Remembering Fock Siew Wah – mentor, adviser and friend

SINGAPORE – Condolences have continued to flow in for former PSA International chairman Fock Siew Wah, who

died on Jan 6 at the age of 84.

Among these was one from PSA International’s group chief executive Ong Kim Pong, who said of Mr Fock: “During his tenure of over 13 years, he played an instrumental role in fostering a harmonious relationship between management, unions and staff, as well as forging strong ties with key senior-level stakeholders, such as partners, government agencies and shipping lines.”

He added: “The news of his passing has deeply affected all of us at PSA. He was a remarkable leader and wise mentor to many of us.

“His visionary leadership was pivotal in shaping the organisation’s transformation into the global port operator it is today.”

Mr Ong also said Mr Fock’s “contributions have set a high standard, and we will continue to honour his memory by upholding his beliefs in integrity and partnership as we strive for greater heights”.

Separately, Singapore’s investment company Temasek posted on its Facebook account that Mr Fock, who was a board director for 14 years (from 1991 to 2005), had not only contributed significantly to the growth and transformation of many of the group’s portfolio companies, but also left an indelible and profound impact on them.

“He had always served selflessly with full dedication,” the post said.

It added: “Beyond his tenure as board director, he continued to be a mentor and adviser to us over the years, as Temasek transformed from a Singapore holding company to a global investment company. We benefited tremendously from his wise counsel, guidance and insights.

“Mr Fock has been a great colleague, a mentor, an adviser, and a friend. His passing is a great loss to us.”

Fraser & Neave (F&N) board executive committee chairman Koh Poh Tiong said Mr Fock made invaluable contributions during his tenure on the board of directors.

Mr Fock was a director at the company in 1996, and was subsequently appointed as deputy chairman in 2000.

Mr Koh said: “He was instrumental in shaping F&N’s strategic direction during a period of significant transformation, as the group expanded its property business and grew its beverages portfolio, including the investment in Asia Pacific Breweries (now Heineken Asia Pacific).

“As chairman of the audit committee from 1997, his leadership and financial acumen strengthened the group’s governance and oversight frameworks, guiding F&N through these pivotal milestones.”

He added: “Although he retired from the board in 2005, Mr Fock’s contributions and commitment continue to be remembered and appreciated by the group.”

Providing a personal glimpse of Mr Fock was JTC Corporation’s chairman Tan Chong Meng.

He had been headhunted by Mr Fock, the then chairman, and brought in as PSA’s CEO in 2011.

They worked together for eight years until Mr Fock left the organisation.

Mr Tan described him as “approachable, very much a people person, very wise, full of charm and poise”.

“He had the unique ability to make people – regardless of station – feel comfortable,” he said.

“To the union folk, he was both understanding and empathetic, prioritising their welfare and well-being very highly.

“There was one party he wouldn’t miss every year, and that was the durian party with the union. Besides durian, we also had mee siam ordered from the cafeteria. This tradition went on for many, many years,” Mr Tan added.

“He called the tripartite relationship between the company’s management, the union and the Government the X-factor, because it was the key to PSA’s competitiveness.”

Recounting his working relationship with Mr Fock, Mr Tan said: “He was a supportive chairman with good strategic steer, providing vital guidance.”

“To me, he was truly a model chairman who worked alongside management,” he added.

“Not only did Mr Fock work with me on key issues that required board support, but he was also there to help in reshaping PSA as the group expanded globally and diversified its business scope.”

That period saw PSA’s portfolio grow dramatically – both in terms of volume and number of ports. The group also moved into the supply chain and logistics businesses.

“The thing I admire most about him – especially over the last few years when his health was challenged – is that he continued to stay engaged and kept his positive outlook on life,” said Mr Tan.

“He remained connected and a good confidant. He showed me how one can live a purposeful life, even when the situation was challenging.”