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// Workers AI · dad joke modeIs Robert Iau a great singer? No, he's a little "off-key".

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Robert Iau
PBM
Iau in the 1990s
Personal details
Born(1935-01-22)22 January 1935
British Singapore
Died26 February 2005(2005-02-26) (aged 70)
Singapore
Spouse(s)Margaret Lee (m. 1962, div. ?)
Lee Seow Pong (m. 1978, div. 1990)
Yap Choo Lian (m. 1992)
Children2
EducationUniversity of Malaya in Singapore (BA)
Military service
Allegiance Singapore
Branch/service Republic of Singapore Air Force
RankColonel
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese姚國光
Simplified Chinese姚国光
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinYáo Guóguāng
IPA[jǎʊ.kwǒ.kuáŋ]

Robert Iau Kuo Kwong PBM (22 January 1935 – 26 February 2005) was a Singaporean civil servant and an arts patron. He was the first administrative officer and later general manager of the Central Provident Fund Board, where he installed the board's first IBM 1401 in 1963.

Later, Iau was involved in establishing the National Computer Board and the Institute of Systems Science. He was chairman of the Singapore Arts Centre, which oversaw the development of Esplanade. Iau was also a director of the Post Office Savings Bank and Singapore Bus Services.[1][2]

Early life and education

[edit]

On 22 January 1935, Robert Iau Kuo Kwong was born in Siang Lim Park, British Singapore. His father, Iau Tsang Kya (c. 1901–22 September 1982),[3] was born in Shanghai, attended the University of Hong Kong, and became an engineer. His mother, Grace Bi-ru Iau (née Liu; c. 1903–26 April 1999),[4] was born in Chongqing, attended Jinling Women's College,[5] and became a teacher.[6] Iau was a middle child and had two sisters. In 1937, his family moved to Jalan Masjid, located along Changi Road.[5]

In 1939, Iau received his early education at Jing Fang Girls' School, where his mother taught. During the Bombing of Singapore, the school was bombed.[7] After the Japanese occupation of Singapore, Iau attended the Anglo-Chinese School.[8][9] In 1952, he obtained an A-level and went on to complete a Post School Certificate.[10]

Iau joined the Singapore Wing, Malayan Auxiliary Air Force (MAAF),[11] and began pilot training on the biplane de Havilland Tiger Moth.[12] Later, he became a volunteer pilot,[13][14] and participated in exercises with other squadrons of the MAAF.[15] He obtained the rank of colonel.[16][17]

In 1954, Iau attended the University of Malaya in Singapore, and he was part of the music society as a pianist. He was also active in theatre.[18][19] In 1959, Iau graduated a Bachelor of Arts with honours in economics.[11][14]

In 1979, Iau attended an advance management programme at Harvard Business School.[8]

Career

[edit]

Civil career

[edit]

Upon graduation, Iau joined Mansfield and Company Limited, and worked on cargo ships of the Blue Funnel Line between United Kingdom and Singapore. On 17 October 1959,[8] he quit Mansfield and joined the Central Provident Fund Board (CPF), as the board's first administrative officer.[20] Iau began working as a counter clerk, and in 1960,[21] he was put in charge of planning and designing computer systems for CPF.[22] In 1962, Iau was sent to Sydney by CPF, to learn how to write programs for an IBM 1401. In September 1963, he programmed and installed the first IBM computer system in Singapore.[21][23]

In 1966, Iau was promoted to deputy general manager of CPF.[8] In September 1967, he was transferred to the Ministry of Defence to set up a department in charge of data processing.[24] In 1968, Iau was appointed as a director of the manpower division of MINDEF.[16][25] During his tenure, he was involved with establishing the Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship scheme.[26]

In 1971, Iau returned to CPF, and began working on a plan to upgrade its computer systems, as CPF was still using the same IBM 1401 that was introduced by Iau. In 1972, Iau was elected as president of the Singapore Computer Society (SCS).[27] In 1973, he was promoted to general manager of CPF,[8][28] and he installed an IBM System/370 Model 135.[29]

In 1976, Iau was appointed as secretary general of the South East Asia Regional Computer Confederation (SEARCC).[30][31] In March 1978, he was appointed as a governing council member of the Singapore Institute of Management.[32] In August 1978, Iau said that there is a good likelihood of Singapore becoming a "centre for computer expertise", which can be done with more focus on training professionals in the field.[33]

In July 1980, Iau announced plans to conduct microcomputer courses, and hoped that the course attendees could establish computer clubs in community centres, to introduce computers to residents living in the vicinity.[34] On 23 July 1980, during a conference presentation, Iau said that Singapore was prepared for economic restructuring, as the technology was available to increase productivity.[35]

Later career

[edit]

In August 1980, Iau resigned from CPF,[36] and on 1 November 1980, he joined Singapore Land as its managing director.[37][38]

