Who Is S. R. Nathan? Age, Biography and Wiki
S. R. Nathan, born on July 3, 1924, would be 101 years old in 2025. He served as the President of Singapore from 1999 to 2011, becoming the longest-serving president in the country's history. Nathan was a prominent figure in Singapore's political landscape, with a career that spanned decades in various roles, including Foreign Affairs and as a key contributor to the nation’s diplomatic initiatives. He was known for his diplomatic acumen and contributions to Singapore’s development.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 3, 1924 |
| Age | 92 Years |
| Birth Place | Singapore, Straits Settlements |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Singapore |
| Date of death | 22 August, 2016 |
| Died Place | Singapore |
Popularity
S. R. Nathan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
S. R. Nathan's physical statistics reflect his stature in the realms of both leadership and public service. While specific height and weight figures have not been disclosed in public records, he was known for his dignified presence and authoritative demeanor during his presidency.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
S. R. Nathan was married to Maureen Nathan for many years until her passing in 2009. The couple had three children together. His family life was characterized by a strong commitment to public service, mirroring his professional values. As of 2025, he is remembered fondly by family and friends, continuing to inspire many with hislegacy of leadership and humanitarian efforts.
He faced financial difficulties during his childhood, particularly after the death of his father. He left school during his teenage years and worked various jobs during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II, including as a translator.
After the war, he resumed his education and graduated with a Diploma in Social Studies from the University of Malaya's Singapore division in 1954. He began his civil service career in the Labour Ministry in 1955 and later moved to the Foreign Ministry.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, S. R. Nathan's net worth is estimated to be substantial, although specific figures are often not publicized for political figures. During his presidency, official salaries were transparent, and estimates suggest that Nathan earned an annual salary in the realm of hundreds of thousands, reflecting Singapore's approach to compensating its leaders. In addition to his official compensation, Nathan's status undoubtedly afforded him various opportunities and investments.
During the 2005 presidential election, the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) declared Nathan as the only eligible candidate on 13 August, rejecting three other applications based on constitutional criteria. Thus, Nathan was elected unopposed for a second term on 17 August 2005.
He was sworn in for a second term of office on 1 September 2005, and as of 2016, is the only person who has served two terms as president.
On 21 January 2009, Nathan approved in principle the Government's request to draw $4.9 billion from the nation's past financial reserves to fund the Government's Resilience Package consisting of two schemes aimed at preserving jobs and businesses during the Great Recession: the Jobs Credit scheme, which provided employers with financial assistance
to pay employees' salaries; and the Special Risk-Sharing Initiative, which helped mid-sized companies to obtain credit.
This was the first time the President's discretionary powers had been exercised for this purpose. The President's formal approval of the drawdown was subsequently signified in two notifications dated 13 March 2009.
Career, Business and Investments
Before his presidency, Nathan had a diverse career including substantial roles within Singapore’s civil service and diplomatic missions. He served as the Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia and was instrumental in shaping national policies. Post-presidency, S. R. Nathan remained active in various charitable endeavors, continuing his commitment to public service through numerous boards and initiatives focused on education and social welfare.
In the course of his civil service career, Nathan held several senior appointments, including Director of the SID and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In 1974, during the Laju incident, he volunteered to accompany members of the Japanese Red Army and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine out of Singapore to ensure the safe release of civilian hostages, a move that drew national and international attention.
He later served as Executive Chairman of The Straits Times Press from 1982 to 1988, High Commissioner to Malaysia from 1988 to 1990 and Ambassador to the United States from 1990 to 1996.
Social Network
S. R. Nathan was well-connected within both national and international spheres. He actively engaged with various organizations and used his platform to advocate for important causes throughout his life. Social networking in the traditional sense may not apply, as he belonged to an era that predates contemporary social media; however, his influence and contributions were widely acknowledged across various forms of media and public discourse.
Education
S. R. Nathan’s educational background laid the groundwork for his illustrious career. He graduated from the University of Malaya with a degree in economics, furthering his understanding of public policy and governance. Nathan continued to hone his skills through various professional engagements, which shaped his perspectives on leadership and community development.
In conclusion, S. R. Nathan's legacy as a statesman continues to resonate in Singapore and beyond, reflecting a life dedicated to public service, integrity, and the betterment of society.
Nathan left the Civil Service in 1982 to take up the executive chairmanship of the Straits Times Press; he also held directorships in other companies. Between 1988 and 1996 he served as Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia and Ambassador to the United States, before his 12-year term as President of the Republic from 1999 to 2011.
Following retirement, Nathan turned to writing and also became a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the School of Social Sciences of Singapore Management University (SMU), and at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. He died in 2016 and was accorded a state funeral by the Government.
