Date of Birth: February 7, 1940
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Biography
Tony Tan Keng Yam is a prominent Singaporean statesman who served as the 7th President of Singapore from 2011 to 2017. Born into a family with a strong educational background, Tony Tan excelled academically and pursued higher education in physics, mathematics, and operations research. Before his presidency, he had an extensive career in public service, including significant roles in the government as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Education, Minister for Trade and Industry, and Minister for Defense. His pragmatic approach and dedication to Singapore’s growth have earned him widespread respect both domestically and internationally. Tan’s presidency was marked by efforts to strengthen social cohesion and enhance the country’s economic resilience. He was known for his advocacy in education and his role in overseeing the development of Singapore’s biomedical sciences sector.
5 Interesting Facts about Tony Tan
1. Tony Tan was awarded the Order of Temasek (First Class), Singapore’s highest civilian honor, in 2018.
2. He played a key role in the establishment of Singapore’s National Research Foundation in 2006.
3. Tony Tan was a graduate from the University of Singapore, MIT, and the University of Adelaide.
4. He was instrumental in the development of Singapore’s defense policy during his tenure as Minister for Defense.
5. Tony Tan was the first Singaporean president to serve a single term voluntarily, stepping down after his term ended in 2017.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Tony Tan
1. “Education is the best investment that a nation can make in its future.”
2. “Our strength lies in our unity and our ability to turn diversity into a source of strength.”
3. “Innovation and resilience are the cornerstones of our economic strategy.”
4. “A nation’s progress is measured not just by its economic achievements, but by the well-being and happiness of its people.”
5. “Leadership is about serving the people, not being served by them.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Tony Tan’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $12 million during his tenure as President of Singapore.
Children
Tony Tan and his wife, Mary Chee Bee Kiang, have four children: three sons and one daughter. Their names are Patrick Tan, John Tan, Peter Tan, and Jane Tan. All of his children have pursued successful careers in various fields, reflecting the family’s strong emphasis on education and professional excellence.
Relevant Links
1. [Tony Tan – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Tan
2. [BBC News Profile on Tony Tan](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-14690743