04 Sep 2012

Keppel Shipyard Managing Director Nelson Yeo passes away peacefully

It is with deep sadness that the Board and Management of the Keppel Group announce the passing away of Mr Nelson Yeo, Managing Director (Marine), Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M) and Managing Director, Keppel Shipyard Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keppel O&M. After suffering a brain haemorrhage over the weekend while on business in London, Mr Yeo passed away peacefully this morning, with his family by his bedside. He is survived by his wife Siew Hua and two sons.

Mr Tong Chong Heong, CEO, Keppel O&M said, "All of us at Keppel O&M are greatly saddened by the sudden passing of Nelson. This year marks the 30th year since he joined Keppel. From a shiprepair management trainee at Keppel Shipyard, he has worked his way up to his current position as Managing Director. Truly exemplifying the Keppel "Can Do!" spirit, Nelson has always relished the challenges of complex work assignments and overseas postings.

"With his strong leadership skills, commitment and dedication, Nelson has contributed significantly to establishing Keppel Shipyard as a leader today in the conversion and upgrading of a variety of floating production vessels and a trusted name in ship repair. His untimely demise is indeed a great loss for all of us at Keppel. On behalf of the Keppel Group, I would like to convey our deepest condolences to his wife Siew Hua, his two children and his family."

Mr Chor How Jat, Executive Director of Keppel Shipyard, has assumed the position of Acting Managing Director, and will take over the management of Keppel Shipyard's businesses and operations.

Added Mr Tong, "At Keppel, we place high importance on succession planning, and hence we have a strong team in place at Keppel Shipyard. I'm confident that Chor, who has been working closely with Nelson for the past two years, is able to ensure the continued smooth operations at Keppel Shipyard."

Mr Chor, 50, began his career at Keppel in 1988. He has held appointments as Shiprepair Manager, Deputy Shipyard Manager and Shipyard Manager at Keppel Shipyard. Prior to his appointment in January 2011 as Executive Director of Keppel Shipyard, Mr Chor was the General Manager (Operations) at Keppel FELS. Apart from various directorship positions within the Keppel Group, Mr Chor is a council member of the Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI).

Mr Yeo, 55, was the Managing Director (Marine) of Keppel O&M and the Managing Director of Keppel Shipyard. He was also Chairman of Keppel Philippines Marine Inc., Keppel Subic Shipyard Inc., Keppel Batangas Shipyard Inc., Keppel Smit Towage Pte Ltd, Maju Maritime Pte Ltd, Keppel Singmarine Pte Ltd and DPS Bristol (Holdings) Limited. He also served as a member of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council's Marine Industries Committee, Ministry of Manpower; AIDS Business Alliance, Ministry of Health; and is also a member of the American Bureau of Shipping; South East Asia Advisory/Technical Committee in Lloyd's Register and the Singapore Technical Committee in Nippon Kaiji Kyokai.

Mr Yeo began his career with Keppel Shipyard in 1982 as a Management Trainee. He was subsequently appointed as Shiprepair Manager in 1983, Business Development Manager of Keppel (UK) Ltd in 1988, General Manager of Wing Yong Engineering & Services in 1989, Yard Manager of Pioneer Yard in 1993 and President/General Manager of Subic Shipyard and Engineering Inc. in the Philippines in 1994. Upon returning from the Philippines, Mr Yeo was appointed as Executive Director of Keppel Shipyard in March 1996, an appointment he has held till July 2009 when he assumed his current positions.

In his career with Keppel, Mr Yeo has received various commendations for his good work beyond the company. In 1996, he was conferred the title of The Adopted Son of the Municipality of Castillejos and separately, of the Municipality of Subic, Province of Zambales, the Philippines, for his invaluable and relentless support as partner in the socio-economic development of the Municipalities. In 2002, Mr Yeo received a Certificate of Commendation from the Ministry of Manpower, Occupational Safety & Health, for his meritorious service and significant contribution to the promotion of Occupational Safety and Health in Singapore. In 2003, the National Trades Union Congress conferred the Medal of Commendation Award to him on May Day.

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About the Keppel Group

With a global footprint in over 30 countries, the Keppel Group leverages its international network, resources and talents to grow its key businesses.  It aims to be the Provider of Choice for Solutions to the Offshore & Marine Industries, Sustainable Environment and Urban Living, guided by its key business thrusts of Sustainaing Growth, Empowering Lives and Nurturing Communities.

The Keppel Group of Companies includes Keppel Offshore & Marine, Keppel Integrated Engineering, Keppel Energy, Keppel Telecommunications & Transportation (Keppel T&T) and Keppel Land, among others.

 
For further information, please contact:

Eva Ho
Deputy General Manager
Group Corporate Communications
Keppel Corporation Limited
Tel: (65) 6413 6424
HP: (65) 9617 6234
Email: eva.ho@kepcorp.com