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Tony Tan Biography

(7th President of Singapore)

Birthday: February 7, 1940 (Aquarius)

Born In: Singapore

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Tony Tan Keng Yam is the seventh president of Singapore. He was a bright student and attended the University of Singapore, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Adelaide, ultimately earning his doctorate in applied mathematics. While he is best known for his political career, he started off teaching physics and mathematics at the University of Singapore and a few years later took a position as a banking manager at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation. Ten years later, he was elected to serve in Singapore's Parliament. He also joined the Singapore Cabinet and served in several different roles during his tenure including Minister for Finance, Minister for Education, among others. Outside of his Cabinet posts, he continued his work with the University of Singapore as Vice Chancellor. His emphasis on education and reform is a common theme throughout his career with many achievements in standardizing Singapore's educational system as the country reached greater economic heights. In 2010, he decided to run for the presidency and won in 2011. He has championed investments in society and encouraged fundraising and volunteerism among his constituents. His achievements and leadership have been celebrated with awards on many occasions by several institutions.

Birthday: February 7, 1940 (Aquarius)

Born In: Singapore

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Quick Facts

Also Known As: Tony Tan Keng Yam

Age: 84 Years, 84 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Mary Chee Bee Kiang

father: Tan Seng Hwee

mother: Jessie Lim Neo Swee

Presidents Political Leaders

Notable Alumni: National University Of Singapore, University Of Adelaide

City: Singapore, Singapore

More Facts

education: Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, National University Of Singapore, University Of Adelaide

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You wanted to know

  • 1

    What is Tony Tan known for?

    Tony Tan is known for his career in politics, having served as the 7th President of Singapore from 2011 to 2017.
  • 2

    What is Tony Tan's educational background?

    Tony Tan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics and mathematics from the University of Singapore, as well as a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the University of Adelaide.
  • 3

    What political positions has Tony Tan held?

    Tony Tan has held various political positions in Singapore, including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, and Minister for Education.
  • 4

    What are Tony Tan's contributions to Singapore?

    Tony Tan is recognized for his contributions to Singapore's economic development, education system, and defense capabilities during his time in public office.
  • 5

    What is Tony Tan's current involvement in public service?

    As of the latest information available, Tony Tan continues to be involved in public service through his engagements in various advisory roles and community initiatives.

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Childhood & Early Life
Tony Tan Keng Yam was born on February 7, 1940 in Singapore to Tan Seng Hwee and Jessie Lim Neo Swee.
His studied at St Patrick's School and St Joseph's Institution in Singapore. Therafter, he attended the University of Singapore with a scholarship and earned his undergraduate degree in physics.
He acquired his Master's degree in operations research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). After that, he obtained his doctorate degree in applied mathematics from the University of Adelaide.
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Career
After finishing his higher education, he went on to teach math and physics at the University of Singapore in 1964.
Five years later, he took a position with Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) where he worked for ten years.
His political career began in 1979 when he became a member of parliament and soon after was appointed a Senior Minister of State of Education.
In 1980, he joined the Cabinet of Singapore and served in several positions separately during his time in the Cabinet, including the Minister for Trade and Industry, Minister for Finance, Minister for Education and Minister for Health. He made some of his most important contributions during his time as the Minister for Education during which he made many changes to the educational system.
He oversaw the merger of Singapore University and Nanyang University to form the National University of Singapore in 1980.
He served as Vice Chancellor for a year at the University of Singapore and then moved up to Minister-in-charge for another two years until 1983. He was the youngest Vice Chancellor in the history of the university.
In 1991, Tan relinquished his Cabinet position, but kept his place in Parliament, and took up the position of chair and CEO at the OCBC.
He returned to serve in the Cabinet in 1995 and took the positions of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence.
In 2003, he become coordinating Minister for Security and Defence but kept his position of the Deputy Prime Minister.
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After stepping down from the Cabinet for a second time, he assumed the chairman position of the National Research Foundation, deputy chairman of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council as well as the role of the Executive Director of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation and Chairman of Singapore Press Holdings Limited in 2005.
In 2010, he resigned from his positions and started his campaign for the presidency of Singapore.
He won the presidency in 2011 and remains in office currently. He is the seventh president of Singapore.
During his political career, he has steadfastly worked towards economic solvency for Singapore, while also pushing backup plans should economic crisis occur. His presidency is marked by his encouragement of social economy, termed "social reserves," which includes volunteerism and social movements.
Awards & Achievements
In 1988, he was presented the National Trades Union Congress Medal of Honour for his work on elevating and preserving the economic status of Singapore during his time as Minister for Trade and Industry.
He was awarded the National University of Singapore Eminent Alumni Award in 2005 for his contributions to the institution.
Most recently, his leadership and service was honored with a medal from the Foreign Policy Association in 2011.
Personal Life & Legacy
He is married to Mary Chee Bee Kiang and they have four children - three sons and one daughter.
He modernized standards for education in his country by making significant changes to Singapore's educational system, including the requirement that students had ten years of primary schooling before moving on to higher or career-based schooling.
He has contributed to several institutions and organizations including his alma maters - the Singapore Dance Theatre, the Singapore Computer Society, SJI International, among others.
He created the term "social reserves" for his efforts in cultivating social movements and giving.
Facts About Tony Tan
Tony Tan is known for his love of photography and often captures candid moments during his travels around the world.
He is an avid collector of vintage fountain pens and takes great pride in his unique and diverse collection.
Tony Tan has a passion for gardening and spends hours tending to his impressive collection of bonsai trees in his personal garden.
He is a talented cook and enjoys experimenting with different cuisines, often hosting elaborate dinner parties for family and friends.
Tony Tan is a dedicated animal lover and volunteers at local animal shelters in his free time, helping to care for and find homes for abandoned pets.

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