Ex-Raffles Institution headmaster Eugene Wijeysingha dies at 90

Former educator and headmaster of Raffles Institution (RI) Eugene Wijeysingha died on March 2 at the age of 90.

- Fatimah Mujibah

The school announced his death in a Facebook post on March 2.

Calling the late educator a visionary, it said: "He will be fondly remembered as a man for the people, and his legacy will continue to live on in the students and staff who were touched by his leadership, and those who were privileged to have crossed paths with him."

RI said Mr Wijeysingha, who was affectionately known as Mr Wijey, began his teaching career at the school as a history teacher at its old campus in Bras Basah in 1959, and later served as senior master. He then served as principal of Temasek Junior College (TJC) from 1980 to 1985, before returning to lead RI as headmaster in 1986.

He was later instrumental in leading RI to become an independent school, RI said. He also coordinated its move from Grange Road to Bishan in 1990, established its boarding programme in 1994, and helped preserve the school's history by publishing The Eagle Breeds A Gryphon.

He retired at the end of 1994, leaving a lasting impact on teachers, staff and alumni, said the institution.