Chet Singh, arkitek senyap kebangkitan industri Pulau Pinang

Chet Singh, a 90-year-old architect, passed away last week at the age of 90. Singh, who served as the first Managing Director of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) for two decades, played a crucial role in transforming the economy of Penang, Malaysia. Singh's contributions were instrumental in establishing key industries and attracting foreign investments, helping the state break free from its reliance on traditional trade.

During his tenure, Singh helped build up the electronics manufacturing sector, with companies such as National Semiconductor, AMD, Hewlett-Packard, and Intel establishing their first production facilities in Penang. These early investments laid the foundation for Penang to become a center for electronics production and connect the state with the global supply chain.

Singh's strategic approach to attracting foreign investment was characterized by his meticulous planning and ability to respond to technical queries. When faced with lengthy technical questions from potential investors, Singh would take a day to gather the necessary information and return with a more comprehensive set of answers. This method helped build trust with investors and paved the way for successful business operations in Penang.

The economic transformation under Singh's leadership led to the creation of new towns, including Bayan Baru, to accommodate the influx of workers and their families. The transformation brought about significant improvements in infrastructure, including roads, water, and electricity supply. According to a 2019 profile by Perdana.org, the number of companies in PDC's industrial parks grew from around 200 in 1976 to 300 in 1987 and 500 in 1990, while employment in the industrial parks increased from approximately 115,000 in 1990.

While Singh was modest about his achievements, he often downplayed the unique vision of both himself and Dr. Lim Chong Eu. His dedication to the transformation of the Penang's industrial landscape over two decades left a lasting impact on the lives of countless families, providing employment opportunities for school leavers, skill development, and a pathway to a better life in Penang.