View source for Yusof Ishak

{{pp-pc1}}
{{Short description|President of Singapore from 1965 to 1970}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Malay name|Yusof|Ishak| note = on}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix    = [[His Excellency]]
| name                = Yusof bin Ishak
| native_name         = 
| honorific_suffix    = {{post-nominals|size=100|list=[[Darjah Utama Temasek|DUT]] [[Sijil Kemuliaan|SK]] [[Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang|DUBC]] [[Pingat Jasa Gemilang|PJG]]}}
| image               = Yusof Ishak in NCC (cropped).jpg
| caption             = Yusof {{circa|1924–1929}}
| image_size          = 900.px
| native_name_lang    = 
| pronunciation       = 
| order               = 1st
| office              = President of Singapore
| term_start          = 9 August 1965
| term_end            = 23 November 1970
| primeminister       = [[Lee Kuan Yew]]<!--Please do not remove this parameter without providing a reason. If you feel that this parameter is not necessary, please discuss the matter on the Talk page. Thanks.-->
| predecessor         = ''Office established''
| successor           = [[Benjamin Sheares]]
| office2             = 2nd [[Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore]]
| term_start2         = 3 December 1959
| term_end2           = 9 August 1965
| monarch2            = [[Elizabeth II]]<br />[[Putra of Perlis]]
| primeminister2      = Lee Kuan Yew
| predecessor2        = [[Sir William Allmond Codrington Goode|Sir William Goode]]
| successor2          = ''Position abolished''
| birth_name          = Yusof bin Ishak Al-Haj{{efn|[[Hajji|Al-Haj]] is an honorific title given to people who complete the [[Hajj|pilgrimage to Mecca]], which Yusof completed in 1963.<ref name=":13" />|name=fn1}}
| birth_date          = {{birth date|1910|8|12|df=y}}
| birth_place         = [[Padang Gajah]], Perak, Federated Malay States (present-day [[Perak, Malaysia]])
| death_date          = {{Death date and age|1970|11|23|1910|8|12|df=yes}}
| death_place         = [[Singapore General Hospital]], Singapore
| death_cause         = [[Heart failure]]
| restingplace        = [[Kranji State Cemetery]]
| restingplacecoordinates = 
| nationality         = 
| party               = [[Independent politician|Independent]]
| otherparty          = 
| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Puan Noor Aishah|Noor Aishah Mohammad Salim]]|20 November 1949}}
| children            = 3
| alma_mater          = [[Victoria School|Victoria Bridge School]]<br />[[Raffles Institution]]
| occupation          = {{hlist|Journalist|civil servant}}
| profession          = 
| signature           = 
| website             = 
| parents             = [[Ishak bin Ahmad]] (father)
| relations           = [[Aziz Ishak]] (younger brother)<br>[[Abdul Rahim Ishak]] (younger brother)
}}

'''Yusof bin Ishak Al-Haj'''{{efn|name=fn1}} ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|j|ʊ|s|ɒ|f|_|b|ɪ|n|_|ˈ|ɪ|s|h|ɑː|k}} {{respell|YUUSS|off|_|bin|_|ISS|hahk}}; 12 August 1910{{spaced ndash}}23 November 1970) was a Singaporean journalist and civil servant who served as the [[head of state]] of Singapore from 1959 to 1970, as the second [[Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore]] between 1959 and 1965 and the first [[president of Singapore]] between 1965 and 1970. Born in the [[Federated Malay States]], Yusof received his education in Malaysia and Singapore, graduating from [[Raffles Institution]] in 1929. Upon his graduation, he worked in journalism, creating a sports magazine with friends before joining ''[[Warta Malaya]]'', a Malay-language daily newspaper. Leaving ''Warta'' in 1938, Yusof co-founded ''[[Utusan Malaysia|Utusan Melayu]]'', a newspaper more centred on Malay issues, in 1939 with other Malay figures in Singapore. 

He was a central figure in ''Utusan''{{'}}s success, staying with the newspaper for two decades. He left [[Kuala Lumpur]] in 1959 following conflicts between ''Utusan'' and [[UMNO]], which ultimately led to UMNO buying all the shares of ''Utusan''. Returning to Singapore, Yusof was invited to serve as chairman of the [[Public Service Commission (Singapore)|Public Service Commission]] by prime minister [[Lee Kuan Yew]]. On 3 December 1959, he succeeded [[William Goode (colonial administrator)|Sir William Goode]] as [[Yang di-Pertuan Negara]] after the [[People's Action Party]] (PAP) won the [[1959 Singaporean general election|1959 general election]]. He would serve in this role until 1965, when [[Independence of Singapore Agreement 1965|Singapore gained independence]] and the Yang di-Pertuan Negara post was succeeded by the [[president of Singapore]].

Yusof served three terms as head of state in office before he died on 23 November 1970 due to heart failure. During his presidency, he was known for his multi-racial beliefs, especially in the 1960s, when he was a strong supporter of [[Singapore in Malaysia#Prelude to merger|Singapore's merger with Malaysia]]. Even after [[Independence of Singapore Agreement 1965|Singapore's split from Malaysia]], he continued to spread the idea of a multi-racial society. Yusof also believed in education and supported talks on religion. Following his death, he was succeeded by [[Benjamin Sheares]] on 2 January 1971. Several places in Singapore bear his name and his portrait appears on the [[Singapore Portrait Series currency notes]] introduced in 1999.

