Dr Lee Wei Ling Obituary, Death – A distinguished neurologist and the daughter of Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, passed away at the age of 69 on Wednesday, October 9. Her death was announced by her brother, Mr Lee Hsien Yang, in a Facebook post shared shortly before 6 a.m. on the same day.
“Dr Lee died at home,” wrote Mr Lee Hsien Yang, referring to their family residence at 38 Oxley Road, the iconic address where their father, Lee Kuan Yew, lived until his passing in 2015. The home holds deep historical significance for Singapore, symbolizing the formative years of the nation’s political leadership. Dr Lee’s passing marks another poignant chapter in the legacy of one of Singapore’s most influential families.
Mr Lee Hsien Yang expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his sister, saying, “I will deeply miss Ling. May she rest in peace.” He described her as “fiercely loyal to friends” and as someone who consistently stood up for those in need. “She sympathised instinctively with the underdog and would mobilise actively to do something when she saw unfairness, or suspected wrongdoing,” he recalled.
Dr Lee Wei Ling was not only a beloved member of Singapore’s most prominent political family, but she also carved out an exceptional career in medicine. Renowned for her intellect and driven nature, she was awarded the prestigious President’s Scholarship, a mark of her academic brilliance. Her brother noted that she was “thoroughly bored in class,” which led to her being granted a double promotion from Primary One to Primary Three. This early academic achievement was a harbinger of her later success in the medical field.
After completing her studies, Dr Lee went on to become the director of Singapore’s National Neuroscience Institute (NNI). Her leadership at NNI was transformative, where she oversaw the growth and development of the institute into a leading center for neurological research and treatment in Asia. Her dedication to her patients and her passion for medical research earned her widespread respect from both colleagues and the public.
Although she held no formal political role, Dr Lee Wei Ling was known for her outspoken views on various social and political issues. In particular, she voiced strong opinions about maintaining transparency and fairness in Singaporean governance, a reflection of her father’s values. Dr Lee was also unafraid to speak her mind on matters of public interest, and in doing so, she earned a reputation as a bold and independent thinker.
In addition to her professional and public roles, Dr Lee was fiercely private, often shunning the limelight that naturally surrounded her family. She lived a relatively quiet life, preferring to focus on her work and personal passions, particularly her advocacy for mental health and the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal well-being.
Despite her reticent nature, those close to her knew her as a warm and compassionate individual. Mr Lee Hsien Yang fondly remembered her as a person of integrity and conviction, someone who lived by her principles and acted when she saw injustice. Her fierce loyalty to friends and colleagues endeared her to many, and her contributions to society through her medical work will be remembered for years to come.
Her passing also marks a significant moment for Singapore, as she was the last of Lee Kuan Yew’s children still residing at the family home. The legacy of 38 Oxley Road, where she lived, remains intertwined with the country’s history. Discussions about the future of the residence, its preservation, and its symbolic importance have long been a matter of public interest in Singapore.
As the nation mourns the loss of a brilliant medical professional and the daughter of its founding leader, tributes are expected to pour in from across the country. Dr Lee Wei Ling’s life, both public and private, will leave an indelible mark on those who knew her and those who benefited from her dedication to the medical profession.
In closing his tribute, Mr Lee Hsien Yang’s words reflect the deep personal loss felt by her family: “I will deeply miss Ling.” Dr Lee’s legacy of compassion, brilliance, and commitment to fairness will be remembered by many, and her contributions to medicine and society will continue to shape Singapore for years to come.
