Abraham Logan (b. 31 August 1816, Hattan Hall, Berwickshire, Scotland‒d. 20 December 1873, Penang, Straits Settlements) was a leading lawyer in Singapore, as well as the one-time owner and editor of The Singapore Free Press newspaper. He was involved in the historic ...

Adrin Loi Boon Sim (b. 1955, Singapore–) is the executive chairman of food and beverage chain Ya Kun International. The youngest son of Ya Kun founder, Loi oversaw the expansion of the company from a single outlet to a chain spanning over 50 outlets in Singapore ...

Ahmad bin Mohamed Mattar (Dr) (b. 13 August 1940, Singapore–), better known as Ahmad Mattar, is a former academic and People’s Action Party (PAP) politician. As the minister-in-charge of muslim affairs, Ahmad spearheaded the formation of the Mendaki Foundation ...

Alfian bin Sa’at (b. 18 July 1977, Singapore–), commonly known as Alfian Sa’at, is a prominent English- and Malay-language playwright, poet and short-story writer in Singapore and Malaysia. Known for his politically charged works, Alfian is notable for being the ...

Amanda Heng Liang Ngim (born 1951, Singapore), better known simply as Amanda Heng, is a contemporary artist known for her collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to art. Heng’s works typically explore real-world social issues in the context of Singapore’s ...

Anastasia Tjendri-Liew (b. 1947, Bangka Island, Indonesia–) is the founder and managing director of Bengawan Solo, one of Singapore’s most successful bakery chains. Under her leadership, Bengawan Solo has grown from a single store to a chain with over 40 outlets. ...

Ang Chwee Chai (b. 1910–d. 1995, Singapore) was one of Singapore’s leading pioneers in photography. He received the Honorary Excellence Distinction from the Swiss-based International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) in 1963 and was awarded the Honorary Fellowship ...

Ang Peng Siong (b. 27 October 1962, Singapore - ), a competitive swimmer from 1977 to 1993, was ranked world's No.1 in 1982 when he clocked a time of 22.69s in the 50m freestyle at the US Nationals. That record which he set for the 50m freestyle remains the national ...

Anita Sarawak (b. 23 March 1952, Singapore–) is a professional entertainer known for her showmanship, powerful vocals and energetic performances. A versatile and talented artiste, Anita has performed in film, television and on stage. She is one of the first Asian ...

Anthony Then (b. 16 June 1944, Singapore–d. 16 December 1995, Singapore), also known as Tony, was a dancer, choreographer and dance teacher who was instrumental in the professionalisation of dance in Singapore. Together with Goh Soo Khim, he founded the Singapore ...

Folk singer-songwriter Art Fazil is often regarded as Singapore’s Bob Dylan. Like Dylan, he is known for singing socially conscious songs accompanied by the acoustic guitar and harmonica. Art writes and sings both Malay and English songs, and has written many songs ...

Fashion designer Ashley Isham, born Eshamuddin Ismail (b. 1979, Singapore–), is one of Singapore’s most prominent figures in the fashion industry. Isham has been based in London since 1996 and his collections are often showcased during London Fashion Week. He once ...

Awang Bakar (b. 1930 or 1936, Singapore–d. 1 July 1964, Singapore) was a footballer who represented Singapore in the 1950s. He won the Malaya Cup four times with Singapore and is best known for his prolific goal-scoring. In 1999, Awang was ranked 20th in The Straits ...

Benedict Tan Chi’ Loong (Dr) (b. 21 November 1967, Singapore–) is a former national sailor who has won gold medals at the Asian Games and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. He is also a medical doctor specialising in sports medicine and president of the Singapore Sailing ...

Carl Alexander Gibson-Hill (b. 23 October 1911, Newcastles-upon-Tyne, England–d. 18 August 1963, Singapore) was the last British director of Raffles Museum (today’s National Museum) in Singapore. He also made his mark as president (1956–61) of the Malayan Branch ...

Chan Heng Chee (b. 19 April 1942, Singapore–) is a distinguished academic who has served in a number of key diplomatic positions for Singapore, including ambassador to the United States from 1996 to 2012. In addition, she has held academic appointments in local ...

Chan Kim Boon (b. 1851, Penang–d. 1920, Singapore?) is a Peranakan who gained fame with his Baba Malay translations of Chinese classics such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin.

Chan Sek Keong (b. 1937, November 6, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia–) is a trained lawyer who has held several key appointments in Singapore’s judiciary and civil service. He has served variously as independent Singapore’s first Judicial Commissioner, third Attorney-General ...

Charles Emmerson (b. 1835 or 1836, United States of America–d. 2 June 1883, Singapore) was a veterinarian. However, he is better remembered as the founder and operator of Emmerson’s Tiffin Rooms, a popular restaurant regarded as a local institution in Singapore ...

Checha Davies, also known as Mrs. E. V. Davis (b. 1898, Kerala, India–d. 2 September 1979, Singapore), was a social worker, women’s activist and community volunteer. She was prominent in various organisations, including the trailblazing Singapore Council of Women ...

Chen Chong Swee (b. 6 November 1910, Chenghai County, Guangdong Province, China—d. 15 February 1985, Singapore), also known as Chen Kai, was a painter, educator, writer and critic. Chen belonged to the pioneering group of artists of the Nanyang style. His contemporaries ...

Cheng Tsang Man (b. 10 October 1916, Fujian, China – d. 7 July 2013) is the founder of Singapore’s first flour mill, the Prima Group. He served as executive chairman of Prima for 37 years. During his time, the company grew from a single flour mill into a multi-national ...

Chia Boon Leong (b. 1 January 1925, Singapore–) is a former footballer who played for Singapore in the Malaya Cup (now known as the Malaysia Cup) and other representative matches. He also represented China at the 1948 Olympic Games in London. Nicknamed “Twinkletoes”, ...

Chia Hwee Pheng (b. 1957, Singapore–) is an accomplished Chinese poet and novelist who writes under the pseudonym of Xi Ni Er. Chia has won many major literary awards, including the Golden Lion Literary Award and the National Book Development Council of Singapore’s ...

Chia Thye Poh (b. 1941–) is a former member of parliament and political detainee. He was arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in October 1966, and was not charged or tried until his conditional release in May 1989. The government attributed ...

The chief justice of Singapore presides over the judiciary – a system of courts that upholds the law and ensures justice is accessible to all. Besides being responsible for the overall functioning of the Singapore judiciary, he or she plays a role in numerous appointments ...

Chong Tze Chien, 张子健 (b. 1974, Singapore–) is a talented and versatile playwright. One of Singapore’s brightest playwrights, Chong has been compared to heavyweights such as Arthur Miller and Kuo Pao Kun by Casey Lim, the former associate artistic director of TheatreWorks. ...

Choo Hwee Lim (b. 28 September 1931, Singapore–d. 12 May 2008, Singapore) was an important figure in the development of choral music and opera in Singapore. An accomplished baritone singer and music teacher, Choo spotted, encouraged and nurtured once-unknown music ...

Choo Seng Quee (b. 1 December 1914 – d. 30 June 1983, Singapore) was a former coach of the national football teams of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Popularly known as Uncle Choo, he greatly influenced the development of football in these countries from the ...