== Early life and education ==
[[File:Yusof Ishak and his family, 1933.jpg|thumb|left|260px|Yusof ''(back row, middle)'' and his family in 1933]]
Yusof was born on 12 August 1910 in [[Padang Gajah]], [[Terong]], Perak, which was then a part of the [[Federated Malay States]] (present-day Malaysia).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> The eldest son of nine siblings, Yusof was of [[Malays (ethnic group)|Malay]] and [[Sumatra]]n descent. His father was of [[Minangkabau people|Minangkabau]] descent who lived in Penang before moving to Perak whilst his mother was of Malay descent who came from [[Langkat Regency|Langkat]], [[North Sumatra]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2 December 1959 |title=YUSOF Head of State |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19591202-1.2.2? |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Yusof and his family lived in government housing in McNair Road.{{Sfn|Chew|2015|p=180}}

His father was [[Ishak bin Ahmad]], a civil servant who held the post of Acting Director of Fisheries.<ref name=":0" /> His younger brothers, [[Aziz Ishak]] and [[Abdul Rahim Ishak]], were active in politics in Malaysia and Singapore respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 March 1996 |title='Terima jawatan mahu bukti PAP bukan anti-Melayu' |trans-title='Accept the position and want proof that the PAP is not anti-Malay' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19960330-1.2.23.13 |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[Berita Harian]] |pages=13 |language=Malay |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |quote=Kenyataan tersebut diberikan oleh Encik Aziz Ishak, adik kepada Allahyarham Yusof, dalam temuramahnya dengan pengarang buku ''Leaders of Singapore'' |trans-quote=The statement was given by Encik Aziz Ishak, brother of the late Yusof, in his interview with the author of the book ''Leaders of Singapore''}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Abdul Rahim |first=Zackaria |date=19 January 2001 |title=Abdul Rahim Ishak, PAP old guard, dies in hospital |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20010119-2.2.4.2? |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[Today (website)|Today]] |pages=2 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Yusof received his early education at the Malay School and [[King Edward VII School (Taiping)|King Edward VII School]], both in Taiping, Perak. In 1923, when his father was posted to [[Singapore in the Straits Settlements|Singapore]] as director of the Fisheries Department, his family relocated to Singapore and Yusof began studying at [[Victoria School|Victoria Bridge School]].<ref>{{cite news |date=2022-08-15 |title=First Singapore president a versatile Malayan journo  |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/822323/first-singapore-president-versatile-malayan-journo#google_vignette |access-date=2025-05-26 |work=New Straits Times}}</ref> In 1924, he was enrolled in [[Raffles Institution]] (RI) for his secondary education.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2 December 1959 |title=Melayu Ketua Negara |trans-title=Malay Head Of State |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19591202-1.2.2? |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[Berita Harian]] |pages=1 |df= |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |quote= |trans-quote=}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=15 July 1959 |title=Goode names new jobs men |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590715-1.2.91? |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=9 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

During his time in RI, he played various sports such as swimming, weight lifting, water-polo, boxing, hockey, basketball, and cricket. A member of the [[National Cadet Corps (Singapore)|National Cadet Corps]], Yusof was the first student to be appointed as an officer, holding the rank of [[second lieutenant]]. He was also a part of ''The Rafflesian'', a [[Student publication|school newspaper]], as a co-editor and a prefect.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=5 September 1999 |title=BIOGRAPHY: Yusof Ishak |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19990905-1.2.54.2? |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |page=39 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In sports, he also won the [[Aw Boon Par|Aw Boon Par Cup]] in boxing and was the national weightlifting champion in 1932 and 1933, respectively.<ref name=":6">{{cite web |date=18 August 2014 |title=Life and times of Yusof Ishak, Singapore's first president |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/life-and-times-of-yusof-ishak-singapores-first-president |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428064724/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/life-and-times-of-yusof-ishak-singapores-first-president |archive-date=28 April 2016 |access-date=6 April 2016 |website=[[The Straits Times]] |publisher=}}</ref> In 1927, Yusof passed his Cambridge School Certificate examination with distinctions and entered the [[Queen's Scholar (British Malaya and Singapore)|Queen's Scholarship]] Class in RI. He was one of 13 students in the Queen's Scholarship Class, along with being the only Malay student. He studied at RI for two more years, graduating in 1929 when he was unable to get the scholarship.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2 September 1983 |title=Right man for the right time |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singmonitor19830902-2.2.31.1? |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[Singapore Monitor]] |page=19 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

Yusof initially wanted to pursue law, but his study application in London was rejected and his father could not afford to send him overseas. Instead, Yusof started working in the police force in Kuala Lumpur as a trainee cadet. Yusof was promised a promotion to officer by the Police Commissioner, but it was later withdrawn after he stood up to a Malaysian royal family member who had mistreated his juniors. Yusof left the police force soon after and returned to Singapore.{{Sfn|Chew|2015|p=180}}{{sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|p=62}}{{Sfn|Zainul Abidin|Norshahril|2016|p=5}}

