Veteran Singapore diplomat and international lawyer Professor Tommy Koh has officially retired from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) after 55 years of service, closing one of the longest and most influential diplomatic careers in Singapore’s history.
But Koh’s departure is not a complete retirement. From Sept. 1, the 88-year-old has been based at the National University of Singapore’s Centre for International Law, where he remains involved in international law and policy work.
From a 30-year-old diplomat to one of Singapore’s most recognised international figures
Koh’s diplomatic career began in Singapore’s early years. He served as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1968 to 1971 and again from 1974 to 1984.
One of the defining chapters of his career came through the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. Koh led Singapore’s delegation and eventually served as president of the conference, which culminated in the adoption of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982.
Koh has said he initially felt he was too young and inexperienced when then-Foreign Minister S. Rajaratnam asked him to become Singapore’s UN representative. He was just 30.
Yet the appointment became the beginning of a diplomatic career spanning more than five decades.
His influence went far beyond diplomacy
Koh also served as Singapore’s ambassador to the United States, Canada and Mexico, and played important roles in international negotiations and legal disputes.
He was Singapore’s agent in the Pedra Branca case before the International Court of Justice, where Singapore successfully secured sovereignty over Pedra Branca in the 2008 ruling. He was also involved in the drafting of the ASEAN Charter and chaired negotiations connected with the 1992 Earth Summit.
Outside government, Koh has had a major influence on Singapore’s universities, public policy, arts and heritage institutions. NUS describes him as a former dean and notes his extensive contributions to international law and public service.
His message to younger Singaporeans
In an interview shared by MFA following his retirement, Koh reflected on Singapore’s development and expressed confidence in the country’s future.
He urged young people not to fear change, pointing to Singapore’s investments in areas including robotics, artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
For Koh, his decades at MFA were not something he viewed as a burden. He described his years there as happy ones and said his work on the Law of the Sea was something he enjoyed rather than considered a sacrifice.
Retirement comes with another major honour
Koh’s retirement comes at a remarkable moment: on Aug. 31, he was named one of the three recipients of the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s prestigious regional honour.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation recognised his contribution to international diplomacy, dialogue, peaceful dispute resolution and the development of future generations of leaders.
He is the fourth Singaporean to receive the award. The other 2026 recipients are Bangladeshi humanitarian Runa Khan and Myanmar human-rights advocate Bo Kyi. The award ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 15 in Manila.
A 55-year chapter ends — but Koh is not stepping away
Koh’s formal departure from MFA therefore marks less of an ending than a transition.
After serving under every Singapore foreign minister beginning with S. Rajaratnam, he leaves the ministry with a legacy spanning diplomacy, international law, maritime governance, ASEAN, academia and public service.
And at 88, he is still working.
His next chapter at NUS means Singapore’s veteran diplomat will continue contributing to international law and policy even after officially closing his 55-year career at the MFA.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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