Howe, who graduated from the University of Malaya in Singapore in 1953, also served as a senior civil servant, holding the posts of CEO of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) (1960–1970); Chairman of the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office and Head of the Singapore Civil Service (1975–1979); Minister of Defence (1979–1982); and Minister of Health (1982–1984). In addition, he served as Chairman of the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) (1970–1979, 1985–1990), Great Eastern Life Assurance (1992–2000) and The Straits Holding Company (1992–2007).