Alvin Yeo: From Courtroom to Parliament, a Tale of a Gentle Giant
On a quiet Saturday morning (July 30), the warm glow of the Singapore sun bids farewell to a remarkable man. Alvin Yeo, a seasoned lawyer and former Member of Parliament, passed away at home after a courageous two‑year fight with cancer. At 60, he left behind a legacy that touched law, politics, and hearts across the island.
His Parliament Years: A Brief Chronology
- 2006‑2011: Represented Hong Kah GRC as an MP.
- 2011‑2015: Served Hong Kong‑Chua Chu Kang GRC.
- 2015: Succeeded by Yee Chia Hsing in Chua Chu Kang GRC.
Professional Milestones
Called to the bar in 1988, Yeo carved a niche in corporate disputes, banking, and construction law. A few highlights highlight his legal acumen:
- In 2000, at just 37, he became the youngest Senior Counsel in the Supreme Court of Singapore.
- Defended a US$282 million claim in Singapore’s largest private banking case.
- Handled a US$1.5 billion mining dispute on behalf of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
- Inducted into the Legal 500 Hall of Fame in 2021.
WongPartnership: The Firm He Raised
Yeo co‑founded WongPartnership with Wong Meng Meng in 1992. By the time Yeo stepped up to lead, the firm grew from a modest 100 attorneys to a vibrant 300‑strong community. Wong Meng Meng recalls Yeo’s steadiness: “He stayed calm under pressure, always looking after those around him.”
Tributes: Friends, Colleagues, and Constituents Remember a Legend
Insidiously gentle, yet towering in both stature and influence, Yeo was described by former MP Low Yen Ling as a “big brother” who kept regular lunches before the pandemic— a tradition she cherished despite health fears.
MP Alex Yam highlighted Yeo’s legal prowess and gentle heart: “He was our towering figure, yet soft inside. He guided us all with kindness.” They also noted his unwavering optimism during his cancer battle, always looking forward to meeting friends when recovery dawned.
Sir Chou Sean Yu fondly recalled Yeo as a sociable friend who could chat about anything—from law to the newest Arsenal match. “He kept his doors open and was approachable, making everyone feel welcome,” he said.
Even the younger MPs, like Yee Chia Hsing, noted how the former MP left a lasting imprint on constituents, who remembered him as a “perfect gentleman.”
The Human Side of a Legal Titan
Beyond the courtroom, Yeo was an Arsenal devotee, devoting weekends to watch live matches in England. His colleagues often affectionately called him “Alvin”— a testament to his informal, approachable personality that broke the formal veneer of law offices.
When asked about Yeo’s legacy, many are reminded that his greatest achievements weren’t just landmark cases or parliamentary motions, but the genuine care he offered to peers and the community. He taught everyone that professionalism and warmth can coexist, shaping both law and life.
In Memory
As the nation mourns, the stories of Alvin Yeo’s kindness, intellect, and resilience weave a portrait of a man who lived fully, served the people, and made law a little more human. In his own words, he would have said, “Treat people like the people you’re chasing.” We’ll miss the gentle giant, but his legacy lingers in every courtroom and every citizen’s heart.
