Benjamin Sheares

President of Singapore

Benjamin Henry Sheares 12 August 1907 Singapore, Straits Settlements

12 May 1981(1981-05-12) (73) Singapore

2 January 1971 – 12 May 1981

Singaporean politician Benjamin Henry Sheares (12 August 1907 – 12 May 1981) was a Singaporean politician who was the second President of Singapore serving from 2 January 1971 to 12 May 1981. Sheares retired in 1960 and was in private practice before being elected by parliament as president after President Yusof Ishak died on 23 November 1970. Sheares was sworn in as president on 2 January 1971. He originally wanted to retire after finishing his second term as he felt that he did not have the energy for another term, but then Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew persuaded him and Sheares took on his third term as president. He served as president for three terms from 2 January 1971 until his death on 12 May 1981. The Benjamin Sheares Bridge and Sheares Hall hostel at the National University of Singapore are named after him.