Singaporean musicians died at 66
Here are 3 famous musicians from Singapore died at 66:
Ong Teng Cheong
Ong Teng Cheong (January 22, 1936 Singapore-February 8, 2002 Singapore) was a Singaporean politician and architect. His children are called Tze Guan Cheong and Tze Boon Cheong.
Ong Teng Cheong served as Singapore's first elected president from 1993 to 1999. Prior to his presidency, he held various government positions including being a member of parliament, minister for communications and information, and deputy prime minister. As an architect, Ong was instrumental in designing several iconic Singaporean buildings such as the People's Park Complex and the UOB Plaza. He was known for his commitment to social justice and was a strong advocate for workers' rights. During his presidency, he championed initiatives to promote transparency and fairness in the country's political and economic systems. Ong's legacy continues to be celebrated in Singapore as a pioneer of modern governance and a voice for the people.
Ong Teng Cheong graduated from the University of Adelaide, Australia with a degree in architecture. He returned to Singapore and worked as an architect before entering politics in 1972. Ong was also the first president to use the veto power granted to the president by the Constitution. In 1995, he withheld assent to the government's budget, citing concerns over a lack of transparency in how the reserves were managed. This move sparked a constitutional crisis, which was only resolved after an agreement was reached to increase transparency and accountability in the management of the reserves. Ong was widely respected for his integrity and humble demeanor, and he remained an active public figure even after leaving office. In 2000, he founded the Ong Teng Cheong Institute of Labour Studies, which provides training and research on labor issues in Singapore. Ong Teng Cheong's contributions to Singaporean society were recognized posthumously when he was awarded the Order of Nila Utama, Singapore's highest civilian honor, in 2016.
In addition to his advocacy for workers' rights, Ong Teng Cheong was also a staunch environmentalist. He played a key role in the establishment of the Singapore Green Plan, a national initiative aimed at promoting sustainable development and reducing the country's carbon footprint. Ong believed that economic growth and environmental protection were not mutually exclusive, and he worked tirelessly to promote a more sustainable and equitable future for Singapore.
Throughout his career, Ong Teng Cheong received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Singaporean society. In 1994, he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asia's Nobel Prize, for his leadership and public service. He was also awarded the Order of Nila Utama, Singapore's second highest civilian honor, in 1999.
Ong Teng Cheong's legacy continues to be felt in Singapore today, where he is remembered as a visionary leader who championed transparency, accountability, and social justice. His commitment to public service and sustainable development serves as an inspiration to future generations of Singaporeans.
Ong Teng Cheong was born into a family of modest means, and was the eldest of five children. Growing up, he attended a Chinese school and later attended Raffles Institution on a scholarship. After completing his studies in Australia, he returned to Singapore and worked as an architect for several years before entering politics. In 1972, he was elected to parliament as a member of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). During his time in parliament, he was known for his outspokenness and his advocacy for workers' rights. In 1983, he was appointed minister for communications and information, a position he held until 1985 when he was appointed deputy prime minister.
As deputy prime minister, Ong was responsible for overseeing the country's economic policies and played a key role in negotiating trade agreements with other countries. He was also a strong advocate for political reform and was instrumental in introducing amendments to the country's electoral laws that allowed for greater transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Following his election as president in 1993, Ong worked tirelessly to uphold the integrity of the presidency and championed initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and social justice. He recognized the importance of building stronger ties with other countries in the region and played an active role in promoting regional cooperation and integration.
Throughout his life, Ong Teng Cheong remained committed to serving the people of Singapore and promoting sustainable development. His legacy continues to inspire future generations to work towards a better and more equitable future for all.
During his term as president, Ong Teng Cheong also advocated for greater accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities. He encouraged the government and private sector to improve facilities and services to make them more accessible for people with disabilities, and he was a strong supporter of the Special Olympics movement in Singapore. Ong also believed in the importance of preserving Singapore's cultural heritage, and he was a patron of the arts. He recognized the value of arts and culture in promoting national identity and social cohesion, and under his leadership, the National Arts Council was established to promote and develop the arts in Singapore.