Christopher Chia (Dr) (b. 1954, Singapore–) is the former chief executive of the National Library Board (NLB) and of the Media Development Authority (MDA), former director of the Information Technology Institute and founding deputy director of the Information Communication ...

Christopher Henry Rothwell Allen (b. 1933, Bombay, India–d. 2004, United Kingdom), more popularly known as Christopher Allen or Chris Allen, was an amateur actor and director who came to Singapore in 1954. He was a prominent member of the expatriate theatre company, ...

Chua Boon Lay (b. 23 October 1902,Singapore– d. 4 October 1976, Singapore) was a footballer who represented Singapore in the Malaya Cup between 1926 and 1937. He is regarded as one of the first two athletes from Singapore to take part in the Olympic Games when ...

Chua Mia Tee (b. 25 November 1931, Shantou, Guangdong, China–) is one of Singapore’s foremost realist painters. He is best known for his oil paintings that depict Singapore’s vanishing traditional urban landscape. He is also a much sought-after portrait artist ...

Chua Sian Chin (b. 26 November 1933, Malacca–d. 26 February 2014, Singapore) was a former cabinet member and one of Singapore’s pioneer generation of leaders. A lawyer by training, Chua entered politics in 1968 after he was elected a People’s Action Party (PAP) ...

Claire Chiang (b. 4 October 1951, Singapore–) is a social activist, entrepreneur and author. She was Singapore’s Woman of the Year in 1999, and a former nominated member of parliament. Married to Ho Kwon Ping, president of the Wah Chang/Thai Wah group of companies, ...

Considered one of Singapore’s foremost English artistes, singer-songwriter Corrinne May has enjoyed critical and popular success in Singapore and regionally. As at 2014, she has released five albums.

Daren Shiau Vee Lung (b. 1971, Singapore–) is a writer, lawyer and an environmental activist. He won the Singapore Literature Prize Commendation Award in 1998 for his debut novel, Heartland. Shiau also received the National Arts Council’s Young Artist Award in ...

David Tay Poey Cher (b. 9 July 1945, Singapore–) is one of the most influential figures in the Singapore photography scene. He was the first Asian to be elected to the Directory Board of the International Federation of Photographic Art. From 1990 to 2013, Tay served ...

Dollah Kassim (b. 13 March 1949, Singapore–d. 15 October 2010, Singapore) was a footballer who represented Singapore between 1968 and 1981. A centre-forward, he was nicknamed the “gelek king” (gelek is a Malay word for a bending movement) for his languid, graceful ...

Douglas Foo (b. 1969, Singapore–), is the chairman, chief executive officer and founder of Apex-Pal International Ltd., a public listed food and beverage company, which owns and operates Sakae Sushi – one of the leading kaiten (conveyer belt) sushi chains in Singapore. ...

Edred John Henry Corner (b. 12 January 1906, London, England–d. 14 September 1996, Great Shelford, England) was a renowned botanist and Assistant Director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens from 1929 to 1945. His extensive knowledge and research on fungi earned him ...

Edmund William Barker (b. 1 December 1920, Singapore–d. 12 April 2001, Singapore), commonly known as E. W. Barker, was the minister for law from 1964 to 1988. He played a significant role in Singapore’s secession from Malaysia in 1965 by drawing up the separation ...

Edwin Arthur Brown (b. 22 July 1878, Eccles, Manchester, England–d. 19 September 1955, Gloucester, England) was a broker, municipal councillor and long-time stalwart of music and theatre in Singapore. He is perhaps best remembered for his memoir describing life ...

Elim Chew Soo Gim (b. 1965, Singapore–) is best known as the founder of 77th Street, the retail store specialising in street wear for teenagers. She is an advocate of social entrepreneurship and believes that businesses can contribute to the community. Chew sits ...

Emma Yong Oi-Mun (b. 20 January 1975, Malaysia–d. 2 May 2012, Singapore) was a well-loved stage performer. The versatile bilingual actress performed in a wide range of shows: from pantomimes and comedies to dramas and musicals to experimental theatre. She was a ...

Eric Khoo Kim Hai (b. 27 March 1965, Singapore–), better known simply as Eric Khoo, is a local filmmaker who has been credited with jumpstarting the Singapore film industry in the mid-1990s. Khoo, who helms local movie companies Zhao Wei Films and Gorylah Pictures, ...

Eric Ronald Alfred (b. Johor, Malaya–) is a zoologist who became the first Malayan-born curator of zoology of the Raffles Museum (now known as the National Museum of Singapore) in 1956. He later served as acting director of the National Museum between 1967 and ...

Eu Tong Sen (b. 23 July 1877, Penang, Malaya –d. 11 May 1941, Hong Kong ) was a businessman and philanthropist who established his fortune in Malaya, and subsequently Hong Kong and southern China. The foundation of his business empire was established through tin ...

Fandi Ahmad (b. 29 May 1962, Singapore–) is a former Singapore national footballer. Regarded as one of Singapore’s most successful footballers, Fandi played for clubs in Singapore, Indonesia, Holland and Malaysia before going on to coach teams in Singapore and ...

Fong Swee Suan (Dr) (b. 27 October 1931, Senggarang, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaya–4 February 2017, Singapore) was a trade unionist who was active in the Singapore labour scene during the 1950s and 1960s. He is often associated with Lim Chin Siong, a fellow trade union ...

Foo Tee Jun (b. 15 December 1935, Singapore–) is a highly regarded and artistically distinguished salon photographer. His involvement with professional photography began in 1963. Over the years, Foo perfected his skills and experimented with various darkroom techniques ...

Frank Dorrington Ward (b. 17 April 1885, Hastings, England–d. 1972) was chief architect of the Public Works Department in the Straits Settlements from 1928 to 1939. Prominent landmarks designed by Ward include the former Kallang Airport terminal building, Clifford ...

Sir Frank Athelstane Swettenham (b. 28 March 1850, Derbyshire, England–d. 14 June 1946, London, England) became Governor of the Straits Settlements on 17 February 1901 and remained in this post until 1904. He was the only governor to have spent his entire civil ...

Franklin Charles Gimson (Sir) (b. 10 September 1890, Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire, England–d. 13 February 1975, Yorkshire, England) was Singapore's first postwar governor and commander-in-chief from 1946 to 1952. He was often associated with the rehabilitation ...

Frederick Nutter Chasen (b. 1896 Norfolk, England–d. 1942, Singapore) was a zoologist who worked at the Raffles Library and Museum from 1921 to 1941, first as a curator and later as its director. Under his directorship, the institution was developed as a centre ...

A collection of 1,000 published books and journals, originally belonging to Carl Alexander Gibson-Hill’s personal library, was donated to the National Library of Singapore on 18 June 1965 by Mrs Loke Yew on behalf of her son, Loke Wan Tho. It was considered as ...

Gillman Barracks is located at Lock Road off Alexandra Road. It used to house the British army, and subsequently various units of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) such as the School of Combat Engineers and the SAF 3rd Transport Battalion. After the army vacated ...

Goh Beng Kwan (b. 26 December 1937, Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia–) is a pioneer Singapore modern artist known for his distinctive approach to abstraction and collage, as seen from his artworks. For his contributions to the local art scene, Goh was awarded the Cultural ...

