12 June 1962 installation address as the first Chancellor of the University of Singapore at the Victoria Theatre

12 June 1962 convocation at the Victoria Theatre

6 June 1964 convocation at the National Theatre

Education
Born in China and came to Singapore in 1903.
Anglo-Tamil School; attended night classes at Yung Cheng School.
Later switched to St. Joseph’s School and Tao Nan Chinese School.
Won a scholarship to study in Shanghai at age 15.
Studied civil engineering at Tangshan Engineering College in north China but returned to Singapore in 1912 due to the political turmoil in China.

Career

Held positions of primary school teacher at Tao Nan School, later a municipal surveyor. Was also a translator for a local Chinese newspaper.
 

Was well known as a philanthropist. Set up the Lee Foundation to help schools and charitable organizations.
 

Became the first Chancellor, University of Singapore. He was also one of its principal benefactors.

Offices held

President, Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Committee Chairman, Singapore Chinese High School

Honours

Hon. Doctor of Laws (University of Malaya, Singapore)
Hon. Doctor of Letters (University of Singapore)
Panglima Mangku Negara
Seri Paduka Mahkota Johor
Seri Jiwa Mahkota Kelantan

Home   Previous   Next:Our Chancellors"