Mr Nathan had an outstanding career in public service. He rose from humble beginnings to become the sixth and longest-serving president of Singapore. Mr Nathan began his career in the civil service as a medical social worker in 1955. In his long public service, Mr Nathan served with dedication and distinction, including years in leadership positions in the Labour movement, ministries of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and Defence...

As President of Singapore, Mr Nathan championed social causes by initiating the President's Challenge in 2000. The President's Challenge gained much support from the community and raised over $100 million for more than 500 beneficiaries during Mr Nathan's two terms of office. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Nathan and Mr Nathan's family during this time of mourning.

PRESIDENT TONY TAN KENG YAM

ACTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY

Service to man is service to God. It was based on this overriding motto and fervent belief that Mr Nathan fulfilled his social and community roles through the Hindu Endowments Board and other Indian organisations, to which he had lent his extensive expertise and time. Mr Nathan took a particularly keen interest in the functions of the Hindu Endowments Board, its temples, and its social and community objectives. He felt it was important for the board, as a religious body, to play an active role in the promotion of interreligious and interracial harmony...

As President, and even after he stepped down, he never failed to attend key religious events... As a result of his interactions and observations, Mr Nathan was able to provide continuous,insightful feedback and observations to the board.

TRIBUTE FROM THE HINDU ENDOWMENTS BOARD AND HINDU ADVISORY BOARD