“Good governance isn’t just about systems or structures; it’s about principles. It’s about ensuring fairness, building trust, and making decisions that place the well-being of people at the centre. Mr. Pillay has shown us that a society built on strong governance is one that thrives, and he has dedicated his life to fostering just that.” 

Mr. JY Pillay

Joseph Yuvaraj Pillay, also known as JY Pillay, is one of our pioneer civil servants following independence in 1965. Mr. Pillay served Singapore with devotion and distinction for more than half a century. He worked closely with our founding leaders and led many key projects during our early days of nationhood, serving as Permanent Secretary in finance, defence, and national development. 

Renowned as one of the key architects of modern Singapore's economic development, he played pivotal roles in building institutions such as Singapore Airlines, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and GIC. With decades of experience in shaping national policy and fostering global partnerships, Mr. Pillay’s visionary leadership and contributions continue to inspire progress and innovation in Singapore and beyond.

The JY Pillay Public Lecture Series in Governance is an enduring testament to Mr. Pillay’s leadership and foresight, coupled with a strong sense of compassion for society.

Straits Times Opinion:
How we can tackle the world’s three ‘long challenges’

Abridged version of a speech by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, in delivering the inaugural JY Pillay Lecture on Governance.

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"It is our hope that through this platform, we can inspire the next generation of leaders to adopt forward-thinking, compassionate, and inclusive approaches to governance."

Professor Tan Tai Yong, SUSS President