As Singapore marks 60 years of independence, we pay tribute to Dr Goh Keng Swee (1918–2010), a visionary leader often regarded as one of the founding fathers and economic architect of modern Singapore. During his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Goh sought to grow Singapore’s cultural landscape, believing that a thriving nation needed not only strong industries but also a rich artistic life. His conviction led to the founding of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) in 1979, ensuring that Singaporeans would have access to world-class music for generations to come.
Born in Malacca, Malaysia, Dr Goh moved to Singapore with his family in 1920, spending his early years studying at Anglo-Chinese School before graduating from Raffles College in 1939. Shortly after the war, Dr Goh went on to join the public service in the Social Welfare Department under the British Military Administration. His contributions earned him a scholarship to pursue a PhD in Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE), which he completed in 1956. Upon his return, he took on the role of Director of Social Welfare but eventually resigned in 1958 to join the People’s Action Party full-time as Singapore’s first Minister of Finance.
We believe that there's more to life than making money and that the orchestra would be worthwhile as it would raise the standard of culture of Singaporeans.
Laying the foundation for a national orchestra
As a pragmatist, Dr Goh understood that establishing a professional national orchestra would be an extravagant cultural enterprise, especially for a young republic focused on economic stability and national security. Nevertheless, he remained unwavering in his vision. In late 1977, Dr Goh convened a pivotal meeting with Dr Bernard Tan, then Acting Head of the Department of Music at NUS, to explore how such an endeavour could come to life.
From the outset, Dr Goh was deeply involved in the details, keenly aware that the success of the orchestra hinged on two crucial factors: strong artistic leadership and a suitable concert venue. When Tan suggested inviting Maestro Choo Hoey — then Principal Conductor of the Greek National Opera — to helm the orchestra, Dr Goh immediately concurred. He entrusted Tan with the task of reaching out to Choo Hoey and preparing a budget proposal for the Ministry of Finance. It was also decided that Victoria Memorial Hall, a venue long associated with Singapore’s musical life, would serve as the home for the new orchestra.
On 20 March 1978, Dr Goh officially convened the Protem Committee for the Formation of the Singapore Chamber Orchestra at the MINDEF Conference Room. This was more than just a meeting—it was the first structured move towards establishing the Singapore Symphony. By this time, Dr Goh had also been named the SSO’s first Patron.
But for Dr Goh, building an orchestra wasn’t just about assembling musicians—it was also about nurturing the next generation. He championed the creation of a scholarship scheme to send talented young Singaporeans abroad for formal training, with the expectation that they would join the orchestra upon graduation. Through this initiative, Dr Goh ensured that the SSO would not only be an ensemble of international calibre but also a truly Singaporean institution.
It was probably the fact that we had Dr Goh to support and oversee us that prevented us from making too many mistakes which might have proved fatal to our fledgling enterprise.
The SSO’s Debut and Dr Goh’s Continued Involvement
The SSO officially made its debut at the Singapore Conference Hall on 24 January 1979, with its first concert generously sponsored by Singapore Airlines, courtesy of its then Chairman, J.Y.M. Pillay. Under the baton of its first Music Director & Resident Conductor Choo Hoey, the orchestra’s 41 musicians took the stage, delivering a performance that set the tone for Singapore’s new national orchestra.
A lifelong admirer of Western classical music, Dr Goh’s tastes leaned toward the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. However, despite his own preferences, he never imposed them on Choo Hoey, trusting him to shape the orchestra’s artistic direction, which enabled the SSO to develop a diverse and sophisticated musical identity from the start.
Even after the orchestra was established, Dr Goh remained deeply involved. He was a regular attendee of the concerts in the early years, attending almost every performance. At Victoria Concert Hall, Dr Goh often sat in the front row of the balcony—occasionally standing to peer over the edge, quietly observing the audience turnout. His attention to detail extended beyond just numbers; he took a genuine interest in the musicians, often asking about new members or discussing elements of the evening’s programme.
Dr Goh’s quiet but unwavering commitment underscored his belief that the SSO was not just a musical institution but a cultural milestone for Singapore. Today, Dr Goh’s legacy endures in the orchestra’s continued success as a world-class ensemble, enriching lives both at home and on the global stage.