The portrait of Yusof bin Ishak remains a fixture of daily life in Singapore, appearing on every banknote in the current currency series. Beyond this visual ubiquity, his career spanned the transition of Singapore from a British colonial territory to an independent republic, serving as the nation's final Yang di-Pertuan Negara and its first president.
Early Education and Athleticism
Born on 12 August 1910 in Padang Gajah, Perak, Yusof moved to Singapore in 1923 when his father, a civil servant, was posted to the city. He enrolled at the Victoria Bridge School before entering Raffles Institution in 1924. During his secondary years, he distinguished himself as a versatile athlete, excelling in water-polo, boxing, and weightlifting. He was also a member of the National Cadet Corps and served as a co-editor for the school newspaper, graduating in 1929 after completing his Cambridge School Certificate.
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After a brief period in the police force, Yusof transitioned into journalism. He co-founded a sports magazine, Sportsman, before joining the Malay-language newspaper Warta Malaya in 1932. Seeking to establish a publication more focused on Malay social and political issues, he helped launch Utusan Melayu in 1939. He served as a central administrator for two decades, navigating the newspaper through the complexities of regional politics until his departure in 1959 following corporate disputes involving UMNO shareholders.
Public Service and the Presidency
Following his exit from media, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew appointed Yusof as the chairman of the Public Service Commission. On 3 December 1959, he assumed the role of Yang di-Pertuan Negara, succeeding Sir William Goode. When Singapore gained independence in 1965, the office was reconstituted as the presidency. Yusof served three terms in this capacity, advocating for multi-racialism and social cohesion until his death from heart failure on 23 November 1970.
Fast facts
- Born: 12 August 1910, Perak
- Died: 23 November 1970, Singapore
- Education: Raffles Institution, Victoria School
- Yang di-Pertuan Negara: 1959-1965
- President of Singapore: 1965-1970
- Burial site: Kranji State Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Yusof bin Ishak's professional background before entering politics?
He was an experienced journalist and newspaper manager who co-founded Utusan Melayu.
Where is he buried?
He is buried at the Kranji State Cemetery.
Achievements
- President of Singapore (1965–1970)
- Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore (1959–1965)
- Educated at Victoria School and King Edward VII School
