Singapore is a vibrant city-state with a unique political system. At the heart of this system is the role of the President. While many might think of the President as a ceremonial figure, this role carries significant responsibilities that go beyond mere formalities.
In this article, we are going to learn the list of Presidents of Singapore till date, and their specific contributions to the country.
Table of Content
List of Presidents of Singapore
The President of Singapore serves as the country’s head of state. Their job includes making sure the country’s savings (reserves) are used properly and that the big public service jobs are filled by the right people. The President also has the power to say no to some government decisions and laws if they think these are not good for the country. They represent Singapore all over the world and play a big part in bringing Singaporeans together.
The table below lists the Presidents of Singapore, their terms in office, and their affiliated parties :
|
List of Presidents of Singapore |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Name | Term Start | Term End | Party |
| 1 | Yusof Ishak | 3 December 1959 | 23 November 1970 | Non-partisan |
| 2 | Benjamin Sheares | 2 January 1971 | 12 May 1981 | Non-partisan |
| 3 | Devan Nair | 23 October 1981 | 28 March 1985 | Non-partisan |
| 4 | Wee Kim Wee | 30 September 1985 | 1 September 1993 | Non-partisan |
| 5 | Ong Teng Cheong | 1 September 1993 | 1 September 1999 | People’s Action Party |
| 6 | S.R. Nathan | 1 September 1999 | 1 September 2011 | Non-partisan |
| 7 | Tony Tan Keng Yam | 1 September 2011 | 1 September 2017 | Non-partisan |
| 8 | Halimah Yacob | 14 September 2017 | Incumbent | People’s Action Party (until 2017, then non-partisan) |
Yusof Ishak (1965-1970)
Yusof Ishak was the inaugural President of Singapore, serving from its independence in 1965 until his death. His presidency was marked by efforts to foster national unity and a strong Singaporean identity amidst a diverse multicultural population.
- Role: First President, symbolizing unity
- Tenure: 1965-1970
- Background: Former Head of State during Malaysia-Singapore union
- Legacy: Promoted multicultural harmony
Benjamin Sheares (1971-1981)
Benjamin Sheares, Singapore’s second President, was a renowned medical professional before his tenure. His presidency is remembered for his commitment to improving public health and social welfare.
- Role: Second President, focusing on health and welfare
- Tenure: 1971-1981
- Background: Distinguished gynecologist
- Legacy: Enhanced social policies
Devan Nair (1981-1985)
Devan Nair, the third President, had a strong background in labor rights before his presidency. His term emphasized education and workers’ rights but ended prematurely due to personal challenges.
- Role: Advocate for labor rights and education
- Tenure: 1981-1985
- Background: Trade union leader
- Legacy: Resigned early
Wee Kim Wee (1985-1993)
Wee Kim Wee, the fourth President, was known for his journalistic career before entering office. His presidency was characterized by diplomatic efforts and a focus on cultural heritage.
- Role: Diplomat and cultural promoter
- Tenure: 1985-1993
- Background: Journalist
- Legacy: Strengthened international relations
Ong Teng Cheong (1993-1999)
Ong Teng Cheong, the fifth President and the first elected by popular vote, was an architect and politician. He is remembered for advocating transparency in government and making the presidency more relatable to citizens.
- Role: First elected President, transparency advocate
- Tenure: 1993-1999
- Background: Architect and politician
- Legacy: Pushed for accountability
S.R. Nathan (1999-2011)
S.R. Nathan, who served as the sixth President, was the longest-serving President of Singapore. His presidency focused on social cohesion and support for charitable causes.
- Role: Promoter of social cohesion
- Tenure: 1999-2011
- Background: Varied, including diplomacy and social service
- Legacy: Advocated for charity
Tony Tan Keng Yam (2011-2017)
Tony Tan Keng Yam, the seventh President, had a background in academia, banking, and politics. His presidency emphasized the importance of education, research, and innovation.
- Role: Proponent of education and innovation
- Tenure: 2011-2017
- Background: Academic and banker
- Legacy: Fostered scientific advancement
Halimah Yacob (2017-present)
Halimah Yacob, the current and first female President of Singapore, has focused on community integration and resilience. Her presidency represents a historic milestone for gender equality in Singapore’s political landscape.
- Role: First female President, community builder
- Tenure: 2017-present
- Background: Experienced politician
- Legacy: Championing inclusivity
Also Read :
- List of Presidents of India
- List of Vice Presidents of India
- List of Presidents of the United States of America
- List of Presidents & Prime Ministers Around the World
- List of Presidents of Germany
Conclusion
The President of Singapore plays an important role in the country’s governance From Yusof Ishak’s tenure as the first President, symbolizing the birth of a new nation, to Halimah Yacob’s historic presidency as the first female to hold the office, these leaders have each contributed uniquely to Singapore’s stability, growth, and multicultural harmony. Their legacies show us the importance of dedication, and visionary leadership in guiding Singapore forward.
List of Presidents of Singapore – FAQs
How many presidents have there been in Singapore?
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, former Senior Minister, became the ninth President of Singapore after winning the 2023 election with 70.41% of the votes.
Who was the 4th president of Singapore?
Wee Kim Wee (Dr) served as the fourth President of Singapore from August 1985 to August 1993.
Who was SG 2nd president?
Dr. Benjamin Henry Sheares, born on August 12, 1907, in Singapore, served as the second President of the Republic of Singapore.
How many Presidents has Singapore had?
Singapore has had 8 Presidents so far.
Who was the First President of Singapore?
Yusof Ishak was the first President of Singapore, serving from 1965 until his death in 1970.
Who is the Current President of Singapore?
The current President of Singapore is Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
What is the Salary of President of Singapore?
The annual salary of the President of Singapore is around SGD 1,680,000.
What are the criteria to be President of Singapore?
To be President of Singapore, a candidate must be a Singaporean citizen, at least 45 years old, and must satisfy certain criteria related to personal integrity, reputation, and experience in public service or in managing large corporations.
Who was the Indian President of Singapore?
S.R. Nathan, of Indian descent, served as the President of Singapore from 1999 to 2011.