Mr Hwang Peng Yuan, vice chairman of the Community Chest, died on Friday at age 77. He was with the Community Chest, the fundraising arm of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), for 26 years.

NCSS vice president Phillip Tan said in a statement that the social service sector has lost "a stalwart and champion of the needy and less fortunate." In particular, Mr Hwang "fuelled the spirit of giving" when he promoted a programme where employees donated money through their companies, said Mr Tan.

Mr Hwang has won several awards for his service. He received the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 1973, the Public Service Medal in 1994 and the Public Service Star in 2008. Last year, he was also awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Award by the then-Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Services.

Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said: "Mr Hwang's passion, dedication and selfless efforts have touched the lives of many Singaporeans...He will be greatly missed."