Lee Hsien Loong

Undergraduate:
Trinity College

Home Country:
Singapore

In August 2004, Lee Hsien Loong was sworn in as the third Prime Minister of Singapore. As minister, Lee initiated a five-day work week, removing a half day of work on Saturdays, and he increased paid maternity leave to help reverse Singapore’s declining birth rate. In addition, he led Singapore’s response to the outbreak of the dengue virus in 2005. In 2005, Lee announces a ten-year plan to improve secondary education, build a business/financial center downtown, and to provide economic aid and health care to low-income families. Prior to his election to Prime Minister, Lee served as Deputy Prime Minister, while concurrently serving as Minister for Trade and Industry. Lee served in the Singapore Armed Forces before entering politics. Lee is the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister.