After his time in the SAF, he served as Singapore’s Ambassador to Egypt from 1974 to 1979, with concurrent accreditation to Pakistan, Yugoslavia, Lebanon and Ethiopia.
After his public service, he held several senior appointments at Neptune Orient Lines from 1981 to 1995. During his retirement, he spearheaded the development of Gateway Distriparks, a logistics company in India with Singapore parties.
“Today, we deeply mourn the loss of a loving husband, doting father and grandfather, a trailblazer and a pioneer of Singapore,” his family told CNA.
“We will always cherish his accomplishments and what he has done in service to the community and the nation. He has touched many people and always remained humble and noble, something we shall always aspire to be.”
Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong said he is “deeply saddened” by BG Vij’s death.
“He was an exemplary leader and pioneer of the SAF. My officers and I are fortunate beneficiaries of his legacy and will continue his work to keep Singapore safe and secure,” he said.
“We thank BG Kirpa for his many contributions to the SAF and extend our deepest sympathies to his family.”