Pioneering S'pore civil servant Lee Ek Tieng dies at age 91

Civil servant Lee Ek Tieng, whose work was pivotal in transforming Singapore into a clean and green city, has died aged 91.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong posted a tribute to Lee on Apr. 9, expressing his condolences.

PM Wong remembered Lee as a pioneering civil servant who oversaw critical infrastructure projects, including an islandwide sewage system and developing NEWater.

A right-hand man to first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, Lee is also known for leading the clean-up of the Singapore River and Kallang Basin.

He also served at the Ministry of Finance, Monetary Authority of Singapore and as head of the civil service.

He later continued to "shape Singapore’s future" through his work at GIC, PM Wong wrote.

"Despite his many achievements, Mr Lee remained a humble and kind man," he added.

"His foresight, integrity, and lifelong commitment to public service continue to inspire.

May we honour his legacy by upholding the same spirit of service and stewardship."

A biography, "Lee Ek Tieng: The Green General of Lee Kuan Yew", which explores Lee's role in transforming Singapore into a clean and green city, was launched just a month ago.

At the book launch, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu had quoted Lee Kuan Yew as saying: “There would have been no clean and green Singapore without Lee Ek Tieng.”

Fu described Lee as "one of the green heroes of Singapore during our early independence" in a tribute on Facebook, recalling some of his accomplishments such as spearheading the development of NEWater as the then-chairman of PUB.

Top photo via National Environment Agency