Subsequently, Ridzwan studied at Raffles Institution (RI) for his secondary education, but was soon forced into digging tunnels at Pasir Panjang Hill under the Japanese Occupation.

Ridzwan secured a government bursary and financial assistance from his professor, Alexander Oppenheim, to continue funding his studies, and eventually graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics.

[10] During his tenure, Ridzwan lead envoys to Japan, United States and Europe, with the aim of creating export opportunties for companies in Singapore.

[11][12][13][14] On 1 January 1983, Ridzwan was appointed as director general of the Trade Development Board (TDB), continuing the agenda of negotiating with other countries to provide economic opportunities for Singapore.

Initially, Ridzwan requested for a term of 18 months instead of the usual three years, citing his existing responsibilities as director general of TDB and roving ambassador.

[1] In total, he participated in 60 trade missions, and represented Singapore at more than 500 international conferences and meetings, earning him the nickname "Mr ASEAN".