PUBLISHED ONSeptember 12, 2026 12:17 AMBYSean LerPrime Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday (Sept 11) conveyed Singapore's condolences to Hong Kong after the passing of its former chief executive Tung Chee Hwa on Sept 8.
The 89-year-old served as Hong Kong's first chief executive from 1997 to 2025, following its handover from the United Kingdom to China.
In a letter to Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee on behalf of the Singapore Government, PM Wong described Tung as "an old friend of Singapore".
He recalled that Tung had good relationships with successive generations of Singapore leaders, including former Prime Ministers Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Chok Tong, and Lee Hsien Loong.
"Under Mr Tung’s leadership, cooperation between Singapore and Hong Kong deepened, helping to lay the foundations for the close ties we enjoy today."
Recalling his visit to Hong Kong in 2019 when he was Minister for National Development, PM Wong said that he remembered Tung as a leader who thought deeply about the challenges facing the region, and who believed strongly in the importance of cooperation.
PM Wong also noted that Tung had steered Hong Kong through a defining chapter in its history after its return to China.
This included the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and the 2003 SARS outbreak.
"His service paved the way for Hong Kong’s long-term development and prosperity in the years to come under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.
"He will be remembered for his steady and visionary leadership," PM Wong said.
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