SINGAPORE – Former Economic Development Board (EDB) chairman Chan Chin Bock died on Sept 12 at age 93, leaving behind his wife Rose and daughter Grace.

One of the architects of the Republic’s economic take-off towards the end of the first decade of independence, he spent over 30 years at the statutory board, and was its third chairman from 1972 to 1975, and alternate chairman from 1975 to 1987, when he was based in the US.

Chan expanded EDB’s international footprint, attracted prominent MNCs to Singapore, and created joint training centres to build up Singapore’s skilled labour pool.

He also continued to mentor young EDB officers after he left in 1995.

He received the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 1969, the Public Administration Medal (Gold) in 1973 and the Meritorious Service Award in 1988.

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong praised him as “one of the pioneers of Singapore’s economic development”, in a Facebook post on Sept 12.

He wrote: “Mr Chan and others of his generation were working without a proven playbook, but they understood that Singapore’s future depended on staying open to the world, earning the confidence of investors, and continually building the capabilities of our people.

“Indeed, one of his major projects was to build up Singapore’s skill base, through apprenticeship and training programmes that laid the foundation for high-tech, capital intensive industries to come to Singapore and create jobs for our people.”

He added that Singapore owed Chan “a debt of gratitude for his contributions” and that “his family and loved ones may... find comfort in knowing that his life’s work has left an enduring mark on our country”.

In a separate Facebook post on the same day, Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng said: “From helping to develop new industries in our early years to navigating the difficult economic condi...