== Journalism career ==
[[File:Sportsman magazine - 010930.jpg|thumb|1 September 1930 publication of ''Sportsman'']]
In Singapore, he began his journalism career by co-founding the [[Fortnight|fortnightly]] [[sports magazine]] ''Sportsman'' with two Chinese friends – Ong Chin Beng and Soh Swee Tuck.<ref name=":2" /> In 1932, Yusof joined ''[[Warta Malaya]]'', a Malay newspaper with the highest [[Print circulation|circulation]] during that time, at the invitation of his friend Syed Hussein bin Ali Alsagoff.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Sulaiman |first=Jeman |date=7 November 1988 |title=The rise of Malay newspapers |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19881107-1.2.67.11.1 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |page=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He worked at ''Warta'' for eight years, becoming a manager. During his time there, ''Warta Malaya'' was heavily influenced by developments in the Middle East and Yusof wanted a newspaper more dedicated to Malay issues; the other largest Malay newspaper was ''Jawi Peranakan'', which was run by Muslims of Indian descent.<ref name="MalayNewspaper">{{cite book |last=Kuntom |first=Ainon |url=http://eservice.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding_s.aspx?bid=5838940 |title=Malay Newspapers, 1876–1973: A Historical Survey of the Literature |date=1973 |pages=27–32 |access-date=6 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919191122/https://eservice.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding.aspx?bid=5838940 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Sfn|Zainul Abidin|Norshahril|2016|p=8}}

=== Creating ''Utusan Melayu'' ===
In January 1938, Yusof and twenty other Malays met with the president of the Singapore [[Malay Union]] Inche Daud bin Mohd to discuss establishing a Malay-owned newspaper to better represent their views.{{efn|''Warta Malaya'' was owned by the [[Arab Singaporean]] [[Alsagoff family]], from 1930 to 1941.{{sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|pp=56–57}}}}{{Sfn|Chew|2015|p=180}} The discussion focused on the creation and management of such a project, as a similar attempt in 1937 had failed due to lack of support. A consensus was reached to launch the newspaper, and Yusof was assigned to investigate the feasibility and gather funds for the project; he was also chosen for his previous experience with ''Warta''.<ref name=":3" />{{sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|p=|pp=62–63}} The Utusan Melayu Press Ltd. was registered on 18 June 1932.{{sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|p=64|pp=}} To raise funds, Yusof and other members travelled around Singapore, Johor, and Kuala Lumpur to sell [[Share (finance)|shares]] for the newspapers; they were only able to sell a few. They also visited mosques weekly and held talks to the congregation about their newspaper, usually receiving a lukewarm reception. Furthermore, Yusof contacted experienced journalist [[Abdul Rahim Kajai]] of ''Warta Malaya'' to secure his support and got him to join the newspaper; Yusof subsequently nominated himself for the role of the newspaper's manager. As the deadline approached, members [[Ambo Sooloh]] and Daud J. P. contributed $8,500 between themselves to cover the shortfall and save the project. A total of $18,000 was raised.{{sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|p=|pp=63–64}}{{Sfn|Chew|2015|p=181}} On 29 May 1939, Yusof and other Malay figures, including Sooloh and Daud, founded ''[[Utusan Melayu]]'', with Yusof serving as its first managing director till 1959.<ref name=":2" />{{sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|p=65}}{{Sfn|Zainul Abidin|Norshahril|p=6|2016}} He also rented out a cheap office in [[Queen Street, Singapore|Queen Street]] and a moveable [[Jawi script|jawi]] [[Flat bed press|flatbed press]] from Hong Kong. Initial sales were low, but Yusof and the other members continued to work twelve hour workdays for the whole week. ''Utusan''{{'}}s sales would eventually improve.<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |date=24 November 1970 |title=President Yusof |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701124-1.2.50 |access-date=27 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=10 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>{{Sfn|Chew|2015|p=182}}

