The Wee Kim Wee Room at Singapore Management University is a thoughtfully curated “living gallery”. Officially opened in November 2022 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Wee Kim Wee Centre, the room is a faithful replica of the office and lounge-cum-dining room from Dr Wee’s apartment — affectionately known as “Istana Kechil.”
Lovingly entrusted to SMU by Dr Wee’s family, the room contains original furniture, personal memorabilia, photographs, and keepsakes that capture cherished moments from the lives of both Dr Wee and Mrs Wee. These items reflect their warmth, grace, and enduring impact on Singapore and beyond, and offer rich, tangible stories that continue to inspire.
Far more than a static exhibit, the Wee Kim Wee Room is designed to be an immersive space where visitors can reflect on the values that defined Singapore’s fourth President and his wife — humility, service, cultural sensitivity, and compassion. Dr Wee’s original desk and typewriter, Mrs Wee’s treasured Peranakan cookbook, and other everyday objects evoke their shared commitment to community and human connection.
The Wee Kim Wee Room is open to the SMU Community via scheduled tours. It invites all to explore and share in the lives, lessons, and legacy of a remarkable couple whose values continue to shape the spirit of civic engagement and intercultural understanding at SMU today.
Explore the Wee Kim Wee Room here:
