Introduction
Some places become iconic not because of architecture, but because of the events that unfolded within their walls. 38 Oxley Road is one such place. Though modest in appearance, it played a foundational role in Singapore’s journey to independence.
The Home of Lee Kuan Yew
From the late 1940s, the bungalow became the family residence of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister. Lee lived there for most of his adult life, raising his family and conducting political discussions that would help shape the nation.
He once said he preferred the house for its simplicity and privacy — characteristics that matched his disciplined lifestyle.
Birthplace of the People’s Action Party (PAP)
One of the most significant chapters in the house’s history centres on secret meetings held in the basement dining room between 1953 and 1954. These meetings involved founding members of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and contributed to the strategy and formation of the party.
It was within these walls that discussions on self-governance, anti-colonial struggle and national direction took place.
Witness to Singapore’s Independence Journey
Between the 1950s and 1970s, the house witnessed:
- Political study sessions
- Debates on merger with Malaya
- Security planning during the turbulent years of the Cold War
- Family life intertwined with the pressures of nation-building
38 Oxley Road became a hybrid space: part home, part political nerve centre.
A Modest Symbol of a Transformative Era
The house contrasts sharply with the monumental rise of Singapore. As skyscrapers grew and Orchard Road became a retail hub, 38 Oxley Road remained unchanged — a reminder of the island’s humble beginnings and the personal sacrifices behind its success.