Condolence Letter from Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee on the passing of former HKSAR Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, 11 September 2026

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong has written to Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee to convey condolences on the passing of former HKSAR Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa on 8 September 2026.

The text of the letter is appended.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

11 SEPTEMBER 2026

10 September 2026

The Honourable John Lee

Chief Executive

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Dear Chief Executive Lee,

On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I extend my deepest condolences to the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) on the passing of The Honourable Tung Chee-hwa.

As Hong Kong SAR’s first Chief Executive after its return to the People’s Republic of China in 1997, Mr Tung led Hong Kong through a defining chapter in its history. He steered the city through major challenges – including the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and the 2003 SARS outbreak – with a deep sense of responsibility for Hong Kong and its people. His service paved the way for Hong Kong’s long-term development and prosperity in the years to come under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. He will be remembered for his steady and visionary leadership.

Mr Tung was an old friend of Singapore and had good relationships with successive generations of Singapore leaders, including former Prime Ministers Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Chok Tong, and Lee Hsien Loong. Under Mr Tung’s leadership, cooperation between Singapore and Hong Kong deepened, helping to lay the foundations for the close ties we enjoy today. I had the privilege of meeting Mr Tung during my visit to Hong Kong in 2019. I remember him as a leader who thought deeply about the challenges facing our cities and our region, and who believed strongly in the importance of cooperation.

Our thoughts are with Mr Tung’s family and the people of Hong Kong. 

Yours sincerely,

Lawrence Wong