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Lee Kuan Yew

Lee Kuan Yew is considered the founding father of modern Singapore. Born Harry Lee Kuan Yew in September 1923, he governed Singapore over three decades and oversaw its separation from Malaysia, transforming it from a relatively underdeveloped British colonial outpost with no natural resources into a "First World" Asian Tiger. His People's Action Party won eight back-to-back electoral victories until he stepped aside in 1990. Lee stepped down from government in 2011. Lee died on March 23, 2015.

Born

16 Sep 1923

Industry

Politics

Job Title

Former Prime Minister of Singapore

Statesman Lee Kuan Yew waves to the crowd at the National Day celebration in Singapore on August 9, 1996. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Letters | What Lee Kuan Yew knew: leaders’ psychological fitness matters

Readers discuss the finer points of leadership selection, whether the Iran war is another US distraction, and corruption in China.

14 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

Lee Kuan Yew

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | What Lee Kuan Yew knew: leaders’ psychological fitness matters

Readers discuss the finer points of leadership selection, whether the Iran war is another US distraction, and corruption in China.

A tale of two cities: Singapore, Hong Kong and their contrasting paths

Singapore to acquire Lee Kuan Yew’s Oxley Road home for preservation

Singapore in 2025: election fever, courtroom drama, pickleball mania

Local politics, tariff concerns, a horrific child abuse case and noise disputes dominate the headlines this year.

Open Questions | George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack

Singapore’s former foreign minister also discusses Trump, the latest China-Japan dust-up, and rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Reflections | Malaysia’s unusual creation still affects it today. China mulled doing similar

Malaysia was born as a federation in 1963, with some states considered ‘special’. China also once toyed with federal ideals.

Open Questions | Yeo on how Trump wants to avoid Taiwan upending China relations

Former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo says that Donald Trump is prioritising stable relations with China, and that the US is facing decline amid a shift to a multipolar world.

Lee Kuan Yew’s Oxley Road home officially declared Singapore ‘national monument’

The designation marks a turning point, potentially ending years of family dispute and opening the door to heritage preservation in Singapore.

Lee Kuan Yew’s pain and his deputy’s resolve in Singapore-Malaysia separation

A new book unveiled by ex-PM Lee Hsien Loong reveals how Goh Keng Swee shaped Singapore’s 1965 split from Malaysia.

Singapore launches book on Malaysia separation with declassified files

‘The Albatross File: Inside Separation’ sheds light on the negotiations leading up to Singapore’s break from Malaysia.

Saudi adviser lauds parallels with Singapore in modernisation efforts

Mohammed Khalid Alyahya cites the late Singaporean leader’s pragmatic and results-driven governance as a template for Saudi Arabia’s ambitions.

Singapore to preserve 38 Oxley Road for history, not as Lee Kuan Yew memorial

Speaking on the issue, Acting Minister David Neo refers to the preservation of India’s Gandhi Ashram due to its historical significance.

Singapore’s 38 Oxley Road: will move to gazette site end Lee family feud?

Lee Hsien Yang, the younger son of founding PM Lee Kuan Yew, in a Facebook statement accuses the government of disrespecting his father’s legacy.

Lee Kuan Yew’s home ‘worthy of preservation’ as centre of Singapore independence

As it has ‘strong national significance’, 38 Oxley Road has merit to be a state monument, the advisory board says.

Asiaweek founder TJS George’s death leaves behind unmatched legacy

George, who died on Friday aged 97, forged a stellar reputation as an advocate of press freedom over a seven-decade career in journalism.

Malaysian society is polarised but can overcome challenges: Anthony Loke

Race rhetoric has become more divisive due to the opposition playing up such issues for political capital, the transport minister says.

Will Singapore’s PAP rule forever?

The People’s Action Party may have found a lasting formula for governing, with Singaporeans wanting it to remain in power, analysts say.

Singapore, US scrap plans for F-15 fighter jet training in Guam

The planned deployment, which would have been Singapore’s fourth training detachment on US territory, was set to begin in 2029.

Is Singapore’s parliament tame? WP’s Pritam Singh says it’s just ‘pragmatic’

In a radio interview, the Workers’ Party chief argues that MPs are serious about issues and not debating for political effect.

Australia gets ‘unsolicited advice’; Indonesian mine concern: 7 Asia highlights

From Duterte ending his womanising era to defence concerns over an Indonesia mine, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Trump’s Chinese drone issue, Viagra’s potential against cancer: 5 weekend reads

From US president’s attempt to ground China’s drones to a possible new use for Viagra, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

How Singapore’s early leaders supported Lee Kuan Yew’s vision by challenging him

Former Straits Times editor-in-chief Cheong Yip Seng reflects on the quiet candour and firm convictions of Singapore’s pioneer generation.

Why Singapore refused to be a ‘Third China’ – and how Lee Kuan Yew made it clear

In his new book, veteran editor Cheong Yip Seng recalls how Lee Kuan Yew drew a diplomatic line that defined Singapore’s independent path.

New memoir reveals Lee Kuan Yew’s respectful strategy for China relations

Veteran newspaper editor Cheong Yip Seng’s new memoir outlines Lee’s diplomatic skill with China that earned him Beijing’s enduring trust.

Editorial | China-Singapore relations a steadying force amid global uncertainty

Singapore leader’s visit to Beijing signals a healthy appreciation by both countries of the need to enhance mutual trust and cooperation.

Can Indonesia truly ‘copy with pride’ Singapore’s success?

Indonesia’s president is keen to replicate the neighbouring city state’s triumphs, but analysts warn that deeper reforms will be needed.

Opinion | How Trump’s tariffs could benefit Asean in the long run

While the tariffs may undermine the bloc’s growth in the short term, they are spurring increased cooperation between member states and with others.

Musk’s alleged Japan child, ‘Trump and Lee Kuan Yew similar’: 7 Asia highlights

From Elon Musk’s alleged child in Japan to India’s AMCA stealth fighter, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Letters | What Lee Kuan Yew knew: leaders’ psychological fitness matters

Reflections | Malaysia’s unusual creation still affects it today. China mulled doing similar