Pioneering civil servant and diplomat Cheng Tong Fatt dies at 96

A veterinarian by training, Dr Cheng obtained his bachelor’s in veterinary medicine and surgery from Glasgow University in 1957. He was the director of PPD from 1962 to 1970.

He was transferred to the Ministry of National Development in 1971 and became its permanent secretary from 1972 to 1979. He was also permanent secretary for culture from 1979 to 1985.

He also served as the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s acting chairman and later chairman from 1978 to 1981, and was chairman and later deputy chairman of the Housing Board from 1976 to 1978.

A key architect of Singapore’s broadcasting industry, he was general manager and later deputy chairman of the Singapore Broadcasting Corp (SBC), the precursor to Mediacorp, from 1980 to 1988. 

Speaking to The Straits Times, his son, Mr Cheng Jin-Yu, remembers his father as a loving husband, doting father and grandfather as well as a trailblazer and pioneer of Singapore.

“Papa was a man of few words and even fewer emotions. But he always cared for us and made sure that everything would be fine for us,” he said.

Mr Cheng said that throughout his father’s illustrious career, Dr Cheng had the opportunity to work with many of Singapore’s founding leaders, including founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Lim Kim San, Mr Eddie Barker, and past presidents of Singapore.

“During his term with Ministry of National Development, he focused much effort to help implement Singapore’s greening efforts and develop our pig and fishery industries,” he said.

“I still remember the many weekend visits to the unique-smelling Punggol pig farms when I was a young boy.”

His father will always be remembered for his bold vision and contributions to the establishment of the Chinese drama division at SBC, he said.

“I still recall having the privilege of watching the weekly episodes of the popular dramas Army Series, The Awakening, The Samsui Women on VHS tapes prior to them being aired on TV,” he said. “I even had the opportunity to visit the studio sets when he made his surprise visits on Saturday nights after dinner.”

Dr Cheng was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Gold) in 1963 and the Meritorious Service Medal in 1970. 

“He touched the lives of many people and his memory and legacy will continue to live on through the fond memories of his love, achievements and lifelong friendships,” Mr Cheng said.

“We will always cherish his many accomplishments and what he has done in service to the nation.”