Lee Kuan Yew was the founding Prime Minister of Singapore, serving in that role from 1959 to 1990. He is widely credited with transforming Singapore from a poor, developing country into a thriving, modern city-state with a strong economy and high standard of living.

Born in 1923 in Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew was the son of a wealthy businessman. He received a British-style education, studying at Raffles College and later attending Cambridge University, where he earned a degree in law.

Upon returning to Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew became involved in politics, joining the People’s Action Party (PAP) and working to achieve independence for the country. In 1959, he was elected as Singapore’s first Prime Minister, and he would go on to lead the country for the next 31 years.

Under Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership, Singapore underwent rapid economic development, with a focus on attracting foreign investment and building a strong manufacturing sector. The government also placed a strong emphasis on education, investing heavily in schools and universities.

Lee Kuan Yew was known for his authoritarian leadership style and his strict control over the media and political opposition. While he was widely praised for his role in Singapore’s economic development, he was also criticized for suppressing political freedoms and human rights.

Despite these criticisms, Lee Kuan Yew remained a popular and influential figure, both in Singapore and internationally. He continued to serve in various government and advisory roles even after stepping down as Prime Minister, and he remained active in public life until his death in 2015.

Today, Lee Kuan Yew is remembered as a key figure in Singapore’s history and a symbol of the country’s rapid economic development. His legacy continues to be debated and discussed, with some seeing him as a visionary leader and others as an authoritarian figure.