Ee Peng Liang (1913– 1994) Businessman and philanthropist. Ee Peng Liang was educated at St Joseph’s Institution and later qualified as a chartered accountant. He founded his own accounting firm, Ee Peng Liang and Company, which merged with Ernst and Whinney (later Ernst & Young) in 1986. Ee is best known for his life- long dedication to charitable causes and organizations. Among the numerous organizations which he headed were the National Council of Social Service (1958– 92); the Marymount Vocational Centre; Boys’ Town; Catholic Welfare Services; Mount Alvernia Hospital; the Singapore Scout Association; and the Community Chest of Singapore (1983– 92).

For his efforts to help the less fortunate, Ee was nicknamed the ‘Father of Charity’, ‘Mister Charity’ and the ‘Professional Beggar’. He also won numerous accolades for his humanitarian work, including the Public Service Star (1964); the Meritorious Service Medal (1967); the Distinguished Service Award, Singapore Scout Association (1970); the Meritorious Service Medal, Singapore Red Cross (1977); an honorary doctorate of letters, University of Singapore (1976); the Distinguished Service Order (1985); the Order of Nila Utama (Second Class) (1991); Bronze Wolf, World Scout Bureau (1991); and the ASEAN Achievement Award for Charity (1994). He was also made an Officer of the Order of St John’s Ambulance (1971); and a Knight Commander of the Order of St Gregory the Great (1974).

Photo credit: Singapore Press Holdings/ The Straits Times