Lee Foundation: Over S$1 Billion in Charitable Contributions

Dr. Lee Kong Chian's legacy of philanthropy outshines even his remarkable business achievements.

Founded in 1952 by the philanthropic businessman Lee Kong Chian, the Lee Foundation is Singapore's largest private charitable foundation. The foundation has been a beacon of support for educational, healthcare, and various community causes across Singapore and Malaysia.

Historical Contributions and Impact 

Lee Kong Chian's vision led him to donate a substantial part of his wealth to the foundation, including half of his shares in the Lee Rubber Group. This enabled the Lee Foundation to contribute significantly across various domains, with a notable focus on education. Since its establishment, the foundation has donated approximately S$1 billion, with three-quarters of this amount directed towards educational causes.

Since its establishment, the foundation has donated approximately S$1 billion, with three-quarters of this amount directed towards educational causes.

Significant Educational Donations 

The foundation's commitment to education is evident in its numerous large donations:

• S$60 million to the National Library for the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library in 2003.

• S$50 million to Singapore Management University to establish the Lee Kong Chian School of Business in 2004.

• S$30 million to the National University of Singapore in 2005 for the Lee Kong Chian Wing.

• S$25 million to the National University of Singapore for the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.

• S$150 million was donated to the NTU-Imperial College London's medical school, which is now known as the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

Health and Community Support

Beyond education, the foundation has also made significant strides in healthcare and community support:

• From 2014 to 2017, the Lee Foundation donated S$3 million to Sian Chay for the Pioneer Generation Medical Fund.

• The Lee Kong Chian NUS-Stanford Initiative on Southeast Asia, founded in 2007, advances scholarly and policy discussions on Southeast Asia.

Expansion and Recognition 

The foundation's influence extends to Malaysia, where in 2015, it donated RM50 million to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman for a new campus building, the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science. The foundation's philanthropic efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Patron of the Arts Award and the National Volunteerism and Philanthropy Award.

Continuing the mission of its founder, the Lee Foundation actively promotes and supports education and health initiatives, especially for disadvantaged communities.