Teh Cheang Wan

Teh Cheang Wan (b. 3 March 1928, China - d. 14 December 1986, Singapore) was a trained architect widely known for his contributions toward Singapore's early public housing plans, particularly whilst he headed the Housing Development Board in its early stage and whilst serving as the Minister for National Development between 1979 to 1986.

Education
Teh's early education began at Lai Teck School and later at Chung Ling High School, Penang. He studied architecture at the University of Sydney in Australia, graduating in 1956.

Career
Teh's early career was as an architect at PWD, New South Wales. He then moved to the Housing Commission, New South Wales, Australia before expanding his expertise with the Housing Trust in Kuala Lumpur and serving in the Penang City Council. In August 1959, he joined the Singapore Improvement Trust as an architect. He was promoted to Chief Architect, Building Department of the newly formed Housing and Development Board (HDB) in October 1959. Later he became the Chief Executive Officer of HDB from 1970 to January 1979. He was also the Chairman of Jurong Town Corporation between September 1976 to March 1979. He resigned from his posts to go into politics where he would further contribute to a different aspect of the landscape of Singapore.

Politics
Teh was elected as Member of Parliament for Geylang West constituency on January 1979 and continued to head this constituency until December 1984. He was the Minister for National Development. from 1 February 1979 to 14 December 1986.

Teh was found dead at his home on 14 December 1986. A Commission of Inquiry into his death was conducted. On 20 January 1987, the State Coroner returned a verdict of suicide due to an overdose of amytal barbiturate, compelled probably by investigations for corruption prior to his death .

Award
1976 : Meritorious Service Medal

Family
Wife: Luna Teh
Son: Teh Kwan Sek
Daughter: Teh Kwan Geok



Author
Jenny Tien



References 
Commission of inquiry on investigations concerning the late Mr. Teh Cheang Wan. (1987). Report of the commission of inquiry on investions concerning the late Mr Teh Cheang Wan. [Singapore: Singapore National Printers].
(Call no.: RCLOS 364.132095957 SIN)

Ministry of Culture. (1977). Biographical notes of the President, Prime Minister and ministers. Singapore: Publicity Division, Ministry of Culture.
(Call no.: RSING 328.59570922 BIO)

Ahmad Osman, Leong, W. K., & Chua, C. C. (1986, December 15). Teh dies. The Straits Times, Singapore, pp. 1, 17.

Teh's services went beyong public housing. (1986, December 17). The Straits Times, Singapore, p. 1. 



The information in this article is valid as at 2002 and correct as far as we can ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

Subject
Personalities>>Biographies>>Political Leaders
Cabinet officers--Singapore
Politicians--Singapore
Law and government>>National development>>Housing development
Law and government>>Public administration>>Parliament



All Rights Reserved. National Library Board Singapore 2004.