions and as a Member of Parliament (MP) to contest in the 1993 presidential election, winning 58.7% of the vote. Ong was nicknamed the "People's President" for being the first directly elected president in Singapore's history and he was sworn in on 1 September 1993.
He decided not to run for a second term as president in 1999, in part due to the death of his wife. He was succeeded by S. R. Nathan on 1 September 1999. Ong died in his sleep from lymphoma at his Dalvey Estate residence in Tanglin on 8 February 2002, at the age of 66.
Net Worth and Salary
Ong Teng Cheong’s net worth at the time of his passing was primarily derived from his public service roles and investments in various businesses. While specific figures are not disclosed publicly, his contributions to Singapore’s economic advancements during his presidency and prior governmental roles highlight a well-respected and financially secure individual who effectively handled state affairs.
Career, Business and Investments
Before becoming President, Ong Teng Cheong had a rich historical career in the public sector. He played an integral role in the development of Singapore's telecommunications sector and was pivotal in various government portfolios. His impact was particularly evident in urban planning and technological advancements in Singapore during the late 20th century. Even after his presidency, Ong continued to advocate for public service and community engagement, paving the way for future leaders.
Prior to his presidency, he was a member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP). Ong served as Chairman of the PAP between 1981 and 1993, after Toh Chin Chye stepped down from the position in 1981.
He was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kim Keat Single Member Constituency between 1972 and 1991 and the Kim Keat division of Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency between 1991 and 1993, after the constituency was absorbed into the GRC.
His ministerial positions included Minister for Communications between 1978 and 1981, Minister for Labour between 1981 and 1983, and Deputy Prime Minister between 1985 and 1993.
During his tenure in Parliament, Ong was known for being the main advocate behind the construction of an extensive rail network in the country, known as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), the largest construction project in Singapore's history.
Social Network
Ong Teng Cheong’s legacy lives on through the various organizations he was part of. He was not only a political figure but also a social leader who maintained connections with local and international communities. Nowadays, his family frequently shares insights and memories about him on social media, helping keep his legacy alive with younger generations who respect his contributions to Singapore.
In the last year of his presidency, Ong found out, through the newspapers, that the government aimed to submit a bill to Parliament to sell the Post Office Savings Bank to The Development Bank of Singapore Limited.
The POSB was a government statutory board whose reserves were under the president's protection; the move according to Ong, was procedurally inappropriate and did not regard Ong's significance as the guardian of the reserves; he had to call and inform the government of this oversight.
Still, the sale proceeded, and The Development Bank of Singapore Limited still owns the Post Office Savings Bank.
Education
Ong Teng Cheong was an alumnus of the prestigious University of Malaya, where he pursued a degree in architecture. His educational background contributed significantly to his analytical and strategic skills, which he applied throughout his career in public service and governance. His passion for education is reflected in his initiatives aimed at developing future leaders in Singapore.
Ong Teng Cheong (22 January 1936 – 8 February 2002) was a Singaporean statesman, architect and union leader who served as the fifth president of Singapore between 1993 to 1999. Born when Singapore was a part of the Straits Settlements, Ong was educated at the University of Adelaide and studied architecture.
He later received a Colombo Plan scholarship and graduated from the University of Liverpool with a master's degree in urban planning.