Goh Chok Tong (b. 20 May 1941, Singapore–) was Singapore’s second prime minister (PM), serving in the office from 28 November 1990 to 11 August 2004. Goh first entered politics as a People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate in the 1976 general election. He was elected ...

Goh Eng Wah (b. 1923, Muar, Johor, Malaysia–d. 5 September 2015, Singapore) was one of the pioneers of Singapore's film industry. He founded Eng Wah Organisation (now known as Eng Wah Global) in 1946, a major film distributor and cinema operator in Singapore specialising ...

Goh Hood Keng (b. 27 February 1888, Singapore–d. 30 January 1961, Singapore) was the first Straits Chinese to be ordained a Methodist minister. He taught at the Anglo-Chinese School for almost 20 years and spent nearly four decades preaching at the Straits Chinese ...

Goh Lay Kuan (b. 1939, Sumatra, Indonesia–) is a pioneer dancer, choreographer and dance teacher. She has nurtured generations of young artists, and is an advocate of arts education for the young and the physically handicapped. She co-founded the Singapore Performance ...

Goh Soo Khim (b. 1944, Singapore–) is a ballerina, choreographer and dance educator. She was one of the co-founders of the Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT), and has been the director and principal of the Singapore Ballet Academy (SBA) since 1971. Goh has played a ...

Goi Seng Hui (b. 1949, Fuqing, China–) is an entrepreneur and investor nicknamed Singapore’s “Popiah King”. His company, Tee Yih Jia, is reportedly the largest producer of spring-roll skins in the world. Also known as Sam Goi, he is often cited as a role model ...

Halford Lovell Boudewyn (b. 1921–d. 26 April 1998, Singapore) was a long-serving police officer. During the Japanese Occupation, he risked his life by storing classified documents stolen from the Indian National Army. He also secretly gathered and shared war news ...

Han Lao Da (b. 22 October 1947, Singapore–), original name Han Yong Yuan, is a Mandarin playwright, theatre director and xiangsheng (or crosstalk, which is a traditional Chinese comedic performance featuring witty dialogue) pioneer who has worked in the local Mandarin ...

Harry Elias (b. 4 May 1937, Singapore–d. 26 August 2020, Singapore) was among Singapore’s best-known trial lawyers and the founder of one of the country’s leading law firms. He was the driving force behind the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS) that has enabled thousands ...

Henn (Henry) Tan (b. 1957, Singapore–) is the chairman, chief executive officer and executive director of Trek 2000 International, the company which invented the “thumb drive”, a USB (universal serial bus) portable data storage device. The company’s revolutionary ...

Herman Ronald Hochstadt (b. 1933, Singapore–) is a former top civil servant who worked in various ministries. He was also a leader in the corporate world and subsequently Singapore’s high commissioner to a number of African countries. Hochstadt is a prominent figure ...

Ho Ho Ying (b. 23 January 1936, Wenchang, Hainan, China–) is a prominent pioneer of modern art in Singapore and an influential art critic. His works have been exhibited in many countries, including Australia, China, France, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, ...

Ho Kwon Ping (b. 24 August 1952, Hong Kong–) is a prominent businessman in Singapore. He is the chairman of Wah Chang Group and Thai Wah Public Company Limited, which owns a portfolio of public and private companies engaged in hotel development and management, ...

Ho Rih Hwa (b. 1917, Singapore–d. 28 August 1999, Singapore) was a prominent businessman and ambassador. He headed the Wah Chang group of companies, a business conglomerate engaged in agribusiness, hotel and resort management, as well as property development in ...

Ho See Beng (b. 5 February 1918, Fujian, China–d. 5 December 2008, Singapore) served as a labour union leader and member of parliament during Singapore’s formative years. A vanguard in the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Ho’s humble background and intimate ...

Benedict Hon Sui Sen (b. 16 April 1916, Balik Pulau, Penang–d. 14 October 1983, Singapore), widely known as Hon Sui Sen, was the first chairman of the Economic Development Board (EDB; 1961–68), and the first chairman and president of the Development Bank of Singapore ...

Hossan Leong (b. 1969, Singapore–) is an actor, comedian, director, television and radio host, motivational speaker and entertainer.

Howe Yoon Chong (b. July 1923, China–d. 21 August 2007, Singapore) was the first chief executive officer (CEO) of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) when it was established in 1960 and head of the civil service from 1975 to 1979. After a civil service career ...

Hsu Tse Kwang (b. 9 January 1929, Singapore –d. 1 December 1999, Singapore) served as Singapore’s tax commissioner for 21 years, earning him the nickname “Mr Taxman”. He also played a prominent role in the labour movement as well as the corporate and sports se ...

Ida Mabel Murray Simmons (b. 1881 or 1888, unknown–d. 7 January 1958, Stirling, Scotland) was a public health matron who transformed maternal and infant health care standards in Singapore. She improved facilities and services in rural areas, and educated families ...

Ip Yiu Tung (b. 1949, Hong Kong–) is the former group chairman and chief executive officer of restaurant chain Crystal Jade Culinary Concepts Holding. After joining Crystal Jade in 1992, he turned the ailing restaurant into a successful restaurant chain with multiple ...

Iskandar Mirza Ismail (b. 23 July 1956, Singapore–d. 1 November 2014, Singapore) is a prominent figure in Singapore’s music scene. A multitalented and versatile musician, Iskandar has worked as a composer, arranger, conductor, music director, recording producer, ...

Iskandar Shah, also spelt as Iskandar Syah, is closely associated with Singapore and Melaka during the 14th and 15th century. He is also associated with other names in Singapore history such as Parameswara and Sri Tri Buana. His identity remains an enigma – he ...

James Walter Davy Ambrose (b. 1909, Penang, Malaya–d. 28 October 1992, Singapore), an ethnic Indian, was a high court judge in the Singapore legal system. Between 1936 and 1958, he held various portfolios in the legal and judicial services of Malaya, including ...

Jacintha Abisheganaden (b. 3 October 1957, Singapore–) is an accomplished Singapore actress, entertainer and jazz singer. The daughter of musician and Cultural Medallion recipient Alex Abisheganaden, Jacintha’s early training in music stood her in good stead for ...

James Richardson Logan (b. 10 April 1819, Berwickshire, Scotland–d. 20 October 1869, Penang, Malaya) was the founder and editor of the Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia (JIAEA). He was one of the key advocates for freedom from Indian rule; his ...

Janet Lim Chiu Mei (b. 14 July c.1923, Hong Kong–5 August 2014, Brisbane, Australia), born Kwek Chiu Mei, was Singapore’s first Asian hospital matron but is better remembered as its first Asian memoirist. Lim’s bestselling memoir, Sold for Silver, recounts her ...

Jennifer Tham Sow Ying (b. 1962, Singapore–) is best known as the conductor of the Singapore Youth Choir (now the SYC Ensemble Singers, or SYC-ES), which she has led since 1986. Trained as a composer, Tham has been actively involved in educating young musicians ...

Joanna Wong Quee Heng (b. 1939, Penang, Malaya–) is a leading exponent of Cantonese opera in Singapore. Although an amateur artist, Wong’s artistic skills have won her praises from Beijing opera scholars. She has also pioneered many novel ideas to promote Cantonese ...

