Yeoh Ghim Seng facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yeoh Ghim Seng
BBM JP
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| 杨锦成 | |
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| 3rd Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore | |
| In office 27 January 1970 – 17 August 1988 |
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| Deputy | Tang See Chim Hwang Soo Jin Tan Soo Khoon |
| Preceded by | Punch Coomaraswamy |
| Succeeded by | Tan Soo Khoon |
| Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore | |
| In office 11 July 1968 – 26 January 1970 |
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| Preceded by | Punch Coomaraswamy |
| Succeeded by | Tang See Chim |
| President of Singapore | |
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Acting
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| In office 31 March 1985 – 2 September 1985 |
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| In office 12 May 1981 – 23 October 1981 |
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| In office 23 November 1970 – 2 January 1971 |
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| Member of Parliament for Joo Chiat SMC |
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| In office 2 November 1966 – 17 August 1988 |
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| Preceded by | Fong Kim Heng |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 June 1918 Ipoh, Perak, British Malaya |
| Died | 3 June 1993 (aged 74) Singapore |
| Cause of death | Lung cancer |
| Resting place | Mount Vernon Crematorium |
| Nationality | Singaporean |
| Political party | People's Action Party |
| Education | University of Cambridge |
| Profession | Surgeon |
Yeoh Ghim Seng was an important politician in Singapore. He was the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore for many years, from 1970 to 1988. He was one of the longest-serving Speakers in the world!
He also briefly served as the acting President of Singapore. This happened after President Yusof Ishak passed away in 1970. He acted as President until the new President, Benjamin Sheares, took office in 1971.
Early Life and Education
Yeoh Ghim Seng was born on 22 June 1918 in Ipoh. He went to school at St. Michael's Institution and Penang Free School. Yeoh studied medicine at Cambridge University in England during the 1940s. He also worked in hospitals there. In 1950, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. This means he was recognized as a highly skilled surgeon.
Medical Career
In 1951, Yeoh left England and moved to Singapore. He became a consultant surgeon at the Singapore General Hospital. In 1955, he was made a professor of surgery at the University of Malaya. He left this job in 1962 to start his own private medical practice. However, he continued to train new medical graduates from the university. People described Yeoh as a very tall and fast surgeon.
Political Career
In 1966, the People's Action Party asked Yeoh to join politics. He stood for election in the Joo Chiat area. He was elected as a Member of Parliament without anyone running against him. This is called a walkover. He served as the Member of Parliament for Joo Chiat for 22 years.
In 1968, Yeoh became the Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Two years later, in 1970, he was elected as the Speaker.
When President Yusof Ishak passed away in 1970, Yeoh became the acting President. This was part of the Speaker's duties.
In 1977, a Minister named E. W. Barker praised Yeoh. He said that if Yeoh had not been so dedicated to surgery, he could have been a top minister. As Speaker, Yeoh lived in the Command House. Also in 1977, he became the first president of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO).
Yeoh retired from politics in 1988.
Awards and Personal Life
Yeoh received the Public Service Star (B.B.M.) award. He was also an active member of Rotary International. He served as a justice of the peace and chaired several important boards.
Yeoh's wife was Winnie Khong. They were both from Ipoh and got married in England in 1941.
Yeoh Ghim Seng passed away on 3 June 1993 in Singapore. He died from lung cancer. He had five daughters and 15 grandchildren.
Legacy
In 1993, the National University of Singapore honored Yeoh Ghim Seng. They created the Yeoh Ghim Seng Professorship in Surgery in his name.