Under his management, he was described as "the driving force of ''Utusan Melayu''". Writers were punished for writing or grammar mistakes and were corrected while inactive reporters were fired immediately, but received a month's pay. During the [[Pacific War]], despite suffering a decrease in staff and frequent bombing from the Japanese, Yusof and other staff continued to publish ''Utusan Melayu''. According to one account, during the [[Bombing of Singapore (1941)|bombings of 1941]], Yusof ignored the [[Air raid sirens|air-raid sirens]] and made the staff continue working on ''Utusan''. A lookout was stationed on the roof, and Yusof only permitted staff to head to the bomb shelters when Japanese planes were directly overhead; this allowed ''Utusan'' to remain on schedule even during the war.{{sfn|Chew|2015|p=182}}{{sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|p=69}} His editorial policy at ''Utusan'' was Malay-Muslim centred, [[multi-racial]], and [[Progressivism|progressive]], and he supported education in the Malay community. Due to his beliefs of multi-racialism and [[racial equality]], he was considered controversial in the Malay community, as he never attributed challenges faced by the Malay community to other groups, nor did he defend the Malay royal families.{{Sfn|Chew|2015|p=182}} By 1958, ''Utusan''<nowiki/>'s daily circulation would be around 30,000, the largest amount ever reached by any Malay newspaper at that time.{{Sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|p=72}}
[[File:Beritamalai.jpg|left|thumb|Logo of ''Berita Malai'']]
Two days before the [[fall of Singapore]], ''Utusan'' had only printed about fifty copies. Despite that, Yusof went around with three other staff members to distribute the newspaper themselves. At the start of the [[Japanese occupation of Singapore|Japanese occupation]], ''Utusan Melayu'' stopped circulation as machinery used to print the paper was requisitioned by the [[Japan Self-Defense Forces|Japanese military]] to publish a Japanese newspaper instead.{{sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|p=69}} Yusof was detained by the Japanese for two weeks before being released and ordered to work as an editor at ''Berita Malai'' – a newspaper that was run by the Japanese. He worked there till 1943, when he fell ill and returned back to [[Taiping, Perak]].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":12" /> After the war ended in 1945, Yusof helped to reestablish ''Utusan'' alongside some other members including Ramli Haji Tahir. Despite losing their printing machines, they managed to republish the paper by 10 September – five days after British forces returned to Singapore – by printing at the [[The Straits Times|Straits Times Printing Press]]. Yusof returned to Singapore on 17 September to take over management and editing of ''Utusan'' from Ramli. During this time, ''Utusan'' moved its headquarters to Cecil Street and recovered two of their old machines.{{Sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|p=71}} In 1948, Yusof criticised the Dutch's ban on ''Utusan Zaman'', a Singaporean newspaper, in Indonesia, but did not appeal for it to be lifted. Following talks with Dutch officials, Yusof stated that they were attempting to be "friendly" with the ''Utusan''-type newspapers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 October 1948 |title=Dutch Newspaper Ban |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19481031-1.2.33? |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=3 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In 1949, ''Utusan'' celebrated its tenth anniversary, and Yusof gave a speech where he stated that "[''Utusan''{{'}}s] 130 employees owned more than 25 per cent of the firm's total capital", further stating that it "was perhaps the only newspaper in the world in which 95 per cent of the employees were shareholders".<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 May 1949 |title=''Utusan Melayu'' has 10th birthday |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19490529-1.2.89? |access-date=21 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=9 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>
[[File:Lee Kuan Yew at Laycock and Ong, 1952 (cropped).png|thumb|Yusof first met [[Lee Kuan Yew]] when he was working at Laycock & Ong ''(pictured in his Laycock & Ong office in 1952)''.]]
Following the end of [[World War II]], Yusof's views were more [[anti-colonial]] and [[Pro-independence movement|pro-independence]], mainly following the British's performance during the war. This was seen in ''Utusan''{{'}}s publications as its tone became more progressive and political. Sometime after the war, Yusof wanted to replace ''Utusan''{{'}}s legal advisor, [[Progressive Party (Singapore)|Progressive Party]] founder [[Tan Chye Cheng|C. C. Tan]], with someone with a more "radical, nationalist outlook". After consulting with lawyer [[John Laycock]], Yusof was informed that a young lawyer, [[Lee Kuan Yew]], was soon to return from England to work at his firm Laycock & Ong. Yusof met Lee at the Laycock & Ong office upon his return to Singapore and they became good friends and fellow [[Nationalism|nationalists]]. In 1951, Yusof got help from Lee to represent his friend [[Abdul Samad Ismail]] after he was detained by the British; Abdul would later found the [[People's Action Party]] with Lee.{{sfn|Chew|2015|p=182}} In his [[memoir]], Lee described Yusof in their meeting as a "tall, Indian-looking Malay in his late 40s, with a long, thin, un-Malay nose" and that he "[spoke] English well but in a hesitant manner and with a slight stammer".<ref name=":11" />{{Rp|location=|page=156}} That same year, Yusof was invited by the United States to represent Malaya as a journalist and was also recommended for appointment as a nominated member of the [[Legislative Council of Singapore|Legislative Council]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 April 1951 |title=Malay Union Names 3 Men For Council |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/sundaystandard19510401-1.2.31? |access-date=21 March 2025 |work=[[Sunday Standard (Singapore)|Sunday Standard]] |pages=2 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 April 1951 |title=Journalist's visit to U.S. postponed |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19510410-1.2.151? |access-date=21 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

