Chet Singh, the quiet hand behind Penang’s industrial rise

Chet Singh, a key figure in Penang's industrial growth, passed away at the age of 90. Once celebrated for retiring as the first general manager of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) in 1971, Singh's contributions were instrumental in the state's economic transition. Born in 1933, Singh began his career in the ministry of defence before joining PDC in 1967 as a state financial officer, subsequently becoming its general manager.

The 1967 loss of Penang's free port status and rising unemployment, peaking at 16% by the decade's end, necessitated a new economic strategy. Singh, despite not having a business background, was tasked with transforming the late chief minister Dr Lim Chong Eu's industrial ambitions into reality. He played a pivotal role in building the necessary infrastructure and attracting foreign investment, particularly in export-oriented industries and free trade zones.

Singh's strategic approach involved answering technical questions posed by potential investors patiently, often delaying responses to gather necessary information. His efforts paid off, with companies like National Semiconductor, AMD, and Hewlett-Packard establishing operations in Penang. These investments not only bolstered the state's electronics manufacturing capabilities but also connected it to global supply chains.

Beyond attracting investors, Singh oversaw the development of industrial parks and townships such as Bayan Baru, addressing the high youth unemployment rate. By the time he retired in 1991, Penang's industrial landscape had expanded significantly, with the number of companies in PDC's parks rising to over 500 and employment peaking at approximately 115,000.

Despite his significant contributions, Singh modestly attributed the success to the urgent need for jobs rather than extraordinary foresight. His legacy, however, remains evident in Penang's thriving industrial sector, a testament to his role in steering the state towards economic prosperity.