John Chia Keng Hock (b. 1913, location unknown–d. 1 December 1993, Singapore) was a former footballer who represented Singapore several times in the Malaya Cup. Nicknamed “Cannonball Chia” and “The Bull” for his playing style, Chia was an all-round sportsman who ...

A co-founder of Fraser & Neave (F&N), the world-famous bottler of fizzy drinks, John Fraser (b. 1843, Wigtown, Scotland–d. 14 February 1907, Farnham, England) was a Scotsman who made his fortune in Asia. His diverse business interests included printing and publishing, ...

John Le Cain (b. 8 October 1912, Bangkok, Thailand–d. 11 January 1993, Singapore), a prominent Eurasian, was Singapore Police Force’s first Asian to be appointed Commissioner of Police.

Joscelin Yeo Wei Ling (b. 2 May 1979, Seoul, South Korea–) is a national swimmer of Singapore, and the only athlete on record to have won 40 gold medals at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Yeo retired from competitive swimming in 2007, and is regarded as a legend ...

Juliana Yasin (b. 1970, Singapore–d. 27 August 2014, Singapore) was a multidisciplinary artist whose mediums of choice include painting, installation, video and performance art. Her works deal with themes such as movement, identity, displacement, freedom and socio-political ...

Seetoh Kok Fye (b. 1962, Singapore–), better known as K. F. Seetoh, is a prominent local food consultant, photographer, writer and television host. He is best known for creating the popular hawker food guide Makansutra in 1998.

Kenneth Michael Byrne (b. 13 May 1913, Singapore–d. 14 May 1990, Singapore), or K. M. Byrne, was Singapore’s first minister for labour and law. He was one of nine ministers who made up the first cabinet of the People’s Action Party (PAP) government, which was also ...

Kelly Tang Yap Ming (Dr) (b. 1961, Singapore–), better known simply as Kelly Tang, is a prolific and versatile composer whose works cover various genres ranging from classical and jazz to cinematic and popular music. His myriad compositions have been performed ...

Khoo Oon Teik (Dr) (b. 30 March 1921, Penang, Malaysia–5 March 2012, Singapore) was a doctor and the founder of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) in Singapore. Called the “Father of nephrology in Singapore”, he established the first renal dialysis unit, as well ...

Khoo Teck Puat (b. 13 January 1917, Singapore–d. 21 February 2004, Singapore) was a prominent businessman and investor with interests in banking, hotels, property development and other sectors. He controlled the Goodwood group of hotels and held significant stakes ...

Koh Seow Chuan (b. 1939, Singapore–) is a founder of DP Architects, one of Singapore’s most established architecture firms. He is also an internationally renowned philatelist and a prominent heritage philanthropist. His architecture of the Esplanade – Theatres ...

Kumarason Chinnadurai (b. 10 August 1968, Singapore–), popularly known as Kumar, is a stand-up comedian, actor, host and drag queen. He made his name at the now defunct cabaret nightclub Boom Boom Room, and was for a time synonymous with the club as its headlining ...

Kwek Hong Png (b. 1913, Tongan County, Fujian, China–d. 8 November 1994, Singapore) was the founder and chairman of Hong Leong Group. His elder son, Kwek Leng Beng took over the company’s reins in 1984.

Kwek Leng Beng (b. 1941, Singapore–) is a hotel and property tycoon. He heads the Hong Leong Group (HLG) Singapore founded by his father, Kwek Hong Png, as well as property and hotel group, City Developments Limited (CDL). He came into international prominence ...

Lady Yuen-Peng McNeice (also known as Lady Percy McNeice), née Loke Yuen Peng (b. 1917, Kuala Lumpur, Malaya–d. 3 June 2012, Singapore), was a nature conservationist, avid photographer, social worker and philanthropist. Born the daughter of Malayan tycoon Loke ...

Lancelot Maurice Pennefather, also known as L. M. Pennefather (b. 1 January 1894, Malacca–d. 22 June 1982, Singapore) was a noted footballer, athlete, cricketer, weightlifter and hockey player. He was nicknamed “son of the devil” for his fearlessness. Pennefather ...

Sir Laurence Nunns Guillemard (b. 1862 – d. 1951, London, England) was the only Governor of the Straits Settlements who had no previous experience as head of any other colony in the British Empire. His governorship was associated with several notable building projects ...

Lee Chin Koon (b. 1903, Semarang, Indonesia – d. 12 October 1997, Singapore) was a storekeeper and depot manager for the Shell Oil Company, and father of Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Dai Sor (b. 1913–d. 23 March 1989, Singapore), also known as Lee Dai Soh or Li Da Sha, was a renowned Cantonese storyteller. He was especially popular among radio listeners in the 1950s and 1960s. Lee, together with Ng Yong Khern and Ong Toh, who performed in Teochew ...

Lee Hee Seng (b. 1927–d. 4 February 2012, Singapore) was a retired banker with a long record of public service. He was part of the leadership at the former Overseas Union Bank (OUB) for 27 years and was OUB’s chairman when it merged with United Overseas Bank (UOB) ...

Lee Hock Moh (b. 1947, Singapore–) is a Singaporean artist whose detailed and vibrant orchid paintings have won him accolades both locally and internationally. Trained in traditional Chinese ink and Western oil painting, Lee is considered a second-generation artist ...

Lee Kong Chian (Dr) (b. 18 October 1893, Nan’an, Quanzhou, Fujian, China–d. 2 June 1967, Singapore), also known as Geok Kun, was a philanthropist and multi-millionaire businessman who made his mark in the rubber trade and later the pineapple, coconut oil and sawmill ...

Lee Lim (b. 1931, China–d. 12 January 1989, Singapore), was an icon in the field of artistic photography, both locally and internationally. His landscape photography had a distinctive Asian style that strongly resembled Chinese painting. He was also an expert in ...

Lee Seng Gee (b. 25 June 1921, Singapore–d. 10 May 2016, Singapore) was the former chairman of Lee Foundation and Lee Rubber Group. He was known for his charitable and philanthropic contributions towards education, the underprivileged and the arts, continuing the ...

Lee Wen (b. 1957, Singapore–d. 3 March 2019, Singapore) was a multidisciplinary artist and one of Singapore’s most internationally recognised contemporary artists. A local pioneer of performance art who is best known for his Yellow Man series, Lee promoted the ...

Lee Yock Suan (b. 30 September 1946, Singapore–) is a former cabinet minister and member of parliament (MP). He served as MP for the Cheng San single-member constituency (SMC) from 1980 to 1988 followed by Cheng San group representation constituency (GRC) from ...

Lee Yong Kiat (Prof) (b. 8 October 1928, Singapore–d. 22 April 2013, Singapore) was a pioneering physician and medical administrator. He was the medical superintendent at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and then at Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH) during the 1960s. ...

Lew Poo Chan (b. 1943, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaya), better known by her pseudonym Dan Ying, is a well-known poet in Chinese-speaking communities around the world. Her poetry has won a number of literary awards and has been translated into several languages. For ...

