[UPDATED] Public Bank founder Teh Hong Piow dies at 92

KUALA LUMPUR – Public Bank founder Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow died today at the age of 92. 

In a statement issued by the bank’s public affairs division, Teh had passed away at 10.20am.

“Tan Sri Teh’s passing is a great loss to the Public Bank Group, we extend our most heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Tan Sri Teh’s family.”

Teh had founded Public Bank in 1965 at the age of 35.

He was appointed as Public Bank chief executive officer and managing director since its business operations started on August 6, 1966.

Teh then relinquished his position as chief executive officer and was redesignated as non-executive chairman on July 1, 2002.

On December 31, 2018, he retired as non-executive chairman, and was conferred the title of chairman emeritus and adviser of Public Bank on January 1, 2019.

He remained a non-executive director until his death.

According to the bank’s corporate website, Teh was born in Singapore on March 14, 1930, and attended his formal primary and secondary education at the Anglo Chinese School in the island republic.

He was married to Puan Sri Tay Sock Noy in 1956 and they have four children together.

Teh began his banking career in 1950 as a bank clerk in Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd. and rose in rank to officer in five years. 

He joined Malayan Banking Bhd as manager in 1960. Later in 1964, he was promoted to the position of general manager at the age of 34. He left in 1966 to set up Public Bank.

He also held leading positions in organisations such as Public Foundation, Malaysia and LPI Capital Bhd, Malaysia (Group). 

Teh named photography and reading as his hobbies. – The Vibes, December 12, 2022