In 1981, at the request of the government, Iau was involved in establishing the National Computer Board and the Institute of Systems Science (ISS),[39][40] and chaired a committee to introduce computer education in Ngee Ann Technical College.[41] He also wrote a paper to the Ministry of Culture, which suggested establishing a performing arts centre and an arts council.[42]

On 1 April 1982, Iau was appointed as a board member of the National Theatre Trust (NTT), which owned and operated the National Theatre.[43] During a visit to the theatre, Iau asked the management committee whether the cantilever roof was structurally safe, and if there were regular inspections carried out. Eventually, the theatre was labelled structurally unsafe due to defects discovered, and it was demolished.[44]

On 10 September 1983, as chairman of ISS, Iau advised graduates to practice lifelong learning to work in the computer industry.[45] On 24 August 1984, Iau left Singapore Land to be managing director of Coopers & Lybrand Associates South-east Asia.[46][47]

In September 1986, Iau was the first ASEAN national to be elected as a trustee of the International Federation of Information Processing.[48] In October 1986, he lead a task force, under the Small Enterprise Bureau, to study the role of small and medium enterprises in the future of Singapore, and the study of the current support scheme for these enterprises.[49][50]

In March 1987, Iau was appointed as part of a three-man commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged corruption of Teh Cheang Wan.[51] The inquiry ended due to lack of evidence.[52] In September 1987, Iau was appointed as chairman of the Singapore branch of Memorex.[53]

In 1988, Iau was appointed as chairman of the Committee on the Performing Arts. He said that a master plan should be created to develop performing arts in Singapore.[54][55] He was also appointed as chairman of NTT.[56]

In 1991, the National Arts Council was established, and Iau was appointed as a board member.[57] In 1994, he was appointed of chairman of the Singapore Arts Centre, which oversaw the development of Esplanade.[58][59] Iau said the development was "overwhelming but what a bloody challenge", and hoped that Esplanade will be something for everyone.[60] He stepped down in 1998.[61]

In 2001, Iau stepped down as secretary general of SEARCC.[30][62]

Personal life

[edit]

Iau played the piano and received a ABRSM Grade 8 in 1951.[14]

On 22 December 1962, Iau married Margaret Lee,[4] and they had two sons,[25][63] They were later divorced. On 1 December 1978, Iau married Lee Seow Pong (also known as Lee Siew Fong Ida). On 18 August 1989, Lee filed for divorce, citing adultery as the reason. The court pronounced decree nisi to dissolve the marriage.[64] On 18 June 1992, he married Yap Choo Lian.[4][65]

On 26 February 2005, he died of a myocardial infarction.[66][67]

