SINGAPORE – Many know the late Dr Ee Peng Liang as Singapore’s “father of charity”. He was a businessman and philanthropist who founded various charity organisations, including the Community Chest.

But it is likely far fewer know that he was also a World War II hero, and was nearly executed during that time by the Kempeitai, the Japanese military police force.

To pay tribute to Dr Ee and other pioneers, writer Shawn Seah has penned a new series of books for children, Our Amazing Heroes.

Mrs Elizabeth Choy and Captain Ho Weng Toh are the other two pioneers featured in the books.

The books will be on sale from Feb 15, which is Singapore’s Total Defence Day.

“This year marks the milestone of 60 years of Singapore’s independence,” Mr Seah said. “Coincidentally, it is also 80 years (since) the Japanese surrendered at the end of World War II.”

“I think few people know that (Dr Ee) fought in the second world war,” said Mr Seah, who is also a heritage enthusiast and descendant of businessman and philanthropist Seah Eu Chin.

Dr Ee joined the Straits Settlements Volunteer Force (SSVF), a volunteer military organisation to defend the Straits Settlements during the Japanese invasion in 1942.

After Singapore fell, he became a prisoner of war and endured harsh conditions in Japanese prison camps. The ordeal influenced his subsequent dedication to philanthropy and community service in Singapore.

“Dr Ee led a machine gun section of the SSVF,” said Mr Seah, 39. “He was even willing to sacrifice his life for his fellow soldiers and was nearly executed by the Kempeitai, but was pardoned!”

Our Amazing Heroes tells the stories of how Dr Ee, Mrs Choy and Capt Ho overcame challenges during and after the war, and the values they exemplified.

“They represent diverse fields – aviation, charity and education – and the...