SINGAPORE – The nation mourns the loss of Lee Ek Tieng, a pioneering civil servant whose influence in shaping Singapore’s clean and green initiatives is immeasurable. Lee, who passed away on April 6 at the age of 91, was cremated on April 8, following a private wake attended by his family.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong took to Facebook on April 9 to pay tribute to the late civil servant, stating that Lee's “quiet dedication left an indelible mark on our nation.” Wong highlighted Lee's instrumental role in overseeing essential infrastructure developments during Singapore’s formative years, including the establishment of a comprehensive sewerage system and the revitalization of the nation’s waterways.

One of Lee's most significant contributions was his leadership in developing Newater, a key element in Singapore's water resilience strategy that garnered international acclaim. This innovative approach to water recycling has positioned Singapore as a global leader in sustainable water management practices.

Beyond environmental efforts, Lee held prominent positions in the Ministry of Finance and served at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. He was also pivotal in shaping the future of the country through his tenure at the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), Singapore's sovereign wealth fund.

Prime Minister Wong remembered Lee as a humble and kind individual whose “foresight, integrity, and lifelong commitment to public service” will continue to inspire generations. “May we honour his legacy by upholding the same spirit of service and stewardship,” he emphasized.

Lee Ek Tieng was celebrated as one of the “eight immortals” of the civil service during the tenure of Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. These trailblazers played a crucial role in the young nation's development, a narrative documented in the recently published book, *The Last Fools: The Eight Immortals of Lee Kuan Yew*.

In February, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu recognized him as “a leader, a pioneer, and a true architect of modern Singapore’s environmental transformation.” At the launch of a book dedicated to him, *Lee Ek Tieng: The Green General of Lee Kuan Yew*, Fu praised his thoroughness and innovation, noting that he excelled in a government environment that demanded excellence.

Lee began his illustrious career in the civil service in 1958 as an engineer with the Singapore City Council before transferring to the Public Works Department in 1962. He held various positions, including acting permanent secretary for public health from 1971-1972, and served as permanent secretary for the environment from 1975 to 1986. In June 1994, he was appointed deputy head of the Singapore Civil Service, later taking over as head in October of that year.

The legacy of Lee Ek Tieng is not just in the projects he oversaw but in the spirit of innovation and public service he embodied. As the nation reflects on his vast contributions, the message remains clear: true leadership lies in service to the community and environment.