Singapore PM honours Ratan Tata, calls him 'true friend of Singapore'

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has paid homage to Ratan Tata who made valuable contributions to Singapore's economic transformation, calling him a true friend whose legacy will be cherished in the country.

The former Tata Group chairman passed away on Wednesday evening aged 86.

In a post on Facebook and other social media platforms, Wong on Thursday said Ratan Tata had a long association with Singapore.

"He was a true friend of Singapore and we will cherish his contributions and legacy."

He was a strong advocate of our country, and made valuable contributions to our economic transformation, said Wong.

The Tata group has a large presence in Singapore since the late 1960s when JRD Tata visited Singapore.

Ratan Tata grew the seedling of India-Singapore industrial relations into over 15 operating companies in the city-state -- covering IT, Shipping, Engineering, Energy and Financial Services.

The group formally entered Singapore in 1972, forming the Tata-Government Training Centre for