Tommy Koh, 88, retires from MFA after 55 years
Thank you for your service.
Tommy Koh, the 88-year-old Singaporean diplomat and law professor, is set to retire from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) at the end of August 2026 after a remarkable 55-year career. Koh announced his retirement in a Facebook post on August 7, expressing his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him by Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, who presented him with the inaugural lifetime distinguished service award.
Koh, who has served under every foreign minister since Singapore's first foreign minister, S. Rajaratnam, will continue to be based at the NUS Centre for International Law from September. His legacy includes his pivotal roles in international law, diplomacy, and academia, with significant contributions to Singapore's foreign relations, including his representation in the Pedra Branca dispute.
Koh's extensive list of achievements highlights his unwavering commitment to Singapore and the global community.
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