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National Library Reference Guides

Lee Kuan Yew

Explore recommended reading resources on Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister, in English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.

Last updated 22 July 2026

Introduction

Lee Kuan Yew (b. 16 September 1923, Singapore–d. 23 March 2015, Singapore) served as Singapore's first prime minister from 1959 to 1990. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in transforming the country from a developing ex-colony into one of the most stable and prosperous nations in Asia. His impact was not limited to Singapore, as he was widely recognized as an influential figure both within the country and abroad.

This guide provides recommended resources for those who are keen to know more about the first prime minister of Singapore. You can also visit catalogue.nlb.gov.sg to search for more resources. This resource guide was produced in August 2023 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of his birthday.

This introduction was adapted from Duncan Sutherland, “Lee Kuan Yew,” Singapore Infopedia, National Library Board, last modified March 23, 2015.

Publications in English

This book cover features a quote, the name "LEE KUAN YEW" in large font, and details about interviews and selections, including the foreword by Henry A. Kissinger.

Allison, Graham and Robert D. Blackwill. Lee Kuan Yew: The Grand Master’s Insights on China, the United States, and the World. With Ali Wynes. With a foreword by Henry Kissinger. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press, 2020. (Call no. RSING 303.49090512 LEE)

This book cover features a prominent title "LEE KUAN YEW" in large, golden letters. It also includes a quote from Fareed Zakaria, CNN, and details about the book's content.

Ang, Cheng Guan. Reassessing Lee Kuan Yew’s Strategic Thought. Abingdon, Oxon; New York, NY: Routledge, 2023. (Call no. RSING 327.5957 ANG)

This book cover features the name "Lee Kuan Yew" in large, bold, gold letters. It includes a quote from Fareed Zakaria, CNN, and details about the book's content and editors.

Centre for Liveable Cities and Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities. A Chance of A Lifetime: Lee Kuan Yew and the Physical Transformation of Singapore. Singapore: Editions Didier Millet, 2016. (Call no. RSING 959.5705 CHA-[HIS]) 

This book cover features large, bold, golden text spelling out "LEE KUAN YEW". It includes a quote, title information about China, the US, and the world, and editor credits.

Chan, Fiona, ed. Lee’s Legacy. Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2015. (Call no. RSING 959.57051092 LEE-[HIS])

This book cover features large, bold, golden text spelling out "LEE KUAN YEW." Below, a red subtitle discusses his insights on China, the United States, and the world.

Chua, Chee Lay, ed. Keeping My Mandarin Alive: Lee Kuan Yew’s Language Learning Experience. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing and Global Publishing, 2005. (Call no. RSING 495.1 KEE)

This book cover features a close-up portrait of Lee Kuan Yew, smiling, with the title "The Wit & Wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew" prominently displayed.

Davis, Lindsay, ed. The Wit & Wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore: Editions Didier Millet, 2013. (Call no. RSING 959.57051092 LEE-[HIS])

The book cover features a portrait of Lee Kuan Yew. The title, "Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going," is prominently displayed.

Han, Fook Kwang, Zuraidah Ibrahim, Chua Mui Hoong, Lydia Lim, Ignatius Low, Rachel Lin and Robin Chan. Lee Kuan Yew: Hard truths to Keep Singapore Going. 2011. Reprint, Singapore: Straits Times, SPH Media Limited, 2023. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 LEE-[HIS])

The book cover features a striking black and white portrait of Lee Kuan Yew, titled "The Man and His Ideas," with a quote highlighting his determination.

Han, Fook Kwang, Warren Fernandez and Sumiko Tan. Lee Kuan Yew: The Man and His Ideas. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions and Straits Times Press, 2015. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 HAN-[HIS])

A book cover featuring a portrait of Lee Kuan Yew with the title "The Big Ideas of Lee Kuan Yew."

Jayakumar, Shashi and Rahul Sagar, eds. The Big Ideas of Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2014. (Call no. RSING 320.95957 BIG)

A portrait of Lee Kuan Yew dominates the cover, with the title "The Critical Years (1971-1978)" prominently displayed below, followed by the author's name.

Josey, Alex. Lee Kuan Yew: The Critical Years (1971-1978). Facsimile edition. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2013. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 JOS-[HIS])

This book cover features a close-up portrait of Lee Kuan Yew. The title "Lee Kuan Yew: Crucial Years" and author Alex Josey are prominently displayed.

Josey, Alex. Lee Kuan Yew: The Crucial Years. Facsimile edition. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2012. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 JOS-[HIS])

A book cover titled "Leadership: Six Studies in World Strategy" by Henry Kissinger, featuring a compass rose illustration.

