Stamford Tyres founder Wee Kok Wah dies at 78

He helmed the company for more than 50 years, growing it from a family-run business to a multinational firm operating in 11 countries

STAMFORD Tyres founder Wee Kok Wah, the man behind one of South-east Asia’s largest independent tyres and wheels distributor, died on Monday (Oct 21).

The 78-year-old was highly regarded in the tyre industry and the business world for his passion for and in-depth knowledge of the tyre business which gave him international recognition, the group said in a bourse filing.

For more than 50 years, Wee was at the helm of Stamford Tyres, which grew from a family-run business to a multinational company operating in 11 countries. He joined Stamford Motor Service, which was started by his father in the 1930s and renamed the company in 1970.

“Mr Wee went on to steer the company to a public listing in 1991, and steadily expanded its business into a global international player in the distribution and retailing of tyres and wheels, and the manufacturing of wheels,” the group said.

“The board expresses its deepest sorrow over the death of Mr Wee and conveys its condolences to his family.”

Wee leaves behind his wife, two daughters and a son as well as two granddaughters.

In an obituary placed by the company, the family declined flowers or wreaths and requested for donations to be made to the Advancing Resources for Kidney Diseases Fund. The Straits Times reported in 2023 that Wee suffered from kidney failure.

Wee’s wake will be held at 24 Ewart Park from Oct 23 until Oct 26, between 11 am and 9 pm.