Celebrating Mr Yong Pung How's many achievements

Mr Yong Pung How, SMU Chancellor 2010–15, was fêted with a celebratory dinner at SMU in appreciation of his unwavering service to the University and Singapore. His wife Mrs Yong Wei Woo and daughter Ms Yong Ying-I accompanied him for the evening of sharing fond memories and convivial conversation.

Over 30 people attended, including Mr Yong’s successor as SMU Chancellor, Mr J Y Pillay and his wife Mrs Beatrice Pillay; SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping and his wife Ms Claire Chiang; SMU Trustees Ms Saw Phaik Hwa, Mr Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara and his wife Ms Chan Su Chan, Mr Robert Tomlin and his wife Mrs Monica Tomlin; SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer; and SMU Provost Professor Lily Kong. Guests also included Vice Provosts and Deans from across the University, and SMU School of Law’s most senior faculty members.

In his welcome remarks, Mr Ho described former Chief Justice Mr Yong as “truly Mr Been-there, Done-that”, before sketching out his illustrious legal and civic career. He also reflected, “We could not have had a better SMU Chancellor, in terms of the way he interacted with young people, with the Trustees and all members of the Singapore and SMU communities.” Mr Ho highlighted how instrumental Mr Yong had been in making it possible for SMU to construct the School of Law building, which will open in 2017. “I look forward to welcoming you back as a very special guest at the opening,” he said.

As a memento of the occasion a book had been prepared collating selected photographs taken during Mr Yong’s long and varied career and during his time as SMU Chancellor. Four chapters covered “From Chief Justice to Chancellor”, “School of Law Milestones”, “Patron’s Day Celebrations”, “Honorary Degree Conferment and Commencement”. Photos from the book were shared with the dinner guests in a video tribute and a copy of the book presented to Mr Yong before dinner was served.

Mr Yong, a former Director of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra clearly appreciated the charming musical performance that had been specially rehearsed for the occasion. The SMU Chamber Choir sang four songs during the evening, including “Odi Odi” sung in Tamil and “Singapura” sung in Malay. The choir dedicated the final song, “Irish Blessing”, to Mr Yong explaining that the song “offers words of support, encouragement, and blessings for a dear friend”.

In a joint toast by Mr Ho and Prof De Meyer, Prof De Meyer said, “I want to thank you for the willingness to be there, the support and help you provided to me as President, whenever I needed it.” Mr Ho concluded, “We are deeply thankful to you for everything you have done for us, Sir.”

Mr Yong Pung How was Singapore's Chief Justice from 1990 to 2006, during which time he was also the President of the Legal Service Commission, the Chairman of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights, and President of the Singapore Academy of Law. On three occasions, Mr Yong was appointed by the Cabinet as acting President of the Republic of Singapore. Mr Yong was conferred the Distinguished Service Order in 1989 and Singapore's highest Award the Order of Temasek (First Class) in 1999. The citation on the Order of Temasek in 1999 stated that “as Chief Justice since 28 September 1990, Justice Yong Pung How has made the Singapore Judiciary world class”.

The former Chairman of the SMU School of Law Advisory Board, Mr Yong has made significant contributions to the School of Law and to SMU. In 2007, Mr Yong was conferred the Doctor of Laws honoris causa – SMU’s honorary degree for special individuals whose insight and achievements contribute significantly to the study and practice of law. That same year, the Yong Pung How Professorship of Law was established and was made possible by a generous S$3 million endowed contribution by the Yong Shook Lin Trust. The late Mr Yong Shook Lin, a prominent lawyer, was the father of Mr Yong Pung How. This is the largest donation to the SMU School of Law to date.

Main photo: Former SMU Chancellor Mr Yong Pung (2nd from left) standing next to his official portrait which will be hung in the SMU Boardroom, together with (left to right) SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping, SMU Chancellor Mr J Y Pillay and SMU President Prof Arnoud De Meyer.