Singapore bunker surveyor veteran Daniel Phua passed away while doing what he loved most – playing golf – on Thursday (7 October), learned bunkering publication Manifold Times.
Professionally, Phua is the Director of surveying firm Potential Inspection Services and a Director of the Academy of International Maritime Studies; he is also the Founder and President of the 2017-established Association of Bunker Industry Singapore, also known as ABIS.
Personally, he is also known as a loving family man; Phua leaves behind son Phua Nahum with daughter in law – Chong Hui Ting; eldest daughter Phua Naomi with son-in-law Seah Chee Fong and grandson Micaiah Seah; and youngest daughter Phua Natassia.
Words from the Phua Family
“Thank you for being a selfless, caring and ever loving father. Bringing not just rice but also joy and laughter home. Always teaching and guiding us to soar to our highest but also to stay humble to the ground. We will always remember the lessons you’ve taught us and also we will miss you dearly,” says the Phua Family in a joint statement.
Madeline Lee, Sales Manager, Island Oil Trading (Singapore)
You always gave us your sincere advice whenever we asked. You doted on your family and was happiest with your brood surrounding you with your cooking. With a broken heart, I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge and will always miss your rich laughter. I just wish we have more times to share together but with the golden memories you left behind, it will be cherished. You will always be remembered in my heart. Have a great journey up there. RIP.
Dennis Ho, Managing Director, ElbOil Singapore
I got to know Daniel back in the days when IBIA Asia was still in its formative years. I remember fondly the time we spent together during SIBCON week organising an IBIA initiated golf event to raise money for a scholarship fund that till today is benefitting the younger generation aspiring for a career in the maritime industry.
We went to organise a few more golfing events over the years. Be it canvassing for sponsors or taking up a few golf flights for these events, Daniel’s support and commitment is always there. Over the years, we developed a relationship that is hard to describe – but you know he’s there when you need him. He will be greatly missed by the Singapore bunkering industry. May he rest in peace.
Simon Neo, Operations Director, Sevenseas Oil Trading
I have known Daniel, since 2004 when he first joined IBIA as a member and also as an EXCO member. His passion for golf is so strong, that he together with some members of the EXCO, started to organise an annual golf event for the industry and have been very successful at it. He also made great contribution to the bunker surveying industry by establishing the Association of Bunkering Industry Singapore, commonly known as ABIS, to raise voices of the bunker surveying industry. It is sad to hear of his passing and the bunker surveying industry will greatly miss him.
Douglas Raitt, Regional Advisory Services Manager, Lloyd’s Register
I have known Daniel pretty much since I arrived in Singapore over 20 years ago and came to know him as a very hard working entrepreneurial professional in the bunker industry. He always had an incredible sense of humour and dealing with him was a delight. We have lost a great man who contributed a lot to the industry.
Association of Bunker Industry (Singapore)
We are all deeply sadden and shocked upon the demise of our ABIS President. We have lost a comrade, a friend and a leader whom had taken us from a bunch of loose sand and mounded us into an effective association that made contribution to the bunkering industry. It would be difficult for us to replace him.
Gabian Chew, Founder, Manifold Times
Daniel has been one of the rare individuals unafraid to speak his mind when it comes to the more sensitive issues pertaining the Singapore bunkering industry; these qualities were probably what led him to setup ABIS in order to give bunker surveying firms a voice at Singapore port.
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts; he will be remembered.
Details of the wake for wreaths and visitors are as follows:
Date: 8 October to 12 October
Address: Blk 328 Woodlands Street 32
Postal Code: 730328
Photo credit: Phua Family
Published: 8 October, 2021