Who Is David Marshall (Singaporean politician)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
David Marshall was born on March 12, 1908, and he served as Singapore's first Chief Minister from 1955 to 1956. Throughout his political career, he played a crucial role in Singapore’s transition toward self-governance. In 2025, he would have celebrated 117 years of life, a testament to his enduring legacy as a pioneering figure in Singapore’s political history.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 12, 1908 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Singapore, Straits Settlements (present-day Selegie Road, Singapore) |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Singapore |
| Date of death | 12 December, 1995 |
| Died Place | Singapore |
Popularity
David Marshall (Singaporean politician)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements of David Marshall's height and weight are not extensively documented, it is known that he maintained a professional appearance throughout his life. His impactful presence commanded respect in both political and public spheres.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
David Marshall was married to a fellow activist, and together they influenced the political landscape of Singapore. While information regarding his dating history is scarce, it is known that he focused largely on his political career, which inevitably affected his personal relationships. As of 2025, David Marshall's family legacy continues through his descendants, who remain proud of their heritage.
His father, Saul, arrived in Singapore in 1900 from Baghdad after being insipired by the Jewish Manasseh Meyer's own trips to Singapore. He had initially left his wife, Flora, in Baghdad when he moved to Singapore, setting up a business at Change Alley; Saul typically sold things from the Middle East and India.
Net Worth and Salary
While exact figures for David Marshall's net worth during his active years are not widely recorded, his contributions to Singapore's political and legal frameworks have left an indelible mark that transcends monetary value. As the first Chief Minister, his role was more about public service than personal profit. However, posthumous recognitions and remaining influences continue to shape the narrative of his worth.
Upon his return to Singapore, Marshall began working at a stockbroker's firm in 1926, but he fell sick with tuberculosis and had to be sent to Switzerland again, where he studied German and French. He would recover eight months later, travelling to Renaix, Belgium, to study textile manufacturing.
Around this time, Marshall would develop anti-colonial sentiments towards the British in Singapore.
In 1927, when he returned back to Singapore from Europe, he would deliver a speech at the YMCA titled "Who Is Responsible for this Cesspool?", in response to a The Straits Times report that a British parliamentarian had described Singapore as a "pestilential and immoral cesspool".
This led to Marshall being banned from public speaking by the Department of Education. Marshall would travel overseas again before returning in 1930, during the Great Depression. He had unsuccessfully held down a job as a textile representative before joining N. V. Straits Java Trading Company, where he liquidated departments of the company.
Following a salary cut due to the Depression, Marshall left N. V. Straits and worked as a salesman for Sternberg and Company. At Sternberg, he was an assistant for their passenger department and made sgd150, additionally holding French classes at YMCA for some extra money; Marshall wanted to pursue an overseas education.
After making enough money, Marshall decided to study law in London, attending the University of London in September 1934; he had originally wanted to study medicine, but it was costly.
To get his law degree and join the Bar at the same time, Marshall decided to register himself with Middle Temple and take his Bachelor of Laws at the University of London externally.
Career, Business, and Investments
Marshall's career spanned law and politics, where he significantly impacted policy-making and governance. In 1956, he led negotiations for self-governance, marking a pivotal moment in Singapore’s journey toward independence. After his term as Chief Minister, he continued to be involved in various political activities until his retirement. His business ventures remain largely unreported, as his focus was primarily on serving the public rather than engaging in substantial commercial enterprises.
In 1938, following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, Marshall volunteered for military service with a British reserve unit, the Straits Settlements Volunteer Force. He was assigned to "B" Company, 1st Battalion (1SSVF)—a company composed mostly of continental European expatriates.
He was detained briefly by military police after objecting to the fact that he and other volunteers classified as "Asian" were paid at half the rate collected by "European" members of the SSVF.
Social Network
Though David Marshall passed away in 1995, his legacy is upheld in the digital realm through various social networks and historical discussions related to Singapore's political history. His contributions are commemorated in forums and educational platforms, where enthusiasts and scholars share insights into his life and influence.
Education
David Marshall was well-educated, earning his law degree before embarking on his political journey. His education equipped him with the knowledge and skills essential for navigating the complex political landscape of colonial Singapore, where he advocated for civil rights and justice.
He is also well-regarded by lawyers in Singapore. In recognition of his impeccable service, he was appointed as an Honorary Member and Fellow of the Academy of Law in 1992 by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL), and the David Marshall Professorship in Law was set up in 1995 by the National University of Singapore (NUS).
In 2007, the Singapore Management University's School of Law (SMU Law) introduced the David Marshall Prize for the top student in criminal law. In 2017, the Yale-NUS College introduced the David Marshall Scholarship for double degree law students.
There is also the David Marshall Scholarship by the School of the Arts, Singapore (SOTA), which are awarded to SOTA students who demonstrate artistic talents and excellent academic standing, as well as maintain excellent conduct and participate actively in school events.
