Kwek Leng Joo, deputy chairman and executive director of City Developments Limited (CDL) passed away in his sleep yesterday as a result of a heart attack, aged 62.

Appointed as a director of CDL since 1980, Kwek Leng Joo assumed the position of deputy MD in 1987 and held the role of MD from 1995 until his appointment as deputy chairman in 2014.

He was a dedicated advocate of CSR for over two decades, credited with establishing CDL’s reputation as a “leading green building champion and a forerunner in CSR, raising the bar for Singapore’s real estate industry estate industry and driving change for the building sector.”

Kwek was also an executive director of City e-Solutions, a subsidiary of CDL listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong; a non-executive director of Hong Leong Finance listed on the Singapore Exchange; and a director of Hong Leong Investment Holdings, CDL’s holding company.

In a statement, CDL said: “Mr Kwek’s leadership, invaluable contribution and presence will be greatly missed by the Board, management and employees of the CDL Group.

“The Board sincerely appreciates Mr Kwek’s dedicated service over the years, and together with CDL’s management and employees, extend their deepest sympathies to his family.”

Various other members of the business and political fraternity voiced their sadness over his passing.

In a Facebook post, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, wrote: “The late Mr Kwek Leng Joo was always the perfect gentleman who was so passionate about sustainability, corporate social responsibility, photography and social issues.

“I was fortunate to have known and worked with him for so many years on some of his causes. He received the President’s Award for the Environment just last month.”

Minister for Social and Family Development, Tan Chuan-Jin, also wrote on Facebook: I’ve come to know Kwek Leng Joo and deeply appreciate his support for so many causes for our people and community.”

ALSO READ: CDL as featured among 4 of Singapore’s most caring companies

Image: CDL