=== Yusof's departure from ''Utusan'' ===
In 1957, Yusof moved to Kuala Lumpur and, in February 1958, the headquarters of ''Utusan Melayu'' were also relocated to the city. With only a branch office left in Singapore, the move positioned the newspaper as more Malaya-based.<ref name="MalayNewspaper" />{{Sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|p=73}} Even though ''Utusan'' was an independent newspaper, it became a supporter of the [[United Malay Nationalist Organisation]] (UMNO) and the [[Alliance Party (Malaysia)|Alliance Party]] especially after the war. Yusof, as ''Utusan''{{'}}s managing director, stated this of the UMNO and the Alliance Party:{{Sfn|Nik Ahmad|1963|p=72}}<blockquote>The ''Utusan Melayu'' has been a strong supporter of the UMNO and lately of the [Alliance Party], particularly during the first [[1955 Malayan general election|federal election of 1955]], because the ''Utusan'' was launched with the expressed object of raising the status of our people, country and religion, and such an object could not be achieved if [[colonialism]] were to exist. The [Alliance Party], as everybody knows, was the only political party which articulately strove for independence and freedom. This explains the reason why ''Utusan Melayu'' has always been pro-UMNO and the [Alliance Party].</blockquote>However, as ''Utusan'' adopted a more [[Socialism|socialist]] slant in the 1950s, it soon came into conflict with UMNO's beliefs. While the newspaper continued supporting the Malays, ''Utusan'' published some articles which were considered critical of UMNO, and ''Utusan''{{'}}s deputy editor referred to [[Monarchies of Malaysia|the Sultans]] as "feudal elements". UMNO then began buying [[Share (finance)|shares]] from ''Utusan'' in 1955 in an attempt to control the newspaper. Yusof initially resisted the UMNO's attempts but finally left in 1959 after he sold all his shares.{{Sfn|Chew|2015|p=|pp=182–183}}

== Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore (1959–1965) ==
[[File:William Goode 29-07-1953 (1) better crop.jpg|thumb|Yusof was both appointed by [[William Goode (colonial administrator)|Sir William Goode]] ''(pictured in 1953)'' as the chairman of the [[Public Service Commission (Singapore)|Public Service Commission]], and his successor as [[Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore|Yang di-Pertuan Negara]].]]
After his resignation from ''Utusan Melayu'', Yusof returned to Singapore. The [[People's Action Party]] (PAP) had just won the [[1959 Singaporean general election|1959 general elections]] and set up their own [[Government of Singapore|government]]. In July 1959, he was invited by new [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]] Lee to serve as chairman of the [[Public Service Commission (Singapore)|Public Service Commission]], to which he accepted and was subsequently appointed by [[William Goode (colonial administrator)|Sir William Goode]], the [[Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore|Yang di-Pertuan Negara]].<ref name=":5" />{{Sfn|Chew|2015|p=183}}

Since Singapore gained full [[Self-governance of Singapore#Full internal self-government (1959–1963)|internal self-governance]] from the British following the 1959 general elections, there were talks to replace Goode as Yang di-Pertuan Negara. In December 1959, the government announced that Yusof would succeed Goode on 3 December, marking the end of 140 years of colonial rule as Singapore became a fully self-governing nation. Yusof had held a few minor roles in the government before his appointment such as on the Film Appeal Committee from 1948 to 1950, member of the Nature Reserves Committee for a year, and member of the Malayanisation Commission. While his role was largely ceremonial, he could [[Royal assent|assent]] laws and give [[discretion]] to the appointment of the Prime Minister or dissolution of the [[Legislative Assembly of Singapore|Legislative Assembly]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2 December 1959 |title=New Head Of State |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19591202-1.2.69? |access-date=28 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

According to Minister for Culture [[Othman Wok]], Yusof was chosen as he was Malay, a nationalist, and had a background at ''Utusan Melayu''. Lee stated that a Malay Yang di-Pertuan Negara was needed to show the multi-racialism of Singapore and to remove its "Third China" image. Another possible candidate for Yang di-Pertuan Negara was Tengku Ya'acob, the brother of Malaysian Prime Minister [[Tunku Abdul Rahman]]. Despite Tunku's strong backing of Tengku, which involved a request for [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]]'s intervention, Yusof was still chosen over him likely due to his pro-Singapore stance and previous reputation from ''Utusan Melayu'', according to his brothers [[Aziz Ishak|Aziz]] and [[Abdul Rahim Ishak|Abdul Rahim]].{{Sfn|Chew|2015|p=183}}

In his [[memoir]] ''The Singapore Story'', Lee stated that "we chose [Yusof] [...] to be [Goode's] successor, our first native Yang di-Pertuan Negara. We wanted a distinguished Malay in order to show the Federation that Singaporeans were willing to accept Malays as their leaders, and I knew him as a good man of simple habits who carried himself with dignity."<ref name=":11">{{Cite book |last=Lee |first=Kuan Yew |author-link=Lee Kuan Yew |title=The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew |date=1998 |publisher=[[Prentice-Hall]] |isbn=9780130208033 |page=}}</ref>{{Rp|location=|page=342}}

