She played a key role in Singapore’s growth as a financial centre. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Ms Sam, who was nicknamed “Ms MAS”, was always a picture of elegance, at times coming to work in stylish gowns, said Mrs Ong-Ang Ai Boon, director of the Association of Banks in Singapore, who worked in MAS’ development unit and often had to clear her work with Ms Sam. “She was so admired not because of her looks or dressing, but her professionalism.”
She was part of the team that in 1984 established the Mutual Offset System, which continues to offer global investors round-the-clock access to trade and clearing on derivatives marketplaces in Asia and the United States. Ms Sam was also one of the first women to sit on the board of a local bank when she was appointed to OCBC Bank’s board in 1996. She held roles including executive vice-president and deputy president during her time at the bank from 1988 to 1998.
She continued dancing once a week after she had a stroke in January, said Mr Sam, who believed the years of dancing helped his mother to retain her mobility after the incident.