Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund
Wee Kim Wee
President, Diplomat, Journalist
Born in Singapore on 4 November 1915, the late Dr. Wee Kim Wee was President of the Republic of Singapore between 1985 and 1993. Before that, he was High Commissioner to Malaysia, and Ambassador to Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Dr. Wee worked in the news media for many years. He started his career humbly when he joined The Straits Times as a clerk in the circulation department. In 1966, he was the first Singapore journalist to enter Jakarta and interview the then new Indonesian leader Suharto and Foreign Minister Adam Malik. This resulted in the world learning for the first time that Indonesia was keen to end their confrontation with Singapore and Malaysia. Through his work, he became a bridge for the countries.
Dr. Wee also covered the civil war in the Belgian Congo (now Zaire) and paved the way for future journalists to bring home news of disaster/ war-stricken countries.
His expertise extended beyond the press as he was also Chairman of the then Singapore Broadcasting Corporation. In many ways, he was critical in shaping today's media scene.
Dr. Wee passed away on 2 May 2005.
WHERE GOODNESS & GREATNESS MEET
President Wee Kim Wee
A model citizen and an extraordinary Singaporean, Wee Kim Wee, rose from humble beginnings to excel as a journalist, diplomat and President of the country.
As the President of Singapore, he brought dignity and integrity to the highest office.
In naming the School of Communication and Information after him, NTU believes it is an opportunity for its students to be inspired by his noble values and ideals.
HIGHEST TO HUMBLEST
The Magic of a People's President
Former President Wee Kim Wee once said this,
"Journalism has given me so much and more, allowing me to meet kings and emperors, famous Hollywood actors and actresses, taxi drivers and sweet potato sellers."
Yes, the people's touch of our People's President had its roots in journalism and that molded him into a diplomat without any training and prepared him for the duties of Head of State that he performed without difficulty.