Murugasu Bala Subramanion’s journey began in colonial Singapore, on 5 March 1917, at a time when the region was navigating the currents of change. Born to Rajambal and K. Murugasu, who hailed from South India and Malaysia respectively, young Murugasu Bala Subramanion inherited not only a rich cultural tapestry but a spirit of perseverance and community service. His early education at the Singapore English School, where he excelled both academically and athletically, laid the groundwork for a lifetime of excellence.
By the age of 18, he had completed his Senior Cambridge and London Chamber of Commerce exams—a testament to his determination in a time when opportunities for locals, especially Asians, were few and far between in civil services dominated by British colonial administration.
Breaking Colonial Barriers: A Historic Career in Postal Services
When Murugasu Bala Subramanion entered the Colonial Postal Services Department in 1936 as a probationary clerk, he was stepping into a world where Asians rarely rose to leadership positions. But his intellect, integrity, and tireless work ethic would soon turn the tide.
After World War II, he was awarded a scholarship to study in Great Britain—a significant achievement at the time. He remained in Britain for several years, acquiring deep insights into postal systems before returning to Singapore in 1955. What followed was a series of firsts: first local assistant comptroller, first local comptroller of posts in 1957, and ultimately, in 1967, Singapore’s first Asian postmaster-general.
One of his most notable accomplishments came during Singapore’s turbulent separation from Malaysia. Bala Subramanion managed the complex and crucial transition of Singapore’s postal and financial services headquarters from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. In just six months, he ensured that communication—lifeblood for a young nation—remained uninterrupted.
Murugasu Bala Subramanion: Delivering Unity Through Stamps
In response to the painful 1964 racial riots that shook the nation’s soul, Murugasu Bala Subramanion chose unity as his message. In 1968, under his direction, the Masks and Dances Definitives stamp series was launched. These stamps celebrated the traditional performances of the Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities, symbolizing harmony, diversity, and shared heritage. They were small but powerful reminders that Singapore’s strength lay in its unity.
Reviving the Nation’s Savings Culture
His contributions extended beyond the mailroom. As chairman of the Savings Bank Advisory Committee, Bala led a transformative revival of the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB). Through creative campaigns such as savings contests and public education, POSB deposits surged from S$10,000 in new accounts to a staggering S$57.7 million between 1966 and 1969.
This influx of domestic savings provided the newly independent Singaporean government with a crucial, non-inflationary pool of funds for national development. Subramanion didn’t just manage money—he empowered citizens to invest in their country’s future.
A Pillar of the Indian Community
Beyond government service, Murugasu Bala Subramanion was a cornerstone of Singapore’s Indian community. He was a founding member and president of the Singapore Indian Association, a trustee of the Singapore Indian Education Trust, and a stalwart of the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society.
Murugasu Bala Subramanion worked closely with unionist G. Kandasamy to reorganize the Tamils Representative Council in the 1980s, spearheading efforts to promote Tamil education in local schools. His efforts helped safeguard the Tamil language and culture at a time when modernity risked marginalizing traditional roots.
Even after retirement, he remained a mentor and guide. His informal circle of admirers and protégés—affectionately called the Bala Wallas—regularly gathered to hear his insights on society, governance, and cultural heritage.
A Life Steeped in Faith and Service
As a devout Hindu, Murugasu Bala Subramanion supported the development of major temples like Sri Sivan Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, playing a pivotal role in fundraising and organizational leadership. His contributions were recognized by the Hindu Endowments Board, which honored him during its 50th anniversary celebration in 2019.
He also served as a member of the Hindu Advisory Board, advising the government on religious and cultural matters with grace and wisdom.
An Enduring Legacy
In 2016, his life story was immortalized in the biography Singapore, My Country, launched by then-Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the historic Fullerton Hotel—once the site of the General Post Office where Bala had spent 35 years shaping the nation’s infrastructure and identity.
His accolades include the prestigious Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Gold) medal awarded in 1965 by President Yusof Ishak, a mark of high distinction in Singapore’s civil administration.
A Life Well Lived and Remembered
Murugasu Bala Subramanion passed away on 3 February 2021 at the age of 103, just 28 days shy of his 104th birthday. He left behind his beloved wife, Dr. Sumitra, their daughter, and memories of a son who predeceased him. Despite personal losses, Bala found solace in poetry—particularly the verses of Persian sage Omar Khayyam.
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