A new biography, Lee Ek Tieng – The Green General of Lee Kuan Yew, shines a spotlight on one of Singapore’s most influential yet lesser-known civil servants. As a trusted right-hand man to founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Lee Ek Tieng played a pivotal role in transforming Singapore’s environment—a legacy that continues today.
In his memoir From Third World to First, Lee Kuan Yew famously declared: “There would have been no clean and green Singapore without Lee Ek Tieng.” This book, penned by seasoned journalists Samantha Boh, Pearl Lee, and Matthew Gan, delves into his five-decade public service career, offering an inside look at Singapore’s environmental overhaul.
The Man Who Cleaned Up Singapore
Lee Ek Tieng is best known for leading the monumental clean-up of the Singapore River and Kallang Basin, but his impact stretched far beyond:
- Air Pollution Control – Keeping Singapore’s skies clear.
- Modern Sewerage Systems – Laying the foundation for sustainable urban living.
- Waste Management Innovations – Upgrading rubbish collection and disposal.
- NEWater’s Name – Coining the term that now represents Singapore’s water resilience.
As Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary, this book revisits a crucial yet overlooked chapter of the nation’s success—its journey to becoming a City in a Garden.
A Leader in Finance and Governance
Beyond his environmental work, Lee Ek Tieng also spent his later years in the financial sector, overseeing GIC and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. His exceptional people skills and leadership ensured the smooth operation of these institutions, a trait repeatedly highlighted in the book’s 40+ interviews.
A Collective Tribute
This first-ever biography of Lee Ek Tieng is more than just a book—it’s a tribute. Supported by donations from nearly 70 former colleagues and family members, it reflects the deep respect for his life’s work.
Published by The Nutgraf Books, the biography launches on February 27 at the National Library Building, officiated by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu. It is available in major bookstores and online at Nutgraf Books.