In addition to his political and architectural accomplishments, Ong Teng Cheong was also an accomplished athlete. He was a member of the Singapore national water polo team, and he represented Singapore in the sport at the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games in 1959 and 1961. Ong was a strong believer in the value of sports for promoting physical health and social cohesion, and he continued to be an advocate for sports development throughout his life.
Despite his many accomplishments, Ong Teng Cheong remained humble and approachable throughout his life. He was known for his warmth and kindness, and he always made time to listen to the concerns of ordinary Singaporeans. Ong's legacy continues to inspire and guide the people of Singapore, and his contributions to the country will be remembered for generations to come.
He died caused by lymphoma.
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Gopal Baratham
Gopal Baratham (September 9, 1935-April 23, 2002) was a Singaporean writer and physician.
Baratham was born in Singapore and studied medicine at the University of Singapore. He went on to specialize in urological surgery and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. In addition to his medical career, Baratham was also a prolific writer, publishing numerous novels, short stories, essays and plays over the course of his life. His work often explored issues of identity, culture, and politics in Singapore and the wider world. Baratham was widely regarded as one of Singapore's most important literary figures, and was awarded the Cultural Medallion for Literature in 1990. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 66.
Baratham's literary career began in the 1970s, and his first novel - "A Candle or the Sun" - was published in 1977. This was followed by several other critically acclaimed works, including "Moonrise, Sunset", "Sayang", "Faceless in Geylang, Roots and Wings", and "A Bird Between Two Worlds". He also wrote for various publications, and was a regular columnist for The Straits Times in Singapore. Aside from his medical and writing passions, Baratham was also actively involved in promoting the arts in Singapore. He served as a board member of the National Arts Council and was a keen supporter of theatre productions in the country. Baratham's legacy continues to be celebrated to this day, with some of his books still widely read and adapted for stage and screen.
Baratham's writings were often known for their wit, humour, and satire. His works also dealt with controversial and sensitive topics such as race relations and political corruption, which gained him both admirers and critics. In his later years, Baratham also turned to non-fiction writing, penning a memoir titled "Confessions of a Eurasian Doctor" which detailed his experiences as a doctor in Singapore during the tumultuous years prior to its independence.
Aside from his literary and medical achievements, Baratham was also a keen sportsman, having represented Singapore in both hockey and cricket at the international level. He was also known for his love of music and played the piano and guitar.
Baratham's passing was mourned by many in Singapore and the literary world. In 2020, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in his honour at the National University Hospital, which Baratham had helped to establish. The plaque reads, "Gopal Baratham (1935-2002), physician and writer, who touched hearts, healed minds and nurtured souls."
In addition to his other accomplishments, Gopal Baratham was also an active philanthropist. He founded the Baratham Endowment Fund, which supported various causes including research and scholarships for medical students in Singapore. He was also a patron of the arts, supporting and contributing to programmes and initiatives that promoted literary and artistic expression. Baratham was married with four children, and his family has also been involved in charitable work in Singapore. Today, Baratham is remembered as not only a talented writer and surgeon, but also a generous and compassionate individual who left a lasting impact on Singaporean society.
Baratham's contribution to Singaporean literature was not only limited to his own works but also through his support and encouragement of other writers. He was known for mentoring younger writers and helping them get their works published. One of his protégés was the Singaporean playwright, Haresh Sharma, who has since become one of the most influential figures in Singaporean theatre. Sharma has credited Baratham for his guidance and support in his early years as a writer.
Aside from his literary and medical achievements, Baratham was also an advocate for social justice and human rights. He was a vocal critic of Singapore's strict laws and policies, particularly those concerning freedom of expression and the treatment of political dissidents. Baratham used his platform as a writer to raise awareness and provoke discussion on these issues, and his works often challenged the status quo.
