Mr Tang passed away peacefully in the presence of his immediate family when he was holidaying in Osaka, Japan. His body was flown back on Friday.

He leaves behind his wife, two sons, three daughters and 10 grandchildren.

Mr Tang, who joined the family business after school, was best known as the one who built the former Dynasty Hotel and Tangs Plaza.

He ran the Tangs department store, which used to close on Sundays, but later sold his share of the family business to his younger brothers Wee Sung and Wee Kit after a dispute.

Mr Tang then went on to start a hotel business in New Zealand under the Heritage brand with his two sons.

The Tang family spokesperson Ong Wei Ping said Mr Tang was a very humble and very religious man. 'He devoted himself to Christian causes.'

Mr Tang's obituary, titled a celebration of life, said he was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and an exemplary role model who loved the church like his own family.

He was also a devoted family man and a compassionate boss at work. where he knew his staff by name and face.