Li Rulin (李汝琳; b. 5 July 1914, Qinyang, Henan, China–d. 17 March 1991, Singapore), real name Lee Hung Pen (李宏贲), was one of Singapore’s Chinese literary pioneers. During his lifetime, Li also published under a number of other pseudonyms, including Li Lin, Li Jiguang, ...

Liang Wern Fook (Dr) (b. 1964, Singapore) is a writer, singer-composer and educator in Chinese literature and the Chinese language. A pioneer of xinyao, a genre of Mandarin songs that is unique to Singapore, Liang’s name is synonymous with the xinyao movement. ...

Lim Boon Keng (Dr) (林文庆; Lin Wenqing) (b. 18 October 1869, Singapore–d. 1 January 1957, Singapore) was an eminent figure of the Straits Chinese community. Trained as a medical doctor, Lim was also a public intellectual and writer who championed Confucianism and ...

Lim Cheng Hoe (b. 24 May 1912, Xiamen, China–d. 3 September 1979, Singapore) was a pioneering watercolourist in Singapore and one of the founders of the Singapore Watercolour Society. Unlike some of his contemporaries from the Nanyang group who were educated in ...

Lim Chong Yah (b. 1932, Malacca, Malaysia–) is an eminent economist and academic best known for serving as chairman of the National Wages Council for 29 years. Lim is professor emeritus at both the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, ...

Lim Chor Pee (b. 1936, Penang, Malaysia–d. 5 December 2006, Singapore) was an established lawyer and a pioneer playwright in Singapore. He was among the first batch of playwrights in the 1960s who planted the seeds of local English-language theatre in Singapore. ...

Lim Fei Shen (b. 1945, Singapore–) is a modern dance pioneer in Singapore. Both a dancer and a choreographer, Lee has produced works that show a creative blend of Western and Asian influences. She is also known for her multidisciplinary projects that involve different ...

Lim Hak Tai (林学大) (b. 28 May 1893, Xiamen, Fujian, China–d. 14 February 1963, Singapore) was one of Singapore’s pioneer artists and art educators. He was one of the main proponents of the Nanyang style of art in terms of technique and subject matter. He was also ...

Lim Hock Siew (Dr) (b. 21 February 1931, Singapore–d. 4 June 2012, Singapore) was a medical doctor, politician and political detainee. A founding member of the People’s Action Party (PAP), he later joined the Barisan Sosialis (Malay for “Socialist Front”) and was ...

Lim Nee Soon (b. 12 November 1879, Singapore–d. 20 March 1936, Shanghai, China) was a planter and general merchant. Upon the completion of his studies in Singapore, Lim worked for various firms until 1911 when he founded his own company, Lim Nee Soon & Co. A rubber ...

Lim Pin (Dr) (b. 12 January 1936, Penang, Malaysia–) is an academic and a medical doctor. He was vice-chancellor of the National University of Singapore (NUS) for 19 years from 1981–2000, the longest term for that office. Lim chaired the Bioethics Advisory Committee ...

Lim Yau (born 1952, Singapore) is a prominent orchestral and choral conductor whose long conducting career has included stints as Resident Conductor of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and Music Director of the Singapore Symphony Chorus (SSC). He is reputed ...

Lim Yew Kuan (b. 16 November 1928, Xiamen, China–d. 9 May 2021, Singapore) was a well-known second-generation Nanyang Style painter, printmaker and sculptor. Lim was also an arts educator who taught art for four decades, including a stint as the second principal ...

Lim Yong Liang (b. 1 December 1900–d. 29 October 1982, Singapore) is one of the most prominent names in Singapore football history, having made his mark as a player, coach and administrator. Lim made seven appearances at the Malaya Cup tournament and led his team ...

Lin Hsin Hsin is a Singaporean digital media pioneer. With degrees in mathematics and computer science, Lin is an IT inventor, artist, poet and composer.

Lloyd Oscar Valberg (b. 1922–d. 26 March 1997, Perth, Australia) was Singapore’s sole competitor at the 1948 London Olympics. An all-round sportsman, Valberg was also an accomplished hurdler and triple jumper. Outside of sports, he was a decorated firefighter with ...

Loke Yew (陆佑) (b. 9 October 1845, Xinhui, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China–d. 24 February 1917, Kuala Lumpur, Malaya) was an influential tycoon in British Malaya. Through tin mining and revenue farming, Loke amassed a vast fortune and became one of the richest men in ...

Lou Mee Wah (b. 30 March 1951, Singapore–) is a Cantonese opera singer well known for her role as a male impersonator. She has received many glowing reviews for playing sheng, or male roles, ranging from gentle scholars to fearsome warriors. Her teacher, mentor ...

Low Ing Sing (b. 1924, Sibu, Sarawak–d. 2002, Singapore) was a pioneer of Mandarin drama and theatre in Singapore. An all-rounded theatre practitioner, Low acted, wrote and directed plays, and was also a drama trainer. Furthermore, he was an established writer ...

Lynnette Seah Mei Tsing (b. 1957, Singapore–), better known simply as Lynnette Seah, is an internationally acclaimed violinist. She has been a member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) since its inception in 1979 and is currently its co-leader. An ambassador ...

Mamoru Shinozaki (b. 19 February 1908, Fukuoka, Japan–d. 1991, location unknown) came to Singapore in 1938 as a Japanese government official. He was convicted and jailed for espionage in 1940, and released after Singapore surrendered to the Japanese during World ...

Margaret Chan (Dr) (b. 1949, Singapore–) is an actress and writer. As a stage, television and film actress, she has played iconic roles such as the titular figure in the local play Emily of Emerald Hill. Chan has also worked as a journalist, food critic and restaurant ...

Margaret Tan Hee Leng (b. 1945, Singapore–), popularly known as Margaret Leng Tan, is a pianist and a leading figure in experimental music. One of the best-known Singaporean musicians internationally, she is famed for her skill with unconventional playing techniques ...

Maria Dyer (b. 1803, ? – d. 21 October, 1846, Penang, Malaysia) established girls’ schools and inculcated Christian values and behaviour in her Chinese pupils. In Singapore, she founded the earliest girls’ school, the Chinese Girls’ School, which is present-day ...

Mas Selamat bin Kastari (b. 23 January 1961, Kendal, Java, Indonesia–) was Singapore’s most-wanted terrorist after he escaped from the Whitley Road Detention Centre (WRDC) on 27 February 2008. He was recaptured in a small village in Johor, Malaysia, on 1 April ...

Max Le Blond (b. 1950, Singapore–) was conferred the Cultural Medallion for Theatre in 1987. At age 37, he was then among the youngest to receive the award. At a time when the stage was predominantly Anglo-centric, Le Blond relentlessly pushed for “a truly Singaporean ...

Milenko Prvacki (b. 1951, Yugoslavia–) began his artistic career in his native country, the former Yugoslavia, and had established himself as an artist in Europe before moving to Singapore in 1991. The prolific artist has deeply enriched the local visual arts scene ...

Montague William Pett (b. September 1880, Kent, England–d. 10 November 1940, Exeter, England) was the first professional firefighter from England sent to Singapore to organise and head the Singapore Fire Brigade in 1905. He was instrumental in reorganising the ...

