Benjamin Sheares
Benjamin Sheares brought a healer's steady hand to Singapore's presidency, serving as a unifying figure during the nation's formative years.
1907–1981 (age 74)·President of Singapore from 1971 to 1981·Birthday: August 12·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Dr. Benjamin Henry Sheares was a man of medicine long before he entered politics. A distinguished obstetrician and gynaecologist, he delivered thousands of Singaporean babies and served as a professor at the University of Singapore, earning deep public trust. In 1971, this reputation made him the ideal choice for the ceremonial role of President, following the death of Yusof Ishak. For a decade, Sheares provided a sense of stability and dignified continuity as the young nation, under Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, navigated rapid economic development and social change. His medical background informed his advocacy for public health and family planning. More than a political figurehead, Sheares became a paternal symbol of Singapore's maturity, his quiet professionalism embodying the values the country sought to project on the world stage until his death in office in 1981.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Benjamin was born in 1907, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Benjamin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1907
Benjamin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1907Born
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1912Started school
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1920Became a teenager
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1923Could drive
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1925Could vote
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Turned 21
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1937Turned 30
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1947Turned 40
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 50
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 60
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 70
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1981Died at 74
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
Key Achievements
- Served as the second President of Singapore for a decade, from 1971 until his death in 1981, providing crucial stability.
- Was a pioneering obstetrician and gynaecologist who headed the Kandang Kerbau Hospital's obstetrics and gynaecology department.
- As a professor, he trained a generation of Singaporean medical professionals and advanced the field of maternal health.
- His presidency is noted for its emphasis on social harmony and national unity during a period of significant growth.
Did You Know?
The Sheares Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Singapore, is named in his honor.
He was the first Singaporean to be appointed a professor in the University of Singapore's Faculty of Medicine.
Before becoming President, he had no formal political party affiliation, being chosen for his stature as a respected public figure.
He delivered one of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's children during his medical career.
“A doctor's duty is to his patient, and a president's duty is to his people.”
