Lee Kuan Yew: A Detailed Biography

Lee Kuan Yew (1923–2015) was the founding father of modern Singapore. As Prime Minister from 1959 to 1990, he took a small, resource-less island with no natural resources and turned it into one of the world’s wealthiest, cleanest, and most efficient nations. Admired as a visionary and criticised as authoritarian, his “Singapore model” is studied worldwide. This biography covers his childhood under British and Japanese rule, anti-colonial struggle, nation-building, and lasting legacy, as documented by the National Library Board Singapore, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and his own memoirs From Third World to First.

Early Life and Education

Born Under British Rule

Lee Kuan Yew was born on September 16, 1923, in Singapore into a wealthy Straits-Chinese family. He studied at Raffles Institution and Raffles College, but World War II interrupted his education, as detailed by the National Heritage Board Singapore.

Japanese Occupation and Political Awakening

During the Japanese occupation (1942–1945), Lee worked as an English-language editor for the Japanese propaganda department (Hodobu) and ran a black-market business. The brutality he witnessed hardened his belief that only strong, disciplined leadership could protect Singapore, as recounted in his memoir The Singapore Story.

Cambridge and Return

After the war, Lee won a scholarship to Cambridge University (Fitzwilliam College), graduating with a starred First in law in 1949. He briefly practised in London before returning to Singapore in 1950.

Anti-Colonial Struggle and PAP

Founding the People’s Action Party

In 1954 Lee co-founded the People’s Action Party (PAP). Running on an anti-corruption, pro-independence platform, the PAP won the 1959 election; Lee became Singapore’s first Prime Minister at age 35, as recorded by the Istana Singapore.

Malaysia and Independence

Singapore joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, but racial tensions and political clashes led to its expulsion in 1965. On live television, Lee tearfully announced Singapore’s independence, declaring, “For me it is a moment of anguish.”

Building the Singapore Miracle

Economic and Social Policies

With no natural resources, Lee focused on foreign investment, education, public housing (HDB flats), and strict law and order. He introduced compulsory national service and the Central Provident Fund. By the 1990s Singapore had one of the highest GDP per capita in the world, as noted by the World Bank.

Authoritarian Governance

Lee’s PAP dominated politics for decades. He used defamation lawsuits, the Internal Security Act, and strict media controls against opposition. His government banned chewing gum, imposed caning, and executed drug traffickers — measures credited with creating one of the safest cities on earth.

Personal Life

Lee married Kwa Geok Choo in 1947 (they met at Raffles College); they had three children. His wife was his intellectual equal and translated his speeches. She suffered strokes in 2008 and died in 2010. Lee stepped down as Prime Minister in 1990, becoming Senior Minister and Minister Mentor until 2011.

Death and Legacy

Lee Kuan Yew’s Enduring Impact

Lee died on March 23, 2015, at age 91 after a long illness. A week of national mourning followed; over 1.5 million people paid respects. His son Lee Hsien Loong is the current Prime Minister. Singapore’s transformation from “third world to first” (title of his memoirs) is studied by leaders worldwide, as covered by the BBC and the Straits Times.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lee Kuan Yew

Why Is Lee Kuan Yew Famous?

For turning Singapore from a poor port into one of the richest countries in half a century.

Was Lee Kuan Yew a Dictator?

No — democratically elected, but ruled with authoritarian methods and little opposition.

Where Was Lee Kuan Yew Born?

Singapore, September 16, 1923.

What Is “From Third World to First”?

Title of his 2000 memoirs describing Singapore’s rise.

Why Did Singapore Separate from Malaysia?

Racial tensions and political differences led to expulsion on August 9, 1965.

What Were Lee Kuan Yew’s Strict Laws?

Chewing-gum ban, caning, death penalty for drugs, fines for not flushing toilets.

How Did Lee Kuan Yew Die?

Pneumonia on March 23, 2015, at age 91.