=== First Yang di-Pertuan Negara term (1959–1964) ===
[[File:GAMBAR2 LAWATAN KETUA NEGARA SINGAPURA.jpg|thumb|Yusof ''(middle)'' visiting [[Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque|Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque]] in Brunei with [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]] [[Lee Kuan Yew]] ''(left)'' and Secretary of the Religious Office [[Pengiran Anak Kemaluddin|Pengiran Muda Kemaluddin]] ''(second from right)'', 1960.|left]]On 2 December, Yusof and his family moved into [[the Istana]], the residence for the head of state. He was taken to [[Former City Hall, Singapore|City Hall]] the following day, where he was officially sworn in on 3 December 1959 as the Yang di-Pertuan Negara.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 December 1959 |title=All Set For Big Day |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19591202-1.2.2? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Singapore Free Press]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/yusof-ishak-man-and-his-passions|title=Yusof Ishak: The man and his passions|publisher=[[AsiaOne]]|date=25 August 2014|access-date=6 April 2016|archive-date=25 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425105636/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/yusof-ishak-man-and-his-passions|url-status=live}}</ref> Aziz stated that Yusof had accepted the role as he wanted to show the Malay community that the PAP were not anti-Malay and that they believed in multi-racialism. This was especially important at the time as the PAP sought [[State of Singapore (Malaysia)#Prelude to merger|Singapore's merger with Malaya]] and wanted the support of the Malays. On the Istana's grounds, Yusof moved into the secretary's bungalow with his family instead of living in the Istana itself. He wanted to show himself as a humble person instead of living in the prestigious Istana building. His wife, [[Puan Noor Aishah|Noor Aishah]], stated herself that "[the Istana] was too big. We preferred to stay at the smaller house."{{Sfn|Chew|2015|p=183}}

Throughout his terms, he frequently visited various [[Constituencies of Singapore|constituencies]] around the island, such as [[Bukit Panjang Single Member Constituency|Bukit Panjang]], [[Bukit Merah Single Member Constituency|Bukit Merah]], [[Bukit Timah Single Member Constituency|Bukit Timah]], [[Bras Basah Constituency|Bras Basah]], and the [[Southern Islands Constituency|Southern Islands]]. Yusof was usually accompanied by the constituency's [[Parliament of Singapore|Member of Parliament]] and tended to visit schools, community centres, and other points of interest.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 April 1961 |title=Inche Yusof to visit Bukit Panjang ward |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610426-1.2.37? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=5 August 1961 |title=Inche Yusof To Visit Bukit Merah |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19610805-1.2.11? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Singapore Free Press]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=17 May 1961 |title=Inche Yusof to visit Bukit Timah on Sunday |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19610517-1.2.43.3? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Singapore Free Press]] |pages=3 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He often used these visits to unite constituents and reiterate their support for the government.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |date=27 January 1960 |title=Yang di-Pertuan Negara welcomed at islands |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19600127-1.2.21 |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Budget]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 April 1961 |title=Che Yusof visits people |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610410-1.2.44? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

In 1960, Yusof visited the Southern Islands, where he planted a coconut tree and announced that during the [[Ramadan|Muslim's month of fasting]], rice, sugar, and dates would be provided to them. He stated that the gesture was to show the government's support to the multi-religious people of Singapore.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 February 1960 |title=Che Yusof Completes Tour Of Southern Islands |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19600222-1.2.32 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Yusof also marked the site of a new mosque that was to be built at the cost of {{SGD|3000|link=on}}.<ref name=":7" /> In a 1961 visit to Bukit Timah, he gave a speech about the importance of multi-racialism and asked for tolerance between the various races, cultures, and religions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 May 1961 |title=Busy Tour By Che Yusof |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610522-1.2.43? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> That same year, he additionally visited [[Changi Single Member Constituency|Changi]], [[Chua Chu Kang Single Member Constituency|Chua Chu Kang]], and [[Pulau Ubin]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 June 1961 |title=Che Yusof Tours Changi |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19610612-1.2.41? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Singapore Free Press]] |pages=3 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=12 June 1961 |title=Pulau Ubin's great day |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610612-1.2.35? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 June 1961 |title=Crackers, Flags Greet Inche Yusof On Tour |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610626-1.2.46? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> After the 1961 [[Bukit Ho Swee fire]], Yusof and Lee met with the homeless victims.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 May 1961 |title=AID for FIRE VICTIMS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610527-1.2.2? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He would later tour the new housing blocks in [[Queenstown, Singapore|Queenstown]], [[Bukit Ho Swee]], [[MacPherson, Singapore|MacPherson]], and [[Jalan Eunos]] for the victims of the fire in 1962.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 February 1962 |title=Inche Yusof on tour of new housing estates |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19620227-1.2.88? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

==== Merger with Malaysia ====
{{See|Singapore in Malaysia}}
In May 1961, Malaysian Prime Minister Tunku announced a proposal to merge Singapore, [[Federation of Malaya|Malaya]], [[Borneo]], Brunei, and [[Sarawak]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 May 1961 |title=Big 'Unity' Plan |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610528-1.2.10 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Both Lee and Yusof strongly supported the proposal, with Yusof stating that "Whatever our political differences, those of us who love this country and wish to spare it the tragedy of racial conflict must join forces to present a solid, anti-communal front."<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 June 1961 |title=Lee Backs Tengku |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610604.2.2 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In November 1961, Yusof delivered a speech at the opening of the [[3rd Legislative Assembly of Singapore|third Legislative Assembly]], where he reiterated his support of the merger.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 November 1961 |title=It's MERGER or CHAOS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19611101-1.2.2? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

