SINGAPORE - A memorial bench in Tampines Tree Park has been dedicated to the memory of Mr Heng Yeow Pheow, a foreman who lost his life shepherding his workers to safety in the Nicoll Highway collapse 10 years ago.

Tampines residents and Mr Heng's former colleagues from Kori Holdings gathered at the park near Block 323 Tampines Street 32 on Sunday morning, to pay tribute to the man affectionately known as Hero Heng.

His widow, Sally Heng, 45, and two children, Daniel, 20, and Joann, 18, attended the ceremony, where a new metal bench along a path was unveiled. The family chose the park because they used to frequent it with the late Mr Heng.

"I'm proud that my father stood firm to his values and beliefs," said Daniel at the dedication ceremony, adding that he wanted to thank their neighbours for the assistance and concern they provided the family.

Ms Irene Ng, MP for Tampines GRC and grassroots adviser for Tampines Changkat initiated the event, and the memorial bench is funded by the Tampines Changkat Citizens' Consultative Committee.

"(Mr Heng) left us a legacy of honour and courage," said Ms Ng in her speech. "I hope the memorial bench will provide a meaningful opportunity for all of us to reflect on the values that (he) stood for, and serve as a lasting reminder to future generations that we had a hero among us."

Mr Heng was one of four people killed on April 20, 2004, when MRT tunnelling works for the Circle Line led to a massive cave-in and the collapse of Nicoll Highway.