List of Presidents of Singapore: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Singapore from 1965 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Singapore, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Singapore: Tharman Shanmugaratnam (in office since 2023).

Presidents of Singapore in order, with years in office

Yusof Ishak

Served: 1965–1970

First president of Singapore; he died in office in November 1970.

Yeoh Ghim Seng

Served: 1970–1971 (acting)

Speaker of Parliament who acted as president from 23 November 1970 to 2 January 1971.

Benjamin Sheares

Served: 1971–1981

Obstetrician who served until his death in 1981.

Devan Nair

Served: 1981–1985

Former trade union leader who resigned in 1985.

Wee Kim Wee

Served: 1985–1993

First president with the powers of an elected president under the 1991 amendment.

Ong Teng Cheong

Served: 1993–1999

First president elected by popular vote.

S. R. Nathan

Served: 1999–2011

Longest-serving president, in office for 12 years.

Tony Tan

Served: 2011–2017

Former deputy prime minister elected in 2011.

Halimah Yacob

Served: 2017–2023

First woman president and the first Malay head of state since Yusof Ishak; elected unopposed in a reserved election.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Served: 2023–present

Former senior minister who won the 2023 election with 70.4% of the vote; his term runs to 2029.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Singapore

Who is the current president of Singapore?

The current head of state of Singapore is Tharman Shanmugaratnam, in office since 2023.

Who were the previous presidents of Singapore?

The presidents and heads of state of Singapore listed on this page, in order, are: Yusof Ishak, Yeoh Ghim Seng, Benjamin Sheares, Devan Nair, Wee Kim Wee, Ong Teng Cheong, S. R. Nathan, Tony Tan, Halimah Yacob, Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Who was the first president of Singapore?

Yusof Ishak was the first president of Singapore, in office 1965–1970.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of Singapore; Istana Singapore, The Presidency; National Library Board Infopedia (checked Nov 2026). Presidents since independence in 1965; the president has been elected by popular vote since 1993.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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