Remembering Phua Bah Lee: Singapore’s “River Man” Who Built More Than Just a Club
Phua Bah Lee (1932‑2021) was a jack‑of‑all‑trades who helped shape the nation after independence. When he passed away on Sunday, December 26th at age 89, the nation paused to honour a man who could juggle politics, sports, culture and a keen sense of community.
Early Life & Education
- Born in 1932 in Singapore.
- Graduated from Nanyang University (Nantah) in 1959.
- Joined the civil service in 1960 before stepping into politics eight years later.
Political Career Highlights
Phua’s entry into politics came in 1968 when he won the Tampines seat. He was immediately appointed parliamentary secretary for communications, proving that youth and vision go hand‑in‑hand.
Three years later, he moved on to the Defence Ministry as a senior parliamentary secretary, a role he held until 1988. Throughout, he worked shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the likes of former deputy prime minister Goh Keng Swee, laying the groundwork for many of Singapore’s early institutions.
Building Blocks: The Institutionalist
- Founding president of SAFRA (1972‑1989), creating the iconic clubhouses in Toa Payoh, Bukit Merah and Tampines.
- Guided SAFRA’s new appreciation schemes for National Service men and their families, keeping the spirit of service alive.
- After retiring, he never let the SAFRA flame die—always attending and supporting events.
Sporting Spirit and Cultural Champion
- Led the Basketball Association of Singapore from 1973 to 1991, turning the sport into a national pastime.
- Chaired the Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre Management Committee in 1977; dedicated to Vaudeville and the performing arts.
- As an opera aficionado, brought world‑class talents from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China to Singapore—making opera a local delight.
Community Touchstone
Outside the limelight, Phua was a man of the people:
- Helped resettle villagers displaced by the Paya Lebar Airport construction.
- Faced housing and livelihood challenges head‑on, guiding residents through the shift to Housing Board flats.
- Played a pivotal role in establishing the Tampines Chinese Temple, uniting 13 village temples into one community hub.
- Was a stalwart of the Ngee Ann Kongsi, serving on the management committee from 1973 until his passing, and instrumental in the early development of Ngee Ann City.
- Progressed the Ngee Ann Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre by inviting top Chinese physicians to the nascent institution.
Tributes from the Nation
Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad posted, “Phua’s fingerprints are on the SAFRA clubhouses that thrive today. He was a fierce advocate for our servicemen.”
Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli remembered how Phua helped simply “fix the holes” in community life, easing the transition for residents of Tampines.
AMAN Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng praised his work in creating a harmonious Chinese temple that unearthed unity where there had been disruption.
James Teo, President of Ngee Ann Kongsi declared Phua as a pioneer who brought global medical expertise to a local health centre.
Legacy & Family
Phua leaves behind his wife, Tan Cheok Tin—now 85—and their three children. The nation, while mourning his loss, thanks him for building more than just clubs: he built a legacy of service, community, and cultural enrichment that will echo for generations.
This story first ran in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.