“PASSIONATE ABOUT EDUCATION”
Mr Wee served on the council of the National University of Singapore (NUS). In 2004, he was appointed the pro-chancellor of Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Both universities conferred honorary doctor of letters on Mr Wee for his contributions.
The Prime Minister said Mr Wee was “passionate about education”.
“As chairman of the Nanyang University Council, he oversaw the difficult process of merging Nanyang University with the University of Singapore to form NUS, thereafter serving on the NUS Council till 2000,” said Mr Lee.
When Mr Wee became pro-chancellor of NTU, he established a scholarship fund to support pursuing postgraduate finance degrees at Nanyang Business School.
The UOB Wee Cho Yaw Future Leaders Award, launched in 2015 to assist less privileged students studying at NTU and NUS, is a “fitting tribute” to Mr Wee’s service and leadership, added Mr Lee.
Mr Wee made “significant contributions” to the education sector, uplifting many students from all walks of life, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing.
“Mr Wee was known both for his business acumen and for giving back to society,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
“Over the years, he contributed to our schools and various education initiatives, including Hokkien Huay Kuan affiliated schools, the Nanyang Junior College Zhong Zheng Ren Scholarship, and the Wee Cho Yaw Future Leaders Award scholarship programme.
“UOB and the Wee family also made donations to the Lee Kuan Yew Centennial Fund, which aims to develop young leaders and support underprivileged students in Singapore.”
NTU president Ho Teck Hua described Mr Wee as a “great advocate of education, philanthropy and community service”.
He said the banker, together with Wee Foundation and UOB, have gifted S$16 million (US$11.9 million) to the university over the years. This was in support of education and research development, financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as grooming future leaders.
“Those who have had the opportunity to interact with him remember him as a generous man who was always willing to hear out young people and give them his advice,” said Professor Ho.
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