Obituary: Comrade Alvin Yeo – a big brother figure & giant in legal fraternity

30/07/2022

Comrade Alvin Yeo passed away on Jul 30 after fighting cancer for two years. He was 60.

Comrade Yeo entered politics in 2006 and helmed the Nanyang ward under Hong Kah GRC until 2011 and was MP of Chua Chu Kang GRC from 2011 to 2015.

A big brother

In her Facebook post, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling offered her condolences, calling Comrade Yeo “a big brother”.

“Alvin was like a big brother to me when I first joined Chua Chu Kang GRC in Year 2011. Alvin was always very kind and encouraging. I often looked forward to listening to his thoughtful and insightful speeches in Parliament. His example as a caring MP and colleague would always stay fresh in my heart and mind,” he said.

A leading figure in legal fraternity

MP Alex Yam described Comrade Yeo as “a giant in the legal fraternity”

Indeed. He was appointed Senior Counsel of the Supreme Court of Singapore in 2000 at 37, the youngest ever to be appointed in this role. He was Chairman & Senior Partner of WongPartnership LLP.

“While he towered over everyone with his height, he was gentle at heart, a big brother who guided and treated me with great kindness,” Mr Yam added.

Contributions to Singapore

Besides speaking up for his residents in Parliament, Comrade Yeo was also a champion of productivity, education and our economy. He was Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Home Affairs & Law and made impactful contributions to our policies.

On the local level, he contributed to the launch of the refreshed Nanyang CC in 2015. He helped raise funds, gather feedback and eventually saw it to fruition. Nanyang CC – a bigger, more accessible, and vibrant community space – is a testament to his contributions to Singapore and commitment to improving the lives of Singaporeans.

He is survived by his wife and their two children.

Thank you for your contributions to Singapore. Farewell, Comrade Yeo.

Cover photo credit: Low Yen Ling Facebook page and WongPartnership