Awards and decorations

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ Chee, Colin (7 September 1979). "POSB's golden plan for 1980s". The Business Times. p. 1. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  2. ↑ Borch, Andrea (10 April 1989). "The good director". The Business Times. p. 3. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  3. ↑ "Obituary". The Straits Times. 23 September 1982. p. 36. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 17 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  4. 1 2 3 "Obituary". The Straits Times. 27 April 1999. p. 36. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 17 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  5. 1 2 Iau, Robert (1 February 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 1 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
  6. ↑ Iau, Robert (1 February 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 2 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
  7. ↑ Iau, Robert (1 February 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 3 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "CPF boss to head private company". The Straits Times. 29 August 1980. p. 1. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 14 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  9. ↑ Iau, Robert (7 March 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 6 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  10. ↑ Iau, Robert (7 March 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 4 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  11. 1 2 Iau, Robert (11 May 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 7 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  12. ↑ Iau, Robert (9 July 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 9 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  13. ↑ Iau, Robert (9 July 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 8 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  14. 1 2 3 4 "Robert Iau, the arts man with his feet firmly on the ground". The Straits Times. 11 September 1992. p. 28. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 14 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  15. ↑ Iau, Robert (9 July 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 10 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  16. 1 2 "Col. Iau On Hallmark Of Commanders". Eastern Sun. 6 December 1969. p. 14. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  17. ↑ "SAF Pilots Complete Basic Training". Eastern Sun. 23 January 1970. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  18. ↑ "Pantomime". Singapore Tiger Standard. 14 December 1958. p. 6. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  19. ↑ Iau, Robert (7 March 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 5 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  20. ↑ Iau, Robert (27 August 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 12 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  21. 1 2 Iau, Robert (6 September 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 13 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  22. ↑ Iau, Robert (27 August 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 11 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  23. ↑ "From paper to pixels: how your CPF statements have changed over the last 70 years". Central Provident Fund. 4 July 2025. Archived from the original on 17 May 2026. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  24. ↑ Iau, Robert (16 October 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 14 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  25. 1 2 3 "Who's who on the commission". The Business Times. 27 March 1987. p. 3. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  26. ↑ Iau, Robert (28 November 2001). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 15 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  27. ↑ Tan, Abby (7 April 1972). "Chess test for computer: Any takers?". New Nation. p. 16. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  28. ↑ "'Don't leave smaller groups in the cold'". The Straits Times. 17 March 1979. p. 11. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 14 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  29. ↑ Iau, Robert (14 January 2002). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 17 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  30. 1 2 Iau, Robert (28 October 2002). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 24 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  31. ↑ Iau, Robert (10 November 1999). "SEARCC was a good idea". The Straits Times. p. 10. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 14 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  32. ↑ "PEOPLE IN BUSINESS". The Business Times. 4 April 1978. p. 2. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  33. ↑ Iau, Robert (9 August 1978). "Start of era of cooperation for exchanges of expertise". The Straits Times. p. 16. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  34. ↑ Adhikari, Richard (10 July 1980). "Computer body to help c-centres". New Nation. p. 4. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  35. ↑ "Singapore ready for restructuring". The Business Times. 23 July 1980. p. 1. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  36. ↑ Ong, Catherine (19 September 1980). "Ex-civil servants join S'pore Land". The Business Times. p. 1. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  37. ↑ "Robert Iau quits Spore Land". The Straits Times. 1 September 1984. p. 23. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  38. ↑ Iau, Robert (8 February 2002). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 18 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  39. ↑ "Working group for National Computer Board". The Business Times. 3 April 1981. p. 12. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  40. ↑ "INSTITUTE READY FOR EXECUTIVES". The Business Times. 2 September 1981. p. 5. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  41. ↑ "Computer courses in Ngee Ann". The Business Times. 19 September 1981. p. 1. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  42. ↑ Iau, Robert (28 March 2002). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 19 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  43. ↑ "Performing arts committee outlines goals". The Business Times. 15 June 1988. p. 2. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 14 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  44. ↑ Iau, Robert (6 May 2002). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 20 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  45. ↑ Miswardi, Jalil (11 September 1983). "Long and difficult road awaits computer grads". Singapore Monitor. p. 5. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  46. ↑ "Top level changes at Singapore Land". The Business Times. 1 September 1984. p. 1. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 15 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  47. ↑ "Six Coopers firms join forces to form new company". The Business Times. 9 October 1984. p. 16. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 14 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  48. ↑ Chng, Grace (17 September 1986). "Singaporean made trustee of world info body". The Straits Times. p. 15. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  49. ↑ Boey, Kit Yin (15 October 1986). "Task force working hard to finish study on small companies". The Business Times. p. 1. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  50. ↑ Boey, Kit Yin (16 October 1986). "Time to take good look at small companies". The Business Times. p. 2. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  51. ↑ "Three-man inquiry panel to look into Teh affair". The Business Times. 27 March 1987. p. 3. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  52. ↑ Loh, Hui Yin (22 August 1987). "Lack of evidence ends Inquiry into the Teh affair". The Business Times. p. 16. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  53. ↑ Boey, Kit Yin (3 September 1987). "Computer pioneer Robert lau appointed Memorex chairman". The Business Times. p. 2. OCLC 464696647. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  54. ↑ Lim, Michael (3 October 1988). "Panel calls for master plan to give performing arts a boost". The Straits Times. p. 17. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 14 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  55. ↑ Hoe, Irene (10 December 1988). "Culture panel wants new arts centre". The New Paper. p. 6. OCLC 224529521. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  56. ↑ "High-level body to boost creative services". The Straits Times. 20 October 1990. p. 9. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  57. ↑ Iau, Robert (6 May 2002). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 21 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  58. ↑ Iau, Robert (13 May 2002). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 22 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  59. ↑ "Pelan Pusat Seni akan dipamer" [The Arts Centre plan will be on display]. Berita Harian (in Malay). 1 September 1992. p. 12. OCLC 53812840. Retrieved 14 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  60. ↑ "The people behind The Esplanade". The Straits Times. 24 July 1994. p. 25. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  61. ↑ Iau, Robert (26 September 2002). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 23 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  62. ↑ Iau, Robert (20 November 2002). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 25 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  63. ↑ Iau, Robert (14 January 2002). "Iau, Robert Kuo Kwong – Oral History Interviews – Record Details (Accession Number 002275) Reel/Disc 16 of 25". National Archives of Singapore. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  64. ↑ Lee Seow Pong also known as Lee Siew Fong Ida v Iau Kuo Kwong, Robert and Another (Court case). High Court of Singapore. Singapore. 1989. Retrieved 14 August 2026.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  65. ↑ "Obituaries". The Straits Times. 1 March 2005. p. 16. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 14 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  66. ↑ Hooi, Alexis; Teh, Joo Lin (28 February 2005). "Arts patron Robert lau, 70, dies of heart attack". The Straits Times. p. 4. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Factiva STIMES0020050228e12s0000j. Retrieved 17 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
  67. ↑ "NOTICES". v1.lawgazette.com.sg. May 2005. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  68. ↑ "Helped shape path of IT". The Straits Times. 5 March 2000. p. 38. ISSN 0585-3923. OCLC 8572659. Retrieved 16 August 2026 – via NewspaperSG.
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