GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s emergence as a world-class electrical and electronics hub was shaped in large part by former Penang Development Corporation (PDC) general manager Datuk Seri Chet Singh Karam Singh, who died yesterday aged 90.
In a condolence message on Facebook, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim paid tribute to Chet Singh, describing him as a key figure in the state’s industrial development.
“As the first general manager of PDC, the late Chet Singh played an important role in spearheading the development of industrial areas, attracting international investments and transforming Penang into a world-class electrical and electronics hub,” he said.
Anwar said Chet Singh’s contributions had also created employment opportunities, stimulated economic growth and laid important foundations for the country’s industrial development.
“The late Chet Singh’s contributions and legacy in advancing Malaysia’s industrial and economic development will continue to be remembered,” he added.
Former Penang chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon described Chet Singh as the engineer of Penang’s industrialisation.
In extending his condolences to Chet Singh’s widow, Datin Seri Bharjan Kaur, and the family, Koh said Penang had lost a great man.
“As Penang’s second chief minister, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, has rightly been known as the architect of Penang’s industrialisation, Chet was undoubtedly the engineer who put the stones and mortar in place for its realisation,” he said.
Koh first met Chet Singh after being elected Tanjung member of Parliament in the 1982 general election, when he sought his assistance for residents and social and religious organisations affected by the Komtar development project.
“Despite his rather stern look, he actually had a heart of gold and was very sympathetic and helpful, especially to the poor and disadvantaged,” Koh recalled.
He said their working relationship deepened after he was appointed political secretary to Lim following the 1986 general election.
When Koh became chief minister following the 1990 general election, Chet Singh provided crucial guidance.
“He accompanied me on my first investment mission to Silicon Valley in California, introducing me to our key investors and guiding me on how to impress them to invest or expand,” Koh said.
After stepping down from PDC in 1992, Chet Singh was succeeded by his deputy, Datuk Mokhtar Haniff, but remained active as an industrial development consultant to less-developed countries.
On Koh’s recommendation, Gerakan nominated Chet Singh as a senator in 1995. He served two terms and contributed to parliamentary debates based on his extensive administrative experience.
Chet Singh was also a founding member of the Wawasan Education Foundation, which established Wawasan Open University. He served on its board until stepping down due to illness in 2024.