Kwek Leng Joo, who served as the Deputy Chairman of Singapore-listed property giant, City Developments Ltd., has died in his sleep Monday morning, at the age of 62. 

A prominent businessman and brother of billionaire Kwek Leng Beng, he served as the Director of CDL in 1980, moving up the ranks to Managing Director of the company in 1995.

During his lifetime, he was also a well-known philanthropist and environmental pioneer who had been a strong supporter of their Corporate Social Responsibility for over 20 years. In 2012, Singapore Tatler recognised his contributions when he received the Environment Award at the Singapore Tatler Ball. 

In his acceptance speech, he said, “In the early 1990s, we were aware that the building industry was considered to have a negative impact on the environment. As a major developer and landlord, CDL believed that we could make a difference and make a change. Conserving as we construct became our ethos and we began championing the development of green buildings and sustainable business practices. We have never looked back since and sustainable development has remained one of our top priorities.  I firmly believe that a successful corporation is not founded on business achievements alone, but also on the positive role it can play towards environmental sustainability.”