Wee Kim Wee Heritage Fund
The Lasting Impact of Dialogue, Diversity and Dignity
Dr Wee Kim Wee, President of Singapore (1985–1993)
Singapore’s fourth President, Dr Wee Kim Wee’s incredible journey from clerk to journalist, diplomat and president, was marked by his love to engage with people from every walk of life. His passion for people, and an innate ability to foster communication and dialogue around difficult issues were some of the aspects that enshrine Dr Wee Kim Wee as the ‘People’s President’ and an advocate of dignity for all.
His was a life demonstrative of the importance of social and cultural exchange, an openness to different perspectives and the need to actively engage in debate and communication on the challenges and complexities of contemporary life.
In his honour, the Wee Kim Wee Centre at SMU is dedicated to promoting cross-cultural and interdisciplinary dialogue within the SMU community and with the public on the defining social and cultural issues of our time.
Create Meaningful Impact Together
Give Through the Wee Kim Wee Heritage Fund
Your gift will help to preserve the heritage and memory of Dr Wee and Mrs Wee by allowing for the continuing upkeep of the replica of “Istana Kechil”, at the Wee Kim Wee Room in SMU, ensuring the photographs, furniture and memorabilia have the longevity they deserve, in a condition that befits Singapore’s beloved ‘People’s President’.
Also, your gift will support educational activities that embody the values that Dr Wee held fast to. By enabling dialogue and encouraging openness to a diversity of people and perspectives, just as Dr Wee did, the Wee Kim Wee Centre at SMU will help young adults at SMU understand and tackle the evolving needs of communities in the 21st century and build a better future for all.
The Wee Kim Wee Centre
A Centre for Dialogue in the Heart of a Creative District
Celebrating 20 years as a beacon for dynamic intercultural engagement, the Wee Kim Wee Centre ensures that ideas flourish and communication thrives within SMU, both for its students and the community around us. The ability to have open, deep and honest discussions shapes not only the way we frame issues and rise to challenges, but also who we are as responsible global citizens in an increasingly connected world.
The Centre aims to advance learning and thinking around major crosscultural issues and to champion discussions around social and cultural diversity, diverse perspectives and the importance of both civic engagement and lifelong learning.
The Wee Kim Wee Room
Preserving “Istana Kechil”
The Wee Kim Wee Room in SMU is a replica of the office and loungecum-dining room from Dr Wee's apartment affectionately called “Istana Kechil”. Within it are photographs, furniture and memorabilia that capture moments of both Dr Wee’s and Mrs Wee’s extraordinary lives, and the impact that they have had on the people of Singapore and the world.
These items and the stories that they encapsulate have been lovingly entrusted to SMU by his family, so that all can share in the lives, lessons and memories of both Dr Wee and Mrs Wee.