Following the [[1962 Singaporean integration referendum|1962 integration referendum]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 August 1962 |title=Lee's Trump Card |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19620815-1.2.2 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Singapore declared independence on 31 August 1963 to merge with Malaya to form Malaysia, but Malaya delayed the merger to 16 September.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 August 1963 |title=S'pore's M-Day Aim Is Still Aug. 31 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630819-1.2.58 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=9 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 September 1963 |title=Singapore gets set for the big show on M-Day |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630903-1.2.32 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=5 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> During this period, Yusof, as Yang di-Pertuan Negara, held the powers of defense and external affairs of the state.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 September 1963 |title=Lee: We Are Free! |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630901-1.2.14 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> However, this was disputed by the Malayan and British governments.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 September 1963 |title=Singapore's Claim 'Not Valid' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630904-1.2.5 |access-date=25 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Singapore would officially merge to form Malaysia on 16 September 1963.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 September 1963 |title=Up Goes The Flag |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630917-1.2.2 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

=== Second Yang di-Pertuan Negara term (1964–1965) ===
{{External image|title=External image|caption=|image1=[https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/b373687e-1162-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad Yusof taking the oath of office upon his reappointment as Yang di-Pertuan Negara as Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin watches.]<br> ''via [[National Archives of Singapore]]''|float=right}}

On 8 January 1964, Yusof was sworn in for a second term as Yang di-Pertuan Negara. His new term began under the state's revised constitution, following the conclusion of his previous term on 3 December 1963. His [[oath of office]] was administered by Chief Justice [[Wee Chong Jin]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 January 1964 |title=Tun Yusof sworn in for second term |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640108-1.2.8? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In April 1965, Yusof opened the National Language Month at the [[Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall|Victoria Theatre]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 April 1965 |title=Tun Yusof will open Language Month in S'pore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19650421-1.2.73? |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He gave an opening speech at the theatre, emphasising his support for the initiative as it would help to develop a "deep sense of communication with one another", especially now that Singapore was a part of Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 April 1965 |title=Tun Yusof: Develop a deep sense of communion with one another... |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19650428-1.2.140? |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Budget]] |pages=20 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 April 1965 |title=Key that opens whole new world to us—Lee |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19650424-1.2.65? |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> A second National Language Month was held in November, which at its opening Yusof repeated the importance of adopting [[Malay language|Malay]] as the common language of Singapore.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 November 1965 |title=Yusof: We’re determined to make Malay the lingua franca |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19651117-1.2.110? |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Budget]] |pages=17 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

==== 1964 race riots ====
{{Main|1964 race riots in Singapore}}
On 21 July 1964, Yusof led a procession of 25,000 Muslims at [[Padang, Singapore|the Padang]] to celebrate the [[Mawlid|prophet Mohammed's birthday]]. He gave a speech before the procession to the Muslims, stating that they had to be "patient, forbearing and industrious" when it came to adjusting to the merger. Yusof further said that "Our unity must be a lasting one. We must be united not only when Malaysia faces threats from outside but also during other times."<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 July 1964 |title=Be patient, forbearing: Tun Yusof appeals to Muslims |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640722-1.2.109? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=18 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He later led the procession but left early once they reached [[Beach Road, Singapore|Beach Road]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 July 1964 |title=25,000 Muslims at Padang rally |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640722-1.2.19? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> This procession would later be the cause of the [[1964 race riots in Singapore|1964 race riots]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 July 1964 |title=Appeal For Calm |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640722-1.2.2 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