Mustaq Ahmad (b. 8 June 1951, Uttar Pradesh, India–) is the co-founder and managing director of Mustafa Centre, a popular 24-hour shopping centre in Little India frequented by many Singaporeans and tourists. The success of Mustafa Centre has earned Mustaq Ahmad ...

Nasir Jalil (b. 1955–d. 8 June 2011, Terengganu, Malaysia) was a footballer who played for Singapore and Terengganu in the Malaysia Cup. Nicknamed “Crazy Horse” for his tireless style of play, Nasir won the Malaysia Cup for Singapore and later reached the final ...

Nathaniel Wallich (b. 28 January 1786, Copenhagen, Denmark–d. 28 April 1854, London, England) was a widely respected Danish surgeon and naturalist. He played a key role in persuading the British government to establish Singapore’s first botanical and experimental ...

Navroji R. Mistri (b. 3 June 1885, Bombay, India–d. 29 October 1953, Singapore) was a prominent Parsi entrepreneur who made his fortune selling soda water in Singapore. Known as the “godfather of the poor” or the “bachelor godfather” of Singapore’s poor children, ...

Ng Teng Fong (b. 1928, Fujian, China – d. 2 February 2010, Singapore) rose from humble beginnings to become one of Asia’s richest men due to his property empire comprising Far East Organization (FEO) in Singapore and Sino Group in Hong Kong. Known for his foresight ...

Ngiam Tong Dow (b. 7 June 1937, Singapore–d. 20 August 2020) was a veteran civil servant whose illustrious career spanned over four decades. He served as permanent secretary for key ministries and chairman of many statutory boards and government-linked companies. ...

Olivia Lum Ooi Lin (b. 1962, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia – ) is the founder, group chief executive officer and president of Hyflux Ltd., a leading Singapore-based water treatment company in Asia. Her rags-to-riches story is held up by many as an inspiring example of ...

Ong Beng Seng (b. 1946, Teluk Anson, Malaysia) is a Malaysian hotel and property tycoon based in Singapore. Ong and his Singaporean wife, Christina Ong, were ranked seventh on Forbes magazine’s 2011 list of Singapore’s richest people with an estimated net worth ...

Ong Pang Boon (b. 28 March 1929, Kuala Lumpur, Malaya–) was a politician and a prominent member of the People’s Action Party (PAP). He was appointed the minister for home affairs in the first cabinet of Singapore following the party’s victory in the 1959 Legislative ...

Ong Poh Lim (b. 1923, Kuching, Sarawak–d. 17 April 2003, Singapore) was one of the greatest badminton players of the late 1940s and ’50s. A versatile player with an aggressive game, Ong won numerous singles and doubles titles, including the Singapore, Malayan, ...

Ong Teng Cheong (b. 22 January 1936, Singapore–d. 8 February 2002, Singapore) was the fifth president of Singapore and the first to be elected into office. He was sworn in as president on 1 September 1993. An architect by training, Ong served as a People’s Action ...

Othman Wok (b. 8 October 1924, Singapore–d. 17 April 2017, Singapore) is a former politician who took on the social affairs (1963–77) and culture (1965–68) ministerial portfolios, as well as served as a People’s Action Party (PAP) member of parliament (MP) for ...

P. Krishnan (b. 1932, Johor, Malaya–), also known as Puthumaithasan, is regarded as one of Singapore’s Tamil literary pioneers. He is a prolific short-story writer, playwright, poet and radio broadcaster, with an oeuvre comprising more than 40 stories, 100 essays ...

P. Ramlee (b. 22 March 1929, Penang, Straits Settlements–d. 29 May 1973, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) was a key figure in the Malay entertainment industry, wearing multiple hats as an actor, director, composer and singer. Ramlee acted in 66 films, directed 35, composed ...

The residents, governors, presidents and government leaders of Singapore since the founding of Singapore in 1819.

Patricia Chan Li Yin (b. 12 April 1954, Singapore–), popularly known as Pat Chan, was the “Golden Girl” of regional swimming between 1965 and 1973. The most accomplished in a family of talented swimmers, Chan dominated the 100-metre freestyle event. She captured ...

Percival Frank Aroozoo (b. 13 April 1900, Singapore–d. 15 March 1969, Singapore) was headmaster of Gan Eng Seng School from 1938 to 1955. He was responsible for the opening of the new school building at Anson Road in 1951, and oversaw the school's transition from ...

Phoon Yew Tien (b. 21 August 1952, Singapore–), is a pioneer Singaporean composer. Initially trained in Chinese orchestral music, Phoon was subsequently educated in Western classical music. Phoon is a prolific composer and is Singapore’s most recorded composer. ...

When Princess Elizabeth was crowned Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (UK) and Head of the Commonwealth on 2 June 1953, Singapore celebrated the coronation along with other British colonies and the UK. Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952 when ...

Quek Ling Kiong (郭勇德) (b. 1967, Singapore–) is a percussionist and the resident conductor of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO). Winner of the National Art Council’s Young Artist Award in 2002 and recipient of the NAC Cultural Fellowship in 2013, Quek is committed ...

R. A. Hamid (b. 1922/23, Kerala, India–d. 9 February 1982, Singapore) was a union activist noted for championing issues concerning seamen’s welfare. During the labour unrests of the 1960s, he participated in settling the dispute between the Singapore Harbour Board ...

Abdul Rahim bin Omar, popularly known as Rahim Omar (b. 1934–d. 19 February 1990, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), was a footballer who represented the national teams of Singapore and Malaya in the 1950s and ’60s. Known for his skill and accuracy as a forward, Rahim lifted ...

Rahimah Rahim (b. 9 December 1955–) is a veteran performer in the local music scene, and one of the most popular entertainers of the 1970s and 1980s. Rahimah has recorded more than a dozen albums. Following a hiatus from 1989 to 2002, Rahimah returned to show business ...

Richard Eu Yee Ming (b. 29 October 1947, Hong Kong–) is the chairman of Eu Yan Sang International Ltd., a healthcare company that focuses on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). He is the man behind the transformation of Eu Yan Sang from a TCM business into a modern ...

Richard Hu Tsu Tau (Dr) (b. 30 October 1926–) is a former politician who held several key ministerial positions, most notably as the minister for finance. Hu presented 16 budgets to Parliament during his term as finance minister. After retiring from politics in ...

Richard Tay Tian Hoe (b. 195?, Singapore–) is the executive chairman and group managing director of YHI International Limited, a Singapore public-listed company that distributes automotive and industrial products. The company is an original design manufacturer ...

Ridzwan bin Haji Dzafir (b. 27 March 1927, Singapore–d. 28 September 2011, Singapore), commonly referred to as Ridzwan Dzafir, was a civil servant best known for his extensive experience in trade promotion and negotiations. As director-general of the Trade Development ...

Robert Carr Woods, Senior (b. 31 July 1816, England–d. 16 March 1875, Singapore), popularly known as Robin, was the first editor of The Straits Times. Besides guiding the publication through its difficult early years, he also improved the Bukit Timah cemetery, ...

Rose Chan (b. 1925, Soo Chow [present-day Suzhou], China d. 1987, Penang, Malaysia) was born Chan Wai Chang into a family of acrobats. She became famous throughout Malaysia as the “Queen of Striptease” in the 1950s for her sensational acts, which included a stunt ...

