S. R. Nathan served as the sixth president of Singapore, holding office for two full terms between 1999 and 2011. Before reaching the nation's highest office, he spent decades in the public service, navigating roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Security and Intelligence Division during a period of significant regional transformation.
Early Life and Education
Born in Singapore in 1924, Nathan faced significant economic adversity during his childhood following the death of his father. During the Japanese occupation of Singapore, he worked as a translator. After the war, he pursued his education, graduating from the University of Malaya in 1954 with a Diploma in Social Studies. He later attended the Victoria School, the Anglo-Chinese School, and Singapore Management University, ultimately earning various academic accolades including a Doctor of Letters and a Doctor of Civil Law.
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Nathan joined the civil service in 1955, working initially as a medical social worker and later as a Seamen's Welfare Officer. He moved into higher-level administration, eventually becoming the Director of the Security and Intelligence Division. In 1974, he gained significant recognition during the Laju incident, where he volunteered to accompany a group of terrorists to Kuwait to ensure the safe release of civilian hostages held following a bombing of petroleum tanks.
Diplomacy and Presidency
Nathan transitioned into diplomatic and leadership roles, serving as the Executive Chairman of The Straits Times Press from 1982 to 1988. He subsequently represented Singapore as High Commissioner to Malaysia and later as Ambassador to the United States. In 1999, he was elected President of Singapore, an office he held until his retirement in 2011. During his tenure, he prioritized public engagement, notably launching the President's Challenge in 2000 to support charitable causes.
Legacy and Honours
Throughout his career, Nathan received numerous awards, including the Bintang Bakti Masyarakat in 1964, the Pingat Pentadbiran Awam in 1967, and the Darjah Utama Temasek in 2013. He was also a recipient of the Gold Olympic Order in 2010 and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2012. After retiring from his presidency, he remained active in public life until his death in 2016 at the Singapore General Hospital.
Fast facts
- Born: 1924, Singapore
- Died: 2016, Singapore General Hospital
- President of Singapore: 1999-2011
- Religion: Hinduism
- Education: University of Malaya, Singapore Management University
- Burial: Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium
Questions readers ask
What was S. R. Nathan's role during the Laju incident?
He volunteered to accompany terrorists to Kuwait to secure the release of civilian hostages.
How long did S. R. Nathan serve as president?
He served two full terms as President of Singapore, from 1999 to 2011.
Achievements
- President of Singapore (1999–2011)
- Singaporean Ambassador to the United States
- president
- Educated at Universiti Malaya and Anglo-Chinese School
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