Solemn, brief memorial service to honour banking titan

More than 500 staff turn up at UOB Plaza Atrium to bid farewell to Wee Cho Yaw

- Chin Soo Fang and Prisca Ang 

E The late Mr Wee Cho Yaw was sent off on Feb 7 in a brief memorial service aptly held at the bank that he spent a significant part of his life moulding.

More than 500 employees of UOB and its subsidiaries arrived at the UOB Plaza Atrium in Raffles Place to say their final goodbyes to their former chief executive and chairman in the afternoon.

As early as around 1pm, staff clad in sombre colours started gathering at the atrium.

Attendance was not compulsory, one of the UOB employees told The Straits Times. Yet, they came in droves, forming a sea of white, black and blue as they waited patiently for the hearse to arrive.

The hearse was delayed by about 30 minutes due to traffic conditions, and the programme was shortened so that the grieving family could proceed to Mandai Crematorium in time after heading to Mr Wee's home for a private funeral service. There would be no speeches other than remarks by the funeral director, the crowd was told.

At about 3.10pm, the hearse arrived, along with seven other vehicles ferrying Mr Wee's children and other family members. His five children, including UOB chief executive Wee Ee Cheong, solemnly faced the crowd.

After the funeral director made short remarks to thank the UOB family for their presence and contributions, the family and bank staff observed a minute of silence.