Two illustrious ACSians who played important roles in the governance of the ACS family of schools as former President of the ACS OBA, passed away recently, leaving behind legacies of immense value to the ACS family and the nation.

Mr. Noris Ong, former President of the ACS OBA (1992-96) and Nominated Member of Parliament (1991 – 2001), passed away on 27 August 2009 at the age of 60 after a year-long battle with colon cancer. He left behind his wife, Betty, and two sons Derek and Daryl.

Described as affable and selfless, Noris is well remembered by his schoolmates as one who would take the lead in organising class events and reunions.

According to his classmate and close friend, David Wong, “Noris was multi-talented and a born leader. In school, he led a band and provided many happy hours of entertainment for his classmates and friends. Noris would have been equally successful as a singer and entertainer as he was as a Chartered Accountant. To me, he is primus inter pares - truly a first amongst equals”.

Well-known for his passion and commitment to community service, Noris was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. For his dedication and leadership in Community Service, Noris was awarded the Public Service Medal (PBM) as well as the Public Service Star (BBM) by the State. 

He was indeed a champion for underdogs and the less fortunate, and will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives he had touched in one way or other.

Mr. Alan Yeo, former Chairman of Yeo Hiap Seng and President of the ACS OBA (1970-1972), also succumbed to cancer in July last year at the age of 78.

A British-trained food chemist, Mr. Yeo was the driving force behind the transformation of a family soya sauce factory into a multinational corporation whose drink and canned food products are today household names.

Described as ‘a modest and soft-spoken man’, Mr. Yeo had served as chairman of the Singapore Manufacturers’ Association (1965), member of the Economic Development Board (1964-65) and the then Singapore Telephone Board (1966).

In 1986, he was appointed chairman of the Trade Development Board and was named Businessman of the Year in 1987.