Contents
Lee Kuan Yew
Leading Singapore through independence and its transformation into a major economic centre.
Independence · Industrial development
- Born
- 16 September 1923
- Birthplace
- Singapore
- Died
- 23 March 2015
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Franklin D. RooseveltLeading the United States through the Great Depression and most of the Second World War.Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore’s first prime minister, serving from 1959 to 1990.
Early life
Colonial Singapore
Grew up under British rule and experienced the Japanese occupation.
Law studies
Studied at Cambridge before returning to legal practice.
Career
- 1954
People’s Action Party
Co-founded the party.
- 1959–1965
Self-government and separation
Became prime minister and led Singapore through merger with and separation from Malaysia.
- 1965–1990
Independent Singapore
Oversaw industrialisation, housing and state-building.
Policies & legacy
Independence
Led the new republic after separation from Malaysia.
Industrial development
Promoted investment, infrastructure and export-oriented growth.
Housing and administration
Expanded institutions central to daily life in Singapore.
Political context
Political restrictions
His government constrained opposition and press freedom.
Later office
Remained influential after stepping down as prime minister.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: White House Photographic Office. 1974-1977. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
