Lee Hsien Loong

ABOUT

Lee Hsien Loong is the current Prime Minister of Singapore, a position he has held since August 12, 2004. He is also the Secretary-General of the People's Action Party (PAP). Before becoming Prime Minister, Lee served in various ministerial positions, including as Deputy Prime Minister under Goh Chok Tong. His leadership has been marked by initiatives to boost Singapore's economic growth, maintain its high education standards, and adapt to the ever-changing global landscape.

BEFORE FAME

Born on February 10, 1952, Lee Hsien Loong is the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, the founding prime minister of Singapore, and Kwa Geok Choo. He attended Nanyang Primary School and later the Catholic High School. Lee excelled in his studies, earning a President’s Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge, where he graduated with first-class honors in mathematics and a diploma in computer science. He later pursued a Master of Public Administration at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Before entering politics, Lee served in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), where he achieved the rank of Brigadier-General. His early career in the military equipped him with leadership skills that would prove invaluable in his subsequent political career.

TRIVIA

• Lee Hsien Loong is known for his proficiency in various languages, including English, Mandarin, and Malay.
• He became Singapore’s third Prime Minister and has led the country through various economic and social changes.
• He has a deep interest in technology and was instrumental in pushing for the Smart Nation initiative to leverage digital technology for economic and social growth.
• Lee has been active in sharing his thoughts and ideas on social media, frequently using platforms like Facebook to engage with the public.

FAMILY LIFE

Lee Hsien Loong is married to Ho Ching, the CEO of Temasek Holdings, one of Singapore's sovereign wealth funds. The couple has four children. Lee's family continues to play a significant role in Singapore's public life, with his brother and sister also being influential figures in their respective fields.

His father, Lee Kuan Yew, had a profound influence on his life and career, imparting values and a vision for Singapore that Lee Hsien Loong has continued to uphold. Lee Kuan Yew's legacy remains integral to the political landscape of Singapore, and Lee Hsien Loong has often expressed his respect and admiration for his father's contributions.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Lee Hsien Loong is closely associated with his father, Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, and Goh Chok Tong, his predecessor as Prime Minister. He has also worked closely with key political figures within the People's Action Party (PAP) and other government officials to steer Singapore through various challenges. His leadership style and policies are often compared to those of his father's, and he is respected internationally for his diplomatic and strategic acumen.

His tenure as Prime Minister has seen him engage with numerous world leaders, strengthening Singapore's international relationships and promoting the city-state as a hub of innovation, trade, and finance.