Rufino Soliano (b. 10 January 1932, Singapore–22 April 2017, Singapore) was an accomplished musician, composer and conductor. He was the former head of the now-defunct Singapore Broadcasting Corporation Orchestra. Soliano had been active in the local music scene ...

Shunmugam Jayakumar (b. 12 August 1939, Singapore–), better known as S. Jayakumar, is a former Singapore politician and diplomat. Trained as a lawyer, Jayakumar entered politics in 1980 as a People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate and held several key ministerial ...

Shanmugaratnam s/o Sittampalam, better known as Shan S. Ratnam (Emeritus Professor; b. 4 July 1928, Ceylon–d. 6 August 2001, Singapore), was a medical pioneer and leader in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G), both in Singapore and internationally. At ...

Samsui women, also known as hong tou jin (红头巾; Mandarin for “red headscarf”) after their trademark red headgear, were female immigrants mainly from the Sanshui (“Samsui” in Cantonese; meaning “three waters”) district of Canton (Guangdong today) province in southern ...

In the Sejarah Melayu (SM; Malay Annals), Sang (Nila) Utama is a reference to a 13th-century Palembang prince from the Srivijaya ruling house. His link to the pre-1819 history of Singapore is his founding of a settlement called Singapura on the island Temasek sometime ...

Seow Poh Leng (b. 1883, Singapore–d. 1942, Singapore) was a prominent banker. He was one of the three pioneers of Ho Hong Bank, which later merged with two other banks to form the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation. Seow also played an instrumental role in promoting ...

Shui Lan (b. 1957, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China–), also known as Lan Shui, is an internationally acclaimed conductor. He was appointed music director of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) in 1997 and has been credited with transforming the SSO into a ...

Sim Kee Boon (b. 5 September 1929, Singapore–d. 9 November 2007, Singapore) had an illustrious career in the civil service and the corporate world. Among his many achievements and contributions, he is best remembered for his role in building up the Singapore Changi ...

Sim Wong Hoo (b. 1955, Singapore – d. 4 January 2023, Singapore) was a Singaporean billionaire technopreneur who founded Creative Technology, a company that designs and manufactures digital entertainment products. Sim served as chairman and chief executive officer ...

Singa the Courtesy Lion (also known as Singa the Lion or Singa) was introduced to the public in 1982 as the official mascot for Singapore’s National Courtesy Campaign (NCC). In his role as courtesy mascot, Singa has appeared in numerous publicity materials, souvenirs ...

Choy Sivanandan (b. 1947, Singapore–4 March 2018, Perth, Australia), better known as Siva Choy, was a musician, humourist and writer. While he was famous for the popular 1991 comedy album Why U So Like Dat?, the multi-instrumentalist was also a pioneer of blues ...

Song Ong Siang (b. 14 June 1871, Singapore–d. 29 September 1941, Singapore) was a prominent member of the Straits Chinese community in Singapore and the first Chinese in Malaya to be knighted by the British. He distinguished himself as a community leader, lawyer, ...

Stanley Toft Stewart (b. 13 June 1910, Penang–d. 9 February 1992, Singapore) was a long-serving public official in Malaya and Singapore who achieved many “firsts”. At the peak of his career, Stewart was the head of Singapore’s civil service, and after serving as ...

Subhas Anandan (b. 1947, Kerala, India–d. 7 January 2015, Singapore) was a prominent criminal defence lawyer in Singapore. He took on numerous high-profile cases, including that of “One-Eyed Dragon” Tan Chor Jin, and the kidney trading case involving retail tycoon ...

Tan Boon Teik (b. 1929, Penang–d. 10 March 2012, Singapore) was the longest-serving attorney-general (1969–92) of independent Singapore.

Tan Chay Yan (b. December 1871, Malacca–d. 6 March 1916, Malacca), also known as Tan Chay An or Chen Qixian, was the first rubber planter in Malaya. He pioneered an industry that transformed the region’s fortunes, and used his wealth to support causes such as ...

Tan Choh Tee (b. 1942, Guangdong, China–) is a prominent artist known for his impressionist-style oil paintings depicting still life as well as landscapes from a bygone era in Singapore’s history. For his contributions to the local arts scene, Tan was awarded the ...

Tan Eng Yoon (b. 8 January 1928, Singapore – d. 30 January 2010, Singapore) was a former Singapore athlete, coach and sports administrator. As an athlete, he participated in the Olympic Games, Asian Games and inaugural Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games in ...

Tan Hiok Nee (陳旭年; Chen Xunian) (b. 1827, Chaozhou, China –d. 1902, Chaozhou, China), also known as as Tan Yeok Nee, was an influential Teochew businessman in Singapore and Johor during the 19th century. He amassed great wealth through opium and spirit farming, ...

Tan Howe Liang (b. 5 May 1933, Swatow, Guangdong, China – ) holds the distinction of being Singapore’s first Olympic medallist, having won a silver in the lightweight category for weightlifting during the 1960 Rome Olympics. Until the Singapore women’s table tennis ...

Tan Kian Por (陈建坡; b. 26 November 1949, Chaozhou, China–d. 16 August 2019, Singapore) was a Chinese calligrapher, painter and seal carver. His paintings have a distinctive style, and have been displayed in major art galleries in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, ...

Tan Lip Seng (b. 1942, Singapore–) is a prominent local photographer known worldwide for his slide and travel photography. He has described his photography style as “painting with light and shadow”. Tan was conferred the Cultural Medallion in 1985 in recognition ...

Tan Siah Kwee (b. 6 October 1948, Chaoan District, Guangdong Province, China–) is an accomplished Chinese calligrapher and an active promoter of the traditional art of Chinese calligraphy. His calligraphy works and tireless efforts in creating awareness and interest ...

John Tan Thoon Lip (b. 22 February 1910, Singapore–d. 14 March 1959, Singapore), a lawyer and public official, was the first Asian registrar of the Supreme Court of Singapore.

Tanya Chua (蔡健雅) (b. 28 January 1975, Singapore–) is a critically acclaimed Singapore Mandopop singer-songwriter who emerged on the music scene in the 1990s. Effectively bilingual in both English and Mandarin, Tanya gained popular success mainly in Taiwan and has ...

Tao Li (b. 10 January 1990, Wuhan, Hubei, China–) has represented Singapore in various international swimming competitions since 2005, and holds several national records in the sport. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she became the first Singaporean swimmer ever to ...

Taufik Batisah (b. 10 December 1981, Singapore–) is a singer, songwriter and music producer. After winning the first Singapore Idol – a television singing contest – in 2004, he enjoyed popular success with a series of albums. Beyond Singapore, Taufik has also gained ...

Tay Bin Wee (b. 1926–d. 13 July 2000, Singapore) was a prominent actor and director in the Mandarin theatre scene in Singapore between the 1950s and 1980s. He co-founded the Singapore Amateur Players (now known as the Arts Theatre of Singapore), a Mandarin theatre ...

Tay Eng Soon (Dr) (b. 20 January 1940, Singapore–d. 5 August 1993, Singapore), was an academic specialising in nuclear energy who served in the Ministry of Education for over 12 years. He entered into politics in 1980 when he was elected unopposed as a People’s ...

