Suppiah Dhanabalan (born 8 August 1937) is a Singaporean former politician who served as Minister for Foreign Affairs between 1980 and 1988. A member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP), he was the Member of Parliament (MP) representing Kallang SMC between 1976 and 1991, and the Kuo Chuan ward of Toa Payoh GRC between 1991 and 1996.

Dhanabalan was a prominent political leader in Singapore during the 1980s, where he served as Minister for Foreign Affairs between 1980 and 1988, Minister for National Development between 1987 and 1992, and Minister for Trade and Industry between 1992 and 1993 under Prime Ministers Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong.

He had also served as Leader of the House between 1985 and 1987.

Early life and education

Dhanabalan was born in 1937 to Suppiah Arumugam, a clerk at a naval base and Gunaretnam Suppiah. He was the third child and the eldest son in a family of three girls and three boys.

Born in a Singaporean Indian family of Tamil descent, he was raised as a Hindu. Later in his life, he became a devout Christian (Brethren).

He attended Victoria School before graduating from the University of Malaya with a Bachelor of Arts with second class honours degree in economics.

Early career

Dhanabalan joined the Ministry of Finance as an administrative officer between 1960 and 1968. During his tenure, he helped to established the Economic Development Board and DBS Bank.

He subsequently left the Civil Service and joined DBS as a vice-president between 1968 and 1970. He was later promoted to the position executive vice-president and continue to serve between 1970 and 1978.

Political career

In the 1976 Singapore general election, Dhanabalan was elected as Member of Parliament for Kallang SMC, as a People's Action Party (PAP) candidate.

During the 1980 Singaporean general election's rallies, Dhanabalan disparaged opposition politician Chiam See Tong on his professional competence. He was subsequently sued by Chiam for defamation and he issued a public apology over it.

Timeline

  • 1960 : Graduated from university and joined the civil service.
  • 1961–1968 : Economist with Economic Development Board.
  • 1968–1978 : Helped to establish the Development Bank of Singapore.
  • 1976–1991 : Member of Parliament for Kallang.
  • 1980–1988 : Minister for Foreign Affairs.
  • 1981–1984 : Minister for Culture.
  • 1981–2005 : Director of Government Investment Corporation.
  • 1984–1986 : Minister for Community Development.
  • 1986–1991 : Minister for National Development.
  • 1991 : Retired from politics.
  • 1991–1993 : Returned to government as Minister for Trade and Industry.
  • 1993–1996 : Chairman of Singapore Labour Foundation.
  • 1996–1998 : Chairman of Singapore Airlines.
  • 1996–2013 : Chairman of Temasek Holdings.
  • 1998 : Appointed a permanent member of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights.
  • 1999–2005 : Chairman of DBS Group Holdings.
  • 2004–present : Member of the Council of Presidential Advisors.
  • 2007 : Received the Order of Temasek (Second Class).
  • 2015 : Received the Order of Temasek (First Class)

Career after politics

  • Senior Advisor, Nuri Holdings – 1994–1999
  • Chairman, Singapore Airlines – 1996–1998
  • Chairman, Temasek Holdings – 1996–2013
  • Emeritus Chairperson, Temasek Trust - Current
  • Director, Temasek Trust, 2015 - 2022
  • Chairman, DBS Bank – 1999–2005
  • Chairman, Parameswara Holdings Ltd – Current
  • Director, Government of Singapore Investment Corporation – Current

Other contributions

  • Member, Presidential Council for Minority Rights – Current
  • Member, Council of Presidential Advisers – 2004–Current
  • Member and Council chairman Emeritus, Asia Business Council – Current
  • Founder Member, Singapore International Foundation
  • President, Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) – 1996–2002
  • Chairman, YMCA Advisory Council, YMCA of Singapore - 2010-2018

Personal life

Dhanabalan is a devout Christian (Brethren) and attends a small church in Bukit Panjang – Bukit Panjang Gospel Chapel. He is married to Christine Tan Khoon Hiap and they have one son and one daughter.

Notes

References

  • Australian Financial Review article