Kissinger, Henry. “Lee Kuan Yew: The Strategy of Excellence.” In Leadership: Six Studies in World Strategy, 279-322. London: Allen Lane, 2022. (Call no. R 303.34 KIS)

"Garden City Singapore: The Legacy of Lee Kuan Yew" features an expansive, verdant park with a majestic tree, signifying Singapore's transformation into a garden city.

Lau-Tan, Aileen, ed. Garden City Singapore: The Legacy of Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore: Suntree Media Pte Ltd, 2014. (Call no. RSING 307.76095957 WON)

This book cover features a black and white portrait of Lee Kuan Yew, with text in English and Chinese, indicating a pictorial biography.

Lee Kuan Yew: A Pictorial Biography. Singapore: Singapore Press Holdings and Federal Publications, 1994. (Call no. RSING 959.5705 LEE-[HIS])

This book cover features a smiling portrait of Lee Kuan Yew, with the title "From Third World to First: The Singapore Story: 1965-2000" in prominent text.

Lee, Kuan Yew. From Third World to First: the Singapore Story, 1965-2000: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew. Memorial edition. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions and Straits Times Press, 2015. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 LEE-[HIS])

A book cover features a portrait of Lee Kuan Yew, with the title "My Lifelong Challenge" and "Singapore's Bilingual Journey."

Lee, Kuan Yew. Lee Kuan Yew, My Lifelong Challenge: Singapore’s Bilingual Journey. Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2012. (Call no. RSING 306.4495957 LEE)

The book cover features a close-up of Lee Kuan Yew smiling, with the title "ONE MAN'S VIEW of the WORLD" prominently displayed.

Lee, Kuan Yew. One Man’s View of the World. 2nd ed. Reprint, Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2023. (Call no. RSING 909.83 LEE)

The cover features bold black text "THE BATTLE FOR MERGER" on a white background, with abstract yellow and red shapes, and a navy blue stripe.

Lee, Kuan Yew. The Battle for Merger. Singapore: National Archives of Singapore and Straits Times Press, 2014. (Call no. RSING 959.5704 LEE-[HIS])

"The Singapore Story" book cover features a portrait of Lee Kuan Yew in a light blue shirt and tie, seated against a wood-paneled background.

Lee, Kuan Yew. The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew. Memorial edition. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions and Straits Times Press, 2015. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 LEE-[HIS])

A vintage book cover features a full body photograph of Lee Kuan Yew speaking passionately at a microphone, with celebratory imagery and text indicating landmark speeches.

Lim, Lydia, ed. Vintage Lee: Landmark Speeches since 1955. Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2016. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 LEE-[HIS])

The book cover features a black and white photo of Lee Kuan Yew speaking, with "LEE KUAN YEW" and "BLAZING THE FREEDOM TRAIL" prominently displayed.

Oei, Anthony. Lee Kuan Yew: Blazing the Freedom Trail. 3rd revised ed. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2015. (Call no. RSING 959.57051 OEI-[HIS])

This book cover features a caricature of Lee Kuan Yew and the title "Citizen Singapore: How to Build a Nation," presented in a bold, classic design.

Plate, Tom. Conversations with Lee Kuan Yew: Citizen Singapore: How to Build A Nation. 3rd ed. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2015. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 PLA-[HIS])

A smiling man with his hand raised is featured on this book cover, titled "LEE KUAN YEW: a tribute." The image has a vintage, black-and-white feel with a crowd in the background.

Singapore Press Holdings. Lee Kuan Yew: A Tribute. Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2015. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 LEE-[HIS])

A gold-embossed book cover featuring the title "LKY on GOVERNANCE" with a decorative wave border and library markings.

Tay, Janice and Ronald Kow. LKY on Governance, Management, Life: A Collection of Quotes from Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2016. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 LEE-[HIS])

A caricature of Lee Kuan Yew stands before Singapore's iconic skyline, with helicopters flying the flag, symbolizing his nation-building legacy.

Tan, Sheri and Patrick Yee. Harry Builds A Nation: the Legacy of Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore: Epigram Books, 2015. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 YEE)

This book cover features Lee Kuan Yew, "The Man of Firsts," as part of "Great Singapore Stories: Founding Fathers."

Wong, Karen. The Man of Firsts: Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore: SNP Editions, 2008. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 WON-[HIS])

This book cover features a black and white portrait of Lee Kuan Yew, with the title "A Life in Pictures" prominently displayed.

Yeow, Stephanie, ed. Lee Kuan Yew: A Life in Pictures. Singapore: Straits Times Press and Singapore Press Holdings, 2013. (Call no. RSING 959.5705092 LEE-[HIS])

Publications in Malay

This book cover features a smiling portrait of Lee Kuan Yew, with his name and "pada usia 80" (at age 80) in stylized script.

Lee Kuan Yew pada usia 80. Singapore: Senior Minister Lee’s 80th Birthday Celebration Committee, 2003. (Call no. Malay RSING 959.5705092 LEE-[HIS]

A smiling man is depicted above industrial buildings, with Arabic text on a blue banner.

