Later Life
Lee's work and generous contributions to education and society were recognised. He was conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Malaya in 1958. In 1964, Malaysia's Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Head of State), Putra of Perlis, awarded Lee the title of Panglima Mangku Negara (PMN), hence Lee was known by the honorific Tan Sri. Prior to that, Lee had been made Dato' by the Sultans of Johor and Kelantan in 1957 and 1959 respectively. He became the chairman of OCBC Bank in 1965 and remained in that position until his death in 1967. In 1965, Lee was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters by the University of Singapore in recognition of his services to the university and his contributions to arts and education.
Lee's legacy of philanthropy continues to live in his family; he is survived by three sons Lee Seng Gee (Chairman of the Lee Foundation), Lee Seng Tee, Lee Seng Wee (director of OCBC) and three daughters Seok Keng (deceased, December 2011), Seok Tin and Seok Chee.
Read more about this topic: Lee Kong Chian
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