I wanted to pursue justice, not wealth: Tommy Koh on 55 years in diplomacy, family & S'pore

Tommy Koh, a retired Singaporean diplomat, announced his retirement from 55 years of service, which included a tenure as the Minister for Foreign Affairs Lifetime Distinguished Service Award recipient. Throughout his career, Koh emphasized his desire to use the law to defend the poor and disadvantaged against the powerful and influential.

At the age of 30, Koh was appointed as Singapore's permanent representative to the United Nations, a position he initially hesitated to accept due to his perceived lack of qualifications. He noted that most other ambassadors at the UN were much older and more experienced than he was. However, Koh considered himself fortunate to learn from senior diplomats and gain insights into the workings of international diplomacy.

In addition to his role at the UN, Koh served as Singapore's ambassador to Canada and Mexico, and represented the country during the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). As a maritime nation, Koh recognized the importance of the sea to Singapore's economy and trade. He led the delegation through a decade-long negotiation process to secure new international laws governing the seas, highlighting Singapore's strategic interests as a trading and port state.

Koh's wife, Poh Siew Aing, played a significant role in his life, making a dramatic transition from a medical student to the wife of a UN ambassador. She had to learn new skills, such as cooking and hosting guests, to accommodate the needs of diplomats and VIPs visiting New York. Despite the challenges, Poh remained a steadfast support for her husband throughout his diplomatic career.

Reflecting on his parents' influence, Koh credited his mother for instilling a love for the arts and his father for teaching him courage. He expressed his conviction to stand up for the underdog and defend Singapore, even when facing adversity. Koh was particularly proud of Singapore's racial and religious harmony, noting the presence of minority community leaders in high positions as evidence of the country's progress.

He emphasized the importance of embracing change in the face of rapid technological advancements and expressed confidence in Singapore's continued prosperity.