Lee, Kuan Yew. Angin perubahan: delapan ucapan Saudara Lee Kuan Yew, Perdana Menteri Singapura, mengenai kedudukan politik sekarang [Winds of change: Eight speeches by Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister of Singapore, on the present political situation]. Singapore: PAP Political Bureau, 1964. (Call no. Malay RCLOS 959.57 LEE-[LKY])

The book cover features a map of Southeast Asia and Oceania in yellow and blue, with a portrait of a smiling man. The title "MALAYSIA DALAM ZAMAN REBOLUSI" is prominently displayed.

Lee, Kuan Yew. Malaysia dalam zaman rebolusi [Malaysia in the age of revolution]. Singapore: Ministry of Culture, 1965. (Call no. Malay RSING 959.507 LEE)

This book cover features bold Malay text, a minimalist design with abstract yellow and blue shapes, and lists Lee Kuan Yew as the author.

Lee, Kuan Yew. Perjuangan untuk perchantuman [The battle for merger]. Singapore: Ministry of Culture, 1961. (Call no. Malay RCLOS 959.57 LEE)

A book cover featuring a portrait of Lee Kuan Yew, titled "Kisah Singapura" and subtitled "Memoir Lee Kuan Yew," suggesting a biography.

Mohd Guntor Sadali and Jamilah Mohd Hassan, eds. Kisah Singapura: memoir Lee Kuan Yew [The Singapore story: memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew]. Singapore: Times Media and Singapore Press Holdings, 2001. (Call no. Malay RSING 959.57 LEE-[HIS])

Publications in Mandarin

This book cover features a portrait of an older Asian man against a dark background, with prominent red and blue text. A red circular logo with "SG 50" is also visible.

Cai, Yulin 蔡裕林. Li Guangyao shi dai vs hou Li Guangyao shi dai 李光耀时代vs后李光耀时代 [The Lee Kuan Yew era vs the post-Lee Kuan Yew era]. Singapore: Ling zi chuan mei si ren you xian gong si 玲子传媒私人有限公司, 2015. (Call no. Chinese RSING 959.5705 CYL-[HIS])

A portrait of Lee Kuan Yew in a suit dominates the foreground, with a cityscape at night serving as the background.

Chen, Guoqiang 陈国强. Li Guangyao chuan: yi gi ren he yi ge shi dai 李光耀传: 一个人和一个时代 [A biography of Lee Kuan Yew]. Beijing 北京: Ren min ri bao chu ban she人民日报出版社, 2015. (Call no. Chinese RSING 959.57051092 CGQ)

A striking ink sketch features a large portrait of Lee Kuan Yew, with iconic Singapore and Chinese landmarks subtly depicted below.

Chen, Jiachang 陈加昌. Wo suo zhi dao de Li Guangyao 我所知道的李光耀 [LKY whom I knew]. Singapore: Ling zi chuan mei si ren you xian gong si 玲子传媒私人有限公司, 2015. (Call no. Chinese RSING 959.57051092 CJC-[HIS])

A composite portrait of a Lee Kuan Yew, with overlaid ghostly images of his face, set against a building.

Chi, Lifang 池例芳, ed. Guangyao yi sheng 光耀一生. Singapore: Lian he zao bao 联合早报, 2015. (Call no. Chinese RSING 959.57092 GYY-[HIS])

A portrait of Lee Kuan Yew is superimposed over a cityscape, with vertical text in red and white dominating the right side of the cover.

Lee, Kuan Yew 李光耀. Jing ji teng fei lu: Li Guangyao hui yi lu 经济腾飞路: 李光耀回忆录. Beijing 北京: Wai wen chu ban she 外文出版社, 2001. (Call no. Chinese RSING 959.57 LKY -[HIS])

A portrait of Lee Kuan Yew smiling dominates the cover, set against a dark, textured background with golden Chinese characters.

Lee, Kuan Yew 李光耀. Li Guangyao guan tian xia 李光耀观天下 [One man’s view of the world]. Translated by Zhou Shuqin 周殊钦, Lin Wanfei 林琬绯, Lu Caixia 陆彩霞 and Gu Yaoming 顾耀明. Singapore: Straits Times Press Pte Ltd, 2014. (Call no. Chinese RSING 909.83 LKY)

A collage of photographs showcasing Lee Kuan Yew across different stages of his life, interspersed with vertical Chinese text and a red panel.

Lee, Kuan Yew 李光耀. Li Guangyao hui yi lu 1923-1965 李光耀回忆录 1923-1965 [Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew 1923-1965]. Singapore: Xinjiapo lian he zao bao 新加坡联合早报, 1998. (Call no. Chinese RSING 959.57 LGY-[HIS])

The book cover features a collage of images, including historical photos of Lee Kuan Yew in public appearances, with large Chinese characters.

