Goh Chok Tong

Goh Chok Tong assumed the role of the second Prime Minister of Singapore on November 28, 1990, succeeding Lee Kuan Yew. During his tenure, until August 2004, he introduced significant policies like "Medisave" and "Singapore 21". His administration weathered several crises, including the hijack of Singapore Airlines Flight 117 in 1991, the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998, and the 2003 SARS outbreak.

Following his term as Prime Minister, Goh transitioned to the role of Senior Minister, a position he held from 2004 to 2011. During this period, he also served as the Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. His international influence was recognized by numerous honors, including the honorary Companion of the Order of Australia in 2005 and the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun awarded by the Japanese government in 2011. Additionally, Goh played a key role in establishing the Singapore-USA Free Trade Agreement in 2003, marking the USA's first FTA with an Asian country.

Goh retired from politics in 2020, concluding a remarkable 44-year career. His experiences and insights from his political journey are documented in his memoir, "Tall Order: The Goh Chok Tong Story", published in 2018, and its sequel, "Standing Tall: The Goh Chok Tong Years", released in 2021. Now, holding the honorary title of "Emeritus Senior Minister," he continues to advise Marine Parade grassroots organizations and chairs the Governing Board of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.