Wee Cho Yaw (1929–2024) was a prominent Singaporean banker and businessman, best known for his leadership of United Overseas Bank (UOB). He was the son of Wee Kheng Chiang, the founder of United Chinese Bank (now UOB), and played a pivotal role in expanding the bank's presence across Asia.​

🧬 Family Tree Overview

👴 Grandfather: Wee Kheng Chiang (1890–1978)

  • Founder of United Chinese Bank in 1935.

  • A prominent businessman in Sarawak, Malaysia.​

👨 Father: Wee Kheng Chiang

  • Continued the family's banking legacy.​

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children of Wee Cho Yaw:

  • Sons:

    • Wee Ee Cheong: Currently serves as the CEO and Deputy Chairman of UOB.

    • Wee Ee Chao: Holds significant positions within the family's business ventures.

    • Wee Ee Lim: Involved in various business activities under the family's portfolio.

  • Daughters:

    • Names are not publicly disclosed, but they are known to hold management roles within the family's enterprises.​

👶 Grandchildren:

  • Wee Teng Wen: Co-founder of the Lo & Behold Group, a hospitality company in Singapore.

  • Wee Teng Chuen: Runs an energy-management consultancy named GP Solutions.​

The Wee family's influence extends beyond banking into real estate and hospitality, with significant holdings in companies like UOL Group and Kheng Leong. Their legacy continues to shape Singapore's business landscape.

🏦 Career Highlights

  • Early Involvement: Wee began his career in 1949 at Kheng Leong, a family-owned commodities trading business. In 1958, he joined the board of United Chinese Bank (UCB), founded by his father, Wee Kheng Chiang. By 1960, he became the bank's managing director. ​

  • Expansion and Rebranding: Recognizing the need for international growth, Wee spearheaded the bank's expansion into foreign exchange and trade financing. In 1965, to reflect its broader ambitions, UCB was renamed United Overseas Bank (UOB). ​

  • Strategic Acquisitions: Wee led several significant acquisitions, including Chung Khiaw Bank in 1971 and Overseas Union Bank in 2001. These moves solidified UOB's position as a major regional bank. ​

  • Diversification: Beyond banking, Wee expanded the group's interests into real estate, hospitality, and insurance through entities like UOL Group and Haw Par Corporation. ​

  • Leadership Transition: In 2007, he stepped down as UOB's CEO, passing the role to his eldest son, Wee Ee Cheong. He remained as chairman until 2018, after which he served as chairman emeritus and honorary adviser. ​

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Personal Life

  • Family: Wee was married to Chuang Yong Eng, and together they had five children—three sons and two daughters. His son, Wee Ee Cheong, continues to lead UOB as CEO. 

  • Philanthropy: In 2009, the Wee family established the Wee Foundation with a S$30 million endowment. The foundation focuses on education, welfare for the underprivileged, and the promotion of Chinese language and culture. ​

🏅 Recognitions

  • National Honors: Wee received the Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (Public Service Star) in 1971 and the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Distinguished Service Order) in 2011 for his contributions to Singapore's banking sector and community. ​

  • Business Accolades: He was named Singapore Businessman of the Year in 1990 and 2001 and received the inaugural Credit Suisse-Ernst & Young Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. ​

🕊️ Legacy

Wee Cho Yaw passed away on 3 February 2024 at the age of 95. His visionary leadership not only transformed UOB into a regional powerhouse but also left an indelible mark on Singapore's financial landscape. His legacy continues through his family's ongoing contributions to the banking industry and philanthropy.​

 

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