He is a retired and well-respected political elder of the ruling People’s Action Party in Singapore. He was the Minister of Social Affairs from October 1963 to June 1977.

He was also the Ambassador to Indonesia from July 1977 to November 1980, and The Honorary Consul of Monaco in Singapore July 1996 to September 1999; a Member of Singapore Tourist Promotion Board from April 1981 to December 1994, and Sentosa Development Corporation from April 1981 to February 1997.

He is currently a Permanent Member to the Presidential Council for Minority Rights, and sits on the Board of Directors of several companies in Singapore.

For his political, economic and social contributions to the Nation Building of Singapore, the President awarded him the Order of Nila Utama (2nd Class) in 1983. The Indonesian President had awarded him (Outstanding) Jasa Utama Star (Indonesia) in 1980 in fostering closer diplomatic relationships between Singapore and Indonesia.