Lee, Kuan Yew 李光耀. Li Guangyao hui yi lu 1965-2000 李光耀回憶錄 1965-2000 [Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew 1965-2000]. Singapore: Xinjiapo lian he zao bao 新加坡联合早报, 2000. (Call no. Chinese RSING 959.57 LKY-[HIS])

A stoic Lee Kuan Yew is featured, set against a dark, leafy background with prominent gold and red Chinese text.

Lee, Kuan Yew 李光耀. Li Guangyao hui yi lu: wo yi sheng de tiao zhan: Xinjiapo shuang yu zhi lu 李光耀回忆录: 我一生的挑战: 新加坡双语之路 [Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew: My Lifelong Challenge: Singapore’s Bilingual Journey]. Nanjing shi 南京市: Yi lin chu ban she 译林出版社, 2013. (Call no. Chinese RSING 306.4495957 LKY)

A book cover featuring a large portrait of Lee Kuan Yew in the foreground. The background displays smaller images of him, with text in Chinese characters.

Wu, Jungang 吴俊刚, ed. Li Guangyao chuan ji 李光耀传记 [Biography of Lee Kuan Yew]. Singapore: Times media, 2000. (Call no. Chinese RSING 959.57 ZGC)

This book cover features a formal portrait of Lee Kuan Yew in a suit and tie against a textured green background.

Zhang, Yonghe 张永和. Li Guangyao zhuan 李光耀传 [Biography of Lee Kuan Yew]. Guangzhou 广州: Hua cheng chu ban she 花城出版社, 1993. (Call no. Chinese RSING 959.57092 ZYH-[HIS])

Publications in Tamil

A dark blue cover features a night skyline of Singapore, with prominent buildings and a Ferris wheel, all reflected in the water. Text in Tamil and English celebrates Lee Kuan Yew at 90.

Māman̲itarukkup pukal̲āram, Lī Kuvān̲ Iyū 90 மாமனிதருக்குப் புகழாரம், லீ குவான் இயூ 90 [A tribute to the great man Lee Kuan Yew 90]. Singapore: Association of Singapore Tamil Writers, 2013. (Call no. Tamil RSING 894.811172 MAM)

A collage of Singapore landmarks, featuring the Merlion, skyscrapers, and a harbor, set against a dark, starry sky.

Kiruṣṇān̲antacivam, Ka. கிருஷ்ணானந்தசிவம், க. Vālar̲ivu pēcukir̲atu: Lī Kuvān̲ Yū: Ciṅkappūrin̲ katai: oru mīḷāyvu வாலறிவு பேசுகிறது: லீ குவான் யூ: சிங்கப்பூரின் கதை: ஒரு மீளாய்வு [Wisdom speaks: Lee Kuan Yew: the story of Singapore: a review]. Colombo: Asian Trading House Pvt Ltd, 2004. (Call no. Tamil RSING 959.57 KRI-[HIS])

Lee Kuan Yew in a suit smiles against a blue background with a yellow map of Australia and Southeast Asia. Text in Tamil is present.

Lee, Kuan Yew. Malēciyā – puraṭcip paruvam மலேசியா – புரட்சிப் பருவம் [Malaysia – the age of revolution]. Singapore: Ministry of Culture, 1965. (Call no. Tamil RCLOS 959.5 LEE)

Lee Kuan Yew speaks at a podium under microphones, while an audience watches. The cover features a blue background with Tamil script.

Lee, Kuan Yew. 100 āṇṭu kāla cōcalicam 100 ஆண்டு கால சோசலிசம [100 years of socialism]. Singapore: Ministry of Culture, 1964. (Call no. Tamil RCLOS 335 ANA)

A stark orange cover with bold Tamil text, a faded image of a neoclassical building.

Lee, Kuan Yew. Malēciyāvaik kāppār̲r̲ap pōtumān̲a malēciyarkaḷ irukkir̲ārkaḷā? மலேசியாவைக் காப்பாற்றப் போதுமான மலேசியர்கள் இருக்கிறார்களா? [Are there enough Malaysians to save Malaysia?]. Singapore: Ministry of Culture, 1965. (Call no. Tamil RCLOS S959.57 LEE)

A book cover features a close-up of a smiling Lee Kuan Yew against a dark background. Large Tamil text is displayed prominently at the top.

Mūrtti, Es. El. Vi. மூர்த்தி, எஸ். எல். வி. Lī kuvān̲ yū லீ குவான் யூ [Lee Kuan Yew]. Chennai சென்னை: Kil̲akku Patippakam கிழக்கு பதிப்பகம், 2016. (Call no. RSING Tamil 959.57051092 MOO-[HIS])