CSC Trustee Dr. A. Vijiaratnam
Dr. Arumugam Vijiaratnam who was born on 24th August 1921 passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of 18 February 2016 at the age of 94. Dr. Vijiaratnam or Viji as he is affectionately known is the only Singaporean who had represented Singapore in four sports namely Football, Hockey, Rugby and Cricket between 1946 and 1956. Dr. Vijiaratnam studied in Victoria School from 1937 to 1940.He was one of the first government scholars to demonstrate that sports and studies could be balanced successfully. He was awarded government scholarships to study engineering at Kuala Lumpur Technical College in 1941 and Brighton College of Advanced Technology in 1950, where he graduated with an engineering degree. He captained the Hockey and Cricket teams at the Brighton College of Advanced Technology. After he returned to Singapore in 1955, Viji played Hockey for the Ceylon Sports Club, which eventually led to a spot in the National team at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
“I gave nothing short of 100 percent every time I took the field”
In 1953, he worked for the Public Works Department and thereafter the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA).He retired from PSA as the Director of Engineering at the age of 75. He became the first Pro- Chancellor of Nanyang Technological University in 1992 and served until 2005.He was a former President of the Institute of Engineers, Board Chairman of Tamil Murasu and the World Bank consultant. In an interview Viji cordially shared “if you ask me for the secret of my success, it is always to be at the pinnacle of my potential… I gave nothing short of 100 percent every time I took the field”.
In a society that exhalts “wellrounded individuals” Viji stood as a beacon, a time “Master of all” As has been said by many Viji lived a full life and a life well lived. He was an exceptionally talented sportsman, an efficient, result orientated and dependable professional who could be called upon to take any challenges. Finally as a father, grandfather, relative and friend he was always there for people.
“Viji lived a full life and a life well lived. He was an exceptionally talented sportsman”
At his funeral service all present at the funeral hall at the Mandai at the beckon of Mr. V K Rajah (Attorney General) stood and instead of a one minute silence gave a one minute continuous applause to celebrate Viji’s life and his many accomplishments. Not only his family and the club but Singapore has lost a truly remarkable, talented and exceptional man and we pray for his soul to rest in peace.