SIA founder Lim Chinbeng dies at 90

SINGAPORE – Singapore Airlines’ founding managing director Lim Chin Ben, whose calm demeanor and steady demeanor weathered the airline’s early turbulent times, died Friday at the age of 90.

In a statement Friday, SIA said it was saddened by his death and paid tribute to his immeasurable contribution and guidance.

Mr. Lim served as the company’s first managing director from 1972 to 1982 and later served as vice chairman from 1982 to 1996.

The airline said: Lim’s visionary leadership and eye for detail helped shape much of what has become synonymous with his SIA brand today. ”

Furthermore, “Mr Lim will also be remembered as a mentor to generations of SIA employees, many of whom have held senior management positions within the company. Thank you for your immeasurable contribution.”

Lim’s family said in a statement on Friday: It is an uncompromising disease.

“I’m glad he’s had a fulfilling life, and I’m truly grateful for the support he’s been given by everyone he’s had the honor of working with.”

Born in 1932, Lim studied at the Raffles Institute and then the University of Singapore. He has had his 30-year career at his SIA, where he started as a management trainee and worked his way to the top of the hierarchy.

Over the years, he has taken on many more responsibilities including serving on the boards of a number of companies including Singapore Tourism Board, CapitaLand and ST Engineering.

From 2002 to 2005, he was Chairman of Singapore Press Holdings. He also served on the Public Service Commission.

In 1986, he was named Businessman of the Year by The Business Times. In 2007 he was awarded a Public Service Star.

SIA employees attributed his quiet, non-confrontational, approachable style to helping the airline achieve its goals, including negotiating flight rights, dealing with unhappy pilots, and dealing with aircraft suppliers. Told.

Karmjit Singh, now retired and former assistant director of corporate affairs at SIA and later CEO of Sats, said:

“He provided outstanding leadership during a period of rapid growth for SIA, both regionally and internationally. He had a very strong understanding of the complex commercial complexities involved in negotiating traffic rights.Many pioneering generations of staff who worked with the SIA family until his retirement will miss him. .”