Maurice Baker

Maurice Baker was born in 1920 in Alor Star, Kedah. He first came to Singapore in 1938 when he joined Raffles College; an alma mater for many of Singapore's forefathers. His English father had inspired his love for reading and later on his love for English Literature. This earned him an honours in mostra'n més English from King's College, London in 1951. His love for teaching also led him to head the University of Singapore's Department of English from 1972 to 1977. Baker was invited to be the first High Commissioner to India in 1967, and was a highly respected diplomat who served Singapore as Ambassador to the Philippines and Malaysia as well. In recognition of his contributions to the University and Singapore, he was awarded the Public Service Star (BBM) and the Meritorious Service Medal (PJG) in 1987, and was appointed Pro-Chancellor of the National University of Singapore in 1989. Malaysia also bestowed the honour of Panglima Setia Mahkota which carries the title of "Tan Sri", in recognition of the role he played in inter-government relations during his diplomatic tenure there. mostra'n menys