He touched many lives but I'll remember him for being my dad: Liu Thai Ker's son pays tribute to S'pore's 1st master planner

Singapore's former master planner Liu Thai Ker passed away at 87.

His son had told The Straits Times that his father had developed complications after a fall about a week prior.

The report said the elder Liu passed away on the morning of Jan. 18, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Tributes

His passing has drawn tributes from all quarters.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam

President Tharman paid tribute to Liu, saying that "Thai Ker helped make Singapore a liveable city in the tropics".

Tharman also expressed his admiration for Liu, noting that Liu remained active through his 70s and 80s, contributing to urban planning in over 50 cities abroad, from Chengdu to Ningbo in China, to Al Qadimah in Saudi Arabia, to Kazan in Russia.

He said that Liu's conviction that making the city better would raise the quality of life and people’s spirits will remain his legacy.

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong

PM Wong said that he was "deeply saddened" by the passing of Liu.

PM Wong valued his conversations with Liu during his time at the Ministry of National Development, adding that the buildings, homes and public spaces that Singaporeans use everyday stand as a quiet testament to his dedication and vision".

"Singapore is better because of Thai Ker’s service", Wong concluded.

Chee Hong Tat

The Minister for National Development also paid tribute, and called Liu a pioneering figure in Singapore's housing and urban development journey.

Chee said that he had the privilege of meeting Liu on several occasions since he came to MND. Recalling his latest meeting with him two weeks ago, Chee said that Liu spoke with clarity and conviction about Singapore's future and shared his ideas and reflections generously.

Liu's legacy would "live on in the beautiful neighbourhoods we call home, this dynamic garden city we are proud of, and the generations of people whom he has inspired over the years", Chee said.

Other ministers also shared their condolences.

Chan Chun Sing

Defence Minister Chan said that Liu's "work left a lasting imprint on our urban landscape and on the institutions that underpin our nation".

Beyond city planning, Liu also contributed to the development of SAFTI Military Institute (SAFTI MI), noting that SAFTI MI has since become a cornerstone in the development of SAF leaders across generations.

Desmond Lee

Lee said that he was "deeply saddened" by the passing of Liu, adding that Liu leaves behind an indelible legacy that has shaped both our urban and cultural landscape.

Lee said that he had the privilege of meeting Liu on a number of occasions at meetings and events, in dialogues and over meals.

"He would always be generous in sharing his experience and also his ideas with us," Lee said.

Indranee Rajah

Indranee said that "we owe a huge debt to him for his leadership in implementing Singaporeans for all, and for his foresight in guiding the long-term urban development of our city".

Indranee added that Liu "laid the strong foundations of this beloved home and distinctive global city we call Singapore".

George Yeo

Yeo said that he first met Liu in 1979 when he addressed students at Singapore Command and Staff College.

Yeo called Liu "a great man whose handprints are found all over Singapore, China and beyond".

Tan Kiat How

The Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health, called Liu Singapore’s pre-eminent urban planner.

Tan said that he had the opportunity to interact more closely with Liu in the last few years, during his time at the MND.

He added that he learned a great deal from him, even in that relatively short period.

Tan said that he still recall his last discussion fondly.

Tan hosted lunch for Liu and URA colleagues to discuss his latest ideas.

A short meeting became a long lunch—nearly three hours. Liu spent some time talking about Bedok Town, recalling its geography, key landmarks, and the planning considerations behind them.

Alvin Tan

Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan said Singapore had lost a giant.

Tan said that Liu's humility is an example and inspiration to him and his generation. 

Jeremy Monteiro

Monteiro said that he was sorry to hear about the passing of one of Singapore’s most significant sons.

Monteiro noted that Liu was often at his performances, both concerts and smaller club gigs, adding that he was always very kind to me.

He also observed that there was an underlying passion and energy for everything he did.

Liu's son, Daniel Liu, also shared a small snippet into the man behind the legend.

"My father passed away this morning after a short hospital stay. It’s a shock.

He touched so many people’s lives.

But I will remember him for this photo we took one of the rare times we went out just to hang - For being my dad."

Image from Liu's Facebook