Tay Teow Kiat (Dr) (b. 1947, Singapore–) is a musician and conductor. Considered a pioneer and the founding father of Chinese orchestral music in Singapore, Tay established and built up various leading Chinese orchestras in Singapore and is a prominent conductor ...

Tee Tua Ba (b. 17 June 1942, Singapore–) is a diplomat and a former commissioner of police. Over the course of his 30-year career in the civil service, Tee filled leadership roles in the Marine Police (now known as the Police Coast Guard), Central Narcotics Bureau ...

Temenggung Abdul Rahman (d. 8 December 1825, Singapore), also known as Dato’ Temenggung Seri Maharaja Abdul Rahman or Engku Abdul Rahman, was the first Malay chief with whom the British discussed the establishment of a British settlement in Singapore before the ...

Teng Mah Seng (b. 1915, Fujian province, China–d. 5 December 1992, Singapore) was a musician, lyricist and composer. He was hailed as the saviour of nanyin music, an ancient form of Chinese opera music that dates back to the seventh-century Tang Dynasty. Teng is ...

Teo Bee Yen (b. 1950, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China–) is an acclaimed photographer and philatelist. Although Teo ventured into photography only in the mid-1990s, he was, by 1998, already listed as one of the top 10 photographers in the world by the Photographic ...

Teo Soon Kim (b. 23 June 1904, Singapore–d. 23 April 1978), also known as Teow Soon Kim and later Lo-Teo Soon Kim, was the first local woman admitted to the bar of the Straits Settlements and the first woman barrister in Hong Kong when she was admitted to the Hong ...

Teresa Hsu Chih (许哲) (b. 1898, Swatow, China–d. 7 December 2011, Singapore) was a prominent social worker and the oldest person in Singapore at the time of her death, aged 113 years. The centenarian, who began devoting her life to helping the poor and destitute ...

Tham Yew Chin (b. 1950, Ipoh, Malaya–), better known by her pseudonym You Jin, is a well-known local Chinese language writer. A prolific writer, Tham has written numerous short stories, novels, travelogues, essays and opinion pieces, some of which have been translated ...

The Honorary Citizen Award is the highest national award in Singapore for non-Singaporeans. It recognises the efforts of foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to Singapore in the areas of business, science and technology, information communications, ...

Thio Chan Bee (b. 5 April 1904, Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia–d. 13 December 1978, location unknown) was an educationist and politician. He was the first Asian principal of the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS), serving in the position from 1952 to 1960. His political career ...

Thirunalan Sasitharan (b. 1958, Singapore–), also known as Sasi, is an actor, art critic, arts educator, activist, former journalist and former philosophy teacher. Besides being an outstanding actor, Sasitharan is one of the foremost thinkers in the local arts ...

Violet Oon (b. 1949, Malaysia–) is a food critic, chef-restaurateur, consultant, cookbook writer and expert on Peranakan and Singapore cuisine. Oon is often featured in newspapers such as The Straits Times, and has been referred to as a “cooking doyenne”. Oon first ...

Vivien Goh (born 1948, Singapore) is the daughter of the late Goh Soon Tioe, a pioneering violinist, music teacher and impresario who played a key role in the development of classical music in Singapore. Like her father, Goh is an accomplished violinist whose musical ...

Walter Makepeace (b. 22 December 1859, Coventry, England–d. 1941) was a journalist and editor of The Singapore Free Press. He was also active in numerous local organisations in Singapore and is best remembered for co-editing One Hundred Years of Singapore, the ...

Wang Gungwu (b. 9 October 1930, Surabaya, Indonesia–) is an internationally renowned historian famed for his scholarship on the history of the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia, as well as the history and civilisation of China and Southeast Asia. In his illustrious ...

Wang Sui Pick (b. 1904, Anxi, Fujian, China–d. 18 May 1998, Singapore) was one of the most respected senior calligraphers in Singapore. He was renowned for his finger calligraphy in cao shu, or cursive script. Other than taking part in exhibitions, Wang taught, ...

Wee Chong Jin (b. 28 September 1917, Georgetown, Penang–d. 5 June 2005) was the first Singaporean and Asian to head Singapore’s Supreme Court judiciary when he was appointed as chief justice in 1963. He held the position until his retirement in 1990, making him ...

William Lim Siew Wai (b. 19 July 1932, Hong Kong– d. 6 January 2023) was an architect, urban theorist and activist. The Singapore citizen was involved in the design of many iconic buildings in the country, including the former Singapore Conference Hall and Trade ...

Winston Choo Wee Leong (b. 18 July 1941–) is a retired general of the Singapore Armed Forces, where he served as Chief of Defence Force from 1974 to 1992. After a military career spanning 33 years (1959–92), he held diplomatic appointments as Singapore’s envoy ...

Wong Kan Seng (b. 8 September 1946, Singapore–) is a former People’s Action Party (PAP) cabinet minister. During his political career, he has held various key positions in the Singapore government, including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and ...

Wong Keen (b. 1942, Singapore–) is a painter largely considered to be the first Singapore artist working in the abstract style and known for his frequent utilisation of a controlled “drip and flow” painting technique. His works incorporate both American abstract ...

Wong Peng Soon (b. 17 February, 1917, Johor Baru, Malaya–22 May 1996, Singapore) is acknowledged as one of the greatest badminton players of all time. He was a four-time winner of the All-England singles title as well as a member of the Malayan teams that dominated ...

Wu Peng Seng (b. 1915, Shantou, China–d. 23 May 2006, Singapore), also known as Goh Peng Seng, was a pioneer photographer in Singapore known for his landscape photography and photographic travelogues. Wu was involved in photography for more than half a decade, ...

Yan Hui Chang (b. 1954, Heyang County, Shaanxi Province, China–) is an internationally acclaimed conductor. He has premiered the works of leading Singapore composers, and his international standing has inspired musicians at home and abroad. For his contributions ...

Yeng Pway Ngon (英培安; b. 26 January 1947, Singapore–d. 10 January 2021, Singapore) was a well-known poet, novelist and critic in the Chinese literary scene in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Yeng was a prolific writer, and his works have been translated ...

Ying E Ding (b. 1947, Shanghai, China–), is a dancer and choreographer. He is known for his large-scale dance dramas and innovative approach to Chinese dance. Ying is a much sought-after choreographer and has choreographed a number of dances for the Singapore Arts ...

Yoke-Lan Wicks was the deputy director of the National Library, Singapore, from 1970 to 1988, and thereafter its director from 1988 to 1992.

Yong Pung How (b. 11 April 1926, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia–d. 9 January 2020, Singapore) is a former chief justice of Singapore. Prior to his judicial career, Yong was the chairman and chief executive officer of the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC). He has ...

Zena Denise Tessensohn née Clarke (b. 16 December 1909, Singapore–d. 25 July 1991, Singapore) was a founder of the Girls’ Sports Club (GSC), the first recreational club for young women in Singapore. As the club’s president for over 40 years and a member of its ...

Zhu Xu (朱绪) (b. 15 November 1909, Quanzhou, Fujian, China–d. 19 December 2007, Singapore), real name Choo Kui Chao (朱季灶), was a pioneering figure in the history of Singapore theatre. A renowned playwright and director, Zhu played an instrumental role in the development ...