Ong Teng Cheong

ModernPoliticianSingapore1936 — ?

First elected Singaporean president, architect.

Compare Ong Teng Cheong with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1936

Country

Singapore

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)16

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)44

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)26

Total Score49.4

Ong Teng Cheong — Complete Timeline

1982 AD

Led the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) DevelopmentReform◆ Major

As Minister for Communications, Ong championed the construction of Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. The first phase opened in 1987, transforming public transportation in the city-state.

InfrastructureMRT

Impact: nationalconstructive

1985 AD

Served as Deputy Prime MinisterPolitical Action◆ Major

Ong served as Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore from 1985 to 1993 under Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and later Goh Chok Tong. He oversaw infrastructure development and urban planning.

Deputy PMGovernment

Impact: national

1993 AD

Elected First Elected President of SingaporePolitical Action

Ong Teng Cheong was elected as the first directly elected President of Singapore in August 1993. He won 58.7% of the vote, defeating Chua Kim Yeow. The election marked a shift from a ceremonial to an elected presidency with custodial powers.

Elected presidencyConstitutional change

Impact: nationalconstructive

1999 AD

Resigned as President Due to Health ReasonsPolitical Action◆ Major

Ong resigned as President in September 1999, citing health reasons. He had been diagnosed with lymphoma. His resignation led to a by-election, which was won by Sellapan Ramanathan.

ResignationHealth

Impact: national