Wee Chong Jin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri
Wee Chong Jin
DUBC PMN
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| 黃宗仁 | |
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| 1st Chief Justice of Singapore | |
| In office 5 January 1963 – 27 September 1990 |
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| President | Yusof Ishak Benjamin Sheares Devan Nair Wee Kim Wee |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Yong Pung How |
| Head, Presidential Council for Religious Harmony | |
| In office 1992–2005 |
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| President of Singapore | |
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Acting
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| In office 28 March 1985 – 31 March 1985 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 September 1915 Penang, British Malaya |
| Died | 5 June 2005 (aged 89) Singapore |
| Cause of death | Lung and brain cancer |
| Resting place | Mandai Crematorium |
| Spouse | Cecilia Mary Henderson |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | St John's College, Cambridge |
| Chinese name | |
| Traditional Chinese | 黃宗仁 |
| Simplified Chinese | 黄宗仁 |
| Jyutping | Wong4 Zung1 Jan4 |
Wee Chong Jin (Chinese: 黄宗仁; Mandarin Pinyin: Huáng Zōngrén; Jyutping: Wong4 Zung1 Jan4; born September 28, 1915 – died June 5, 2005) was an important judge in Singapore. He was born in Penang, which is now part of Malaysia. He served as the Chief Justice of Singapore from 1963 to 1990.
Mr. Wee was the very first Asian lawyer to become a judge in Singapore's highest court, the Supreme Court of Singapore. He held the position of Chief Justice for 27 years. This made him the longest-serving Chief Justice in the entire Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is a group of countries that used to be part of the British Empire.
He was chosen to be the Chief Justice by Singapore's first president, Yusof Ishak.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Wee Chong Jin was born in Penang to his parents, Wee Gim Puay and Lim Paik Yew. He went to school at the Penang Free School when he was young. Later, he studied law at St John's College, Cambridge in England.
In November 1938, he officially became a lawyer at the Middle Temple in London. He returned to Penang in 1940 and was allowed to practice law there.
A Career in Law
Wee Chong Jin worked as a lawyer in both Malaysia and Singapore from 1940 to 1957. He was part of a law firm called Wee Swee Teow and Co.
Becoming a Judge
On August 15, 1957, Mr. Wee made history. He became the first Asian lawyer to be appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court of Singapore. This was a big step for the country.
Then, on January 5, 1963, he was chosen to be the Chief Justice of Singapore. This appointment ended a long tradition of British judges holding this top position. The last British Chief Justice was Sir Alan Rose. Mr. Wee stayed in this important role for 27 years. This long service made him the longest-serving Chief Justice not just in Singapore, but also in all the Commonwealth countries.
Other Important Roles
Wee Chong Jin also took on many other significant roles. From 1973, he was the first chairman of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights. He led this council for 18 years. This council helps protect the rights of different groups of people in Singapore.
He even served as the acting President of Singapore for a short time. This happened when President Devan Nair stepped down. Mr. Wee also filled in as acting president when other heads of state, like Yusof Ishak and Benjamin Sheares, were away or unable to perform their duties.
In 1988, he became the first president of the Singapore Academy of Law. This is a special group for legal professionals in Singapore. In August 1991, he received a high award called the Distinguished Service Order. The Singapore Academy of Law also honored him in April 1992. They made him an Honorary Member and Fellow for life, which is the highest honor they can give.
After he retired on September 27, 1990, he continued to work as a legal consultant for the Supreme Court of Singapore.
Personal Interests and Family Life
Wee Chong Jin was also known for his love of sports. He was a very good cricketer for Cambridge University in 1937. He also enjoyed golf and was the President of the Singapore Golf Association from 1962 to 2002.
Mr. Wee passed away on June 5, 2005. He died from complications related to lung and brain cancer. A funeral was held at the Catholic Church of St. Ignatius in Bukit Timah. His body was later cremated at the Mandai Crematorium. He is remembered by his wife, Cecilia Henderson, his three sons, Laurence, John, and Patrick, his daughter, Veronica, and his grandchildren.
Honours and Awards
Honour of Malaysia
Malaysia : Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (P.M.N.) – Tan Sri (1965)
See also
- Chief Justice of Singapore
- Judicial officers of the Republic of Singapore
- Judicial system of Singapore
