By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
Chet Singh Karam Singh, the pioneering administrator who helped transform Penang from an economically struggling state into a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse, died on Tuesday (Nov 10). He was 90.
The first general manager of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), Chet worked closely with then chief minister Dr Lim Chong Eu to spearhead the state’s industrialisation, earning recognition as one of the founding figures behind Penang’s emergence as the “Silicon Valley of the East”.
His death prompted tributes from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, former Penang chief ministers and business leaders. Anwar described him as a key figure in attracting international investments, creating employment opportunities and laying the foundations for Malaysia’s industrial growth.
Born in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, in 1936, Chet graduated in economics and history from the University of Malaya in Singapore. He joined the civil service in 1960 and became Penang’s state financial officer in 1967.
Appointed PDC general manager in 1971, he faced the formidable challenge of reviving Penang’s economy following the loss of its free port status. Unemployment had reached 16%, with some 50,000 young people seeking jobs.
Working alongside Lim, he helped attract multinational manufacturers including Intel, AMD, Hewlett-Packard and National Semiconductor, establishing Penang as a major electronics manufacturing centre.
During his 20-year tenure, PDC also developed industrial estates and new townships, including Bayan Baru. He was instrumental in establishing the Penang Skills Development Centre to equip workers with skills required by emerging industries.
Former chief minister Lim Guan Eng described him as one of Penang’s finest sons, while corporate figure Nazir Razak called him a legend to whom Penang owed an enormous debt of gratitude.
Despite his achievements, Chet remained modest about his role, often emphasising that the immediate priority had been finding employment for thousands of young people.
Following his retirement in 1991, he continued contributing to public service, including serving as a senator and adviser to the Penang government.
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