Here are 1 famous musicians from Singapore died at 58:
Teh Cheang Wan (March 3, 1928 China-December 14, 1986 Singapore) was a Singaporean politician.
He was one of the founding members of the People's Action Party (PAP) and played a key role in Singapore's struggle for independence. During his political career, Teh Cheang Wan served as a member of parliament, cabinet minister, and ambassador to the United States. As Minister for Culture from 1970 to 1974, he oversaw the development of Singapore's cultural scene and encouraged the growth of arts and literature. He also played a role in the successful negotiation of the Johor-Singapore Causeway Agreement in 1961, which improved transportation links between the two countries. In recognition of his contributions to Singapore's development, Teh Cheang Wan was awarded the Order of Nila Utama, Singapore's second-highest national award, in 1985.
Teh Cheang Wan was born in China's Fujian province and received his early education in Singapore. He then travelled to the United States to continue his studies and obtained a degree in economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Upon his return to Singapore, Teh became a journalist and wrote for various Chinese language newspapers.
In 1954, Teh joined the newly formed People's Action Party (PAP) and became one of its founding members. He was elected as the party's organizing secretary and played a key role in its early activities. In 1959, Teh was elected as a member of parliament representing the constituency of Geylang Serai.
During his time as a minister, Teh worked to promote cultural activities and encourage the development of local talent. He also helped to oversee the construction of major cultural institutions such as the National Theatre and the National Library.
In addition to his work in government, Teh served as Singapore's ambassador to the United States from 1974 to 1980. He played a key role in promoting Singapore's economic interests and strengthening ties between the two countries.
Teh's contributions to Singapore have been widely recognized. In addition to the Order of Nila Utama, he was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Distinguished Service Order. His legacy continues to be celebrated in Singapore as a respected leader and advocate for cultural development.
Teh Cheang Wan also played an instrumental role in shaping Singapore's education system. As Minister for Education, he implemented major reforms that transformed the education landscape in Singapore. He introduced a bilingual policy that required all students to study both English and their mother tongue language, which helped to unite Singapore's multi-ethnic population. He also oversaw the expansion of vocational training and the establishment of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), which provided practical training for young people who were not academically inclined. His efforts to improve education in Singapore have been credited with helping to build a skilled, knowledgeable workforce that has been a key driver of the country's economic success. After his death in 1986, Teh was remembered as a dedicated public servant who played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore's modern history. His contributions to the country's cultural, educational, and economic development continue to be celebrated today.
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