In recognition of his contributions to Singaporean society, Baratham was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2019, one of the country's highest civilian honors. His legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of Singaporean writers and artists, and his impact on the country's literary and cultural scene will always be remembered.
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Lim Cheng Hoe
Lim Cheng Hoe (May 24, 1912 Xiamen-April 5, 1979) was a Singaporean personality.
He was a prominent watercolor artist and founder of the Nanyang art style, which incorporates local Southeast Asian themes and influences. Lim was a member of the Singapore Watercolour Society and taught art at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. His works have been exhibited in numerous exhibitions, including those held at the Salon de la Societe des Beaux-Arts in France and the British Council in Singapore. Lim was also awarded the Public Service Star for his contributions to the visual arts in Singapore.
Lim Cheng Hoe's passion for art began at a young age as he was surrounded by his father's collection of Chinese paintings. In his early career, he worked as a lithographer before he pursued his passion for watercolor painting. He was heavily influenced by the works of renowned watercolorist and fellow Nanyang artist, Chen Wen Hsi. Lim's style involved delicate rendering, vibrant colors and an emphasis on the scenery and architecture of his homeland. One of his famous works includes a series of watercolors featuring the streets and buildings of Singapore in the 1950s and 60s.
Apart from his contributions to the Nanyang art style, Lim was also a committed art educator who encouraged his students to experiment with different techniques and to embrace their cultural roots within their artwork. Some of his notable students include Singaporean artists Lim Tze Peng, Ong Kim Seng and Yeo Hoe Koon. Today, his legacy lives on as his paintings are housed in the National Gallery Singapore and are being viewed by art enthusiasts from all over the world.
Additionally, Lim Cheng Hoe's dedication and contributions to the arts have been recognized in numerous ways. He was one of the first Singaporean artists to have a solo exhibition in London in 1953, and in 1971, he was awarded the Cultural Medallion, Singapore's highest artistic honor. Lim's works have also been featured in publications, such as the book "Lim Cheng Hoe: Painting Singapore" which was published in 2014 to accompany his retrospective exhibition at the National Gallery Singapore. His paintings continue to inspire and captivate audiences, and his contributions to the Nanyang art style have helped establish it as an important movement in Singapore's artistic history.
Lim Cheng Hoe was born in Xiamen, China but moved to Singapore at a very young age. He grew up in the River Valley area of Singapore and received his early education at the Anglo-Chinese School. After completing his education, Lim worked as a lithographer before he began to teach art. He later joined the Singapore Watercolour Society and became a prominent member of the local arts community.
In addition to his work as an artist and educator, Lim was also a dedicated community volunteer. He served as a member of the Rotary Club of Singapore and was involved in various charitable organizations that aimed to help people in need.
Despite facing many challenges throughout his career, Lim Cheng Hoe remained deeply committed to his artistic vision and his love for Singapore. His paintings reflect a deep connection to the landscape and people of his beloved hometown, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of artists in Singapore and beyond. Today, his artwork remains an important part of Singapore's cultural heritage and is cherished by art enthusiasts around the world.
Lim Cheng Hoe was not only a skilled artist but also a passionate advocate for the preservation of Singapore's cultural heritage. He was instrumental in promoting the conservation of historical buildings and landmarks, as he believed that they were an important part of Singapore's identity and history. Lim's paintings often featured these landmarks, such as the shophouses and temples of Chinatown, and they have become iconic representations of Singapore's architectural diversity.
In addition to his local fame, Lim Cheng Hoe's works have also gained international recognition. His paintings have been exhibited in various countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Australia. His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and art enthusiasts worldwide, and his contributions to the development of Singapore's arts community are widely acknowledged.
Today, Lim Cheng Hoe is remembered as one of Singapore's most celebrated artists, and his artworks are highly sought after by collectors. His determination, artistic talent, and dedication to his cultural roots have left an indelible mark on Singapore's cultural landscape and established him as a pioneer and legend of the Nanyang art movement.
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