Amber Phillips
Singapore is mourning the loss of Dr. Lee Wei Ling, a devoted neurologist and the daughter of the nation’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. She passed away at home on October 9, 2023, at the age of 69, after battling a rare brain disorder known as progressive supranuclear palsy.
A Legacy of Service
Dr. Lee’s wake began on October 10 at the Singapore Casket in Lavender Street. Her brother, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, along with his wife, Mrs. Lee, attended the event in the evening. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and various current and former Members of Parliament were also present, alongside members of the public and opposition figures.
- Date of Death: October 9, 2023
- Age: 69
- Profession: Neurologist
- Disorder: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
Her wake, attended by many, will continue until October 12, allowing friends, family, and the public to pay their respects.
Tributes Pour In
Leaders across Singapore have expressed their condolences and highlighted Dr. Lee’s significant contributions to medicine. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who spoke before the ASEAN Summit in Laos, praised her unwavering commitment to patient care and medical ethics. In a heartfelt Facebook post, he noted, “Dr. Lee devoted her life to medicine, serving as a pediatric neurologist and heading the neuroscience department at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.”
Wong also referred to Dr. Lee’s impactful writing, including the compilation of her newspaper columns into the book titled A Hakka Woman’s Singapore Stories: My life as a daughter, doctor and diehard Singaporean. He emphasized that her strong convictions and insights enriched the lives of many readers.
A High Achiever
Dr. Lee was not only recognized for her medical expertise but also for her academic achievements. She was awarded the President’s Scholarship in 1973, a prestigious accolade she shared with future Cabinet ministers such as George Yeo and Lim Hng Kiang. Senior Minister Teo reminisced about their long friendship, calling Dr. Lee “a passionate and dedicated person.” He shared that she always engaged in spirited discussions about topics close to her heart, reflecting her commitment to her profession and her country.
A Public Figure and Advocate
Apart from her career in medicine, Dr. Lee became a public figure known for her advocacy in healthcare and social issues. She contributed regularly to local media, where her columns often addressed critical topics in Singapore’s evolving society. Through her writing, she shared her life experiences and offered insights into the country’s progress.
Dr. Lee’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief and admiration from various sectors of society. Many tributes have noted her blend of professional rigor and personal empathy, which shaped her approach to both medicine and life.
Community Response
Members of the community, including healthcare professionals and patients, have shared their memories of Dr. Lee and the impact she had on their lives. Her peers described her as a mentor who inspired many to pursue careers in medicine and to prioritize patient welfare above all.
As the nation reflects on the life of Dr. Lee, many will remember her not only as a healthcare professional but as a compassionate advocate for the people of Singapore. Her legacy will continue to resonate in the medical community and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The death of Dr. Lee Wei Ling marks the end of an era for Singapore’s healthcare landscape. Her unwavering commitment to patient care and her contributions to medical ethics have left a lasting imprint on the nation. As friends and family gather to honor her memory during the wake, it is clear that Dr. Lee’s influence will reverberate through the lives she touched and the legacy she leaves behind.
For more information on Dr. Lee’s life and contributions, visit the National Neuroscience Institute and explore her written works that reflect her journey and convictions