== President of Singapore (1965–1970) ==

=== Continued presidential term (1965–1967) ===
{{External image|title=External image|image1=[https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/982925b6-1162-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad Yusof's official presidential portrait, 1965]<br>''via [[National Archives of Singapore]]''|float=right}}
On 9 August 1965, following conflicts between Malaysia and Singapore such as the 1964 race riots, [[Singapore in Malaysia#Separation|Singapore was expelled from Malaysia]] and became an [[Independence of Singapore Agreement 1965|independent nation]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Abisheganaden |first=Felix |date=10 August 1965 |title=Singapore is out |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19650810.2.3 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Yusof officially started his [[President of Singapore|presidency]] on 9 August 1965, but was known as the Yang di-Pertuan Negara until December 1965, when the Constitution (Amended) Bill was passed in parliament, which "[allowed] the present Yang di-Pertuan Negara, [Yusof], to become the first president, as if he had been duly elected."<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 December 1965 |title=Yusof to be the first President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19651215-1.2.60? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=13 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 December 1965 |title=Yusof charts way ahead and warns of twin dangers |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19651209-1.2.104? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=14 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>{{efn|The Constitution (Amendment) Bill allowed for a transition from his role as Yang di-Pertuan Negara to President of Singapore.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 December 1965 |title=Constitution (Amendment) Bill |url=https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Bills-Supp/44-1965/Published/19651213?DocDate=19651213 |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Singapore Statutes Online}}</ref>}} After the recent split from Malaysia, Yusof continued to express his belief of a multi-racial society, commonly referencing it in his speeches.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 February 1966 |title=Only road to multi-racial equality – by Yusof |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19660202-1.2.15? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Budget]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Gabriel |date=18 August 1968 |title=Yusof: A Challenging Task |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19680818-1.2.103? |access-date=25 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=16 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In 1966, he gave a New Year's speech addressing the separation:{{Sfn|Zainul Abidin|Norshahril|2016|p=8}}<blockquote>Separation cannot deny us the right or deprive us [of] the power to demonstrate the correctness of our ideas within Singapore. I believe that we have a special responsibility to demonstrate the essential validity of our ideas because these ideas are relevant to the problems of not just Singapore but those of all multi-racial societies which want to give a better life to its people.</blockquote>In July 1965, he was appointed for a five-year term as Chancellor of the [[National University of Singapore]], succeeding [[Lee Kong Chian]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 July 1965 |title=Yusof to be new Chancellor of S'pore University |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19650724-1.2.32? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Yusof's first public appearance as Chancellor was at the university's Medical Faculty that the following month, where he praised the development of medicine in Singapore.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 August 1965 |title=Praise for Medical Faculty's achievements |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19650824-1.2.21? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He delivered a speech at the opening of the [[1st Parliament of Singapore|first Parliament of Singapore]] in December, which the [[Barisan Sosialis]] had boycotted.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 December 1965 |title=The missing Opposition |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19651209-1.2.2? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In April 1966, he gave out his first [[President's Scholarships]] after Singapore's independence, being previously known as the Yang di-Pertuan Negara Scholarships.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 April 1966 |title=Nine top pupils receive the President's Scholarship |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19660424-1.2.20.41? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=13 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> During a 1966 [[Telok Blangah Single Member Constituency|Telok Blangah]] visit, he acknowledged the multi-racial harmony of the constituency between the Malays and other races.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 May 1966 |title=Rousing welcome for President Yusof and wife |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19660518-1.2.19? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Budget]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In his tour to Punggol that same year, he stated that he was "deeply impressed by the spirit of goodwill, harmony, and tolerance amongst all our people." He also watched a [[dragon dance]] and met with Arabic musicians.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 September 1966 |title=Inche Yusof calls for a spirit of tolerance |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19660926-1.2.24? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

As the patron of many organisations, Yusof tend to open their events, such as when he officiated the start of the [[Scout Week|Scout–Guide Week]] in February 1967 as the Chief Scout and Patron of the [[Singapore Scout Association|Boy Scouts]] and [[Girl Guides Singapore|Girl Guides]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 February 1967 |title=Scout-Guide Week is launched |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19670220-1.2.22? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He was also the patron of the [[Singapore Red Cross Society]], and attended the rally for [[World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day|World Red Cross Day]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 May 1967 |title=Red Cross is no 'mere idealism' – Che Yusof |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19670508-1.2.38? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In April, he visited [[Jurong Single Member Constituency|Jurong]] and spoke about the area's industrialism and the educational support given to the Malay community.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 April 1967 |title=Malays in S'pore told: Your destiny is here |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19670417-1.2.94? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He later visited [[Kampong Kembangan Constituency|Kampong Kembangan]] in October, which had undergone upgrading works such as paved roads and new housing blocks, leading him to comment on the multi-racialism and industrialisation in Singapore.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 October 1967 |title='Place national interest above all others...' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19671030-1.2.143? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=24 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

=== First presidential term (1967–1970) ===
In Singapore's first [[1967 Singaporean presidential election|presidential election]] in 1967, Yusof was unanimously elected by [[Parliament of Singapore|parliament]] to serve a four year term.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 December 1967 |title=Another term for President Yusof |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19671201-1.2.19? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He received commendations from Prime Minister Lee, Members of Parliament [[Rahmat bin Kenap]], [[Lim Guan Hoo]], and [[Sellappa Ramaswamy|S. Ramaswamy]] upon his successful election.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sam |first=Jackie |date=1 December 1967 |title='Best citizen' praise for Yusof by Premier |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19671201-1.2.72? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He further received congratulations from French president [[Charles de Gaulle]], Swiss president [[Roger Bonvin]], Indian president [[Zakir Husain]], Pakistani president [[Ayub Khan]], and Iranian shah [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 December 1967 |title=5 Heads of State Hail President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19671205-1.2.26? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Yusof was sworn in on 4 December 1967.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=4 December 1967 |title=Swearing-In Ceremony of President Yusof for a 3rd term in Office on 4th December, 1967. |url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/b5014f52-1162-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad |access-date=22 March 2025 |publisher=[[National Archives of Singapore]]}}</ref> In February 1968, Yusof dissolved the first Parliament of Singapore for the [[1968 Singaporean general election|upcoming general election]] on the advice of the Prime Minister, for which he issued [[Writ of election|writs of election]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yeo |first=Joseph |date=14 February 1968 |title=Feb. 17 is line-up day |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19680214-1.2.111? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Budget]] |pages=20 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Yeo |first=Joseph |last2=Lim |first2=Beng Tee |date=9 February 1968 |title=New PAP faces expected to contest polls |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19680209-1.2.2? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He subsequently opened the [[2nd Parliament of Singapore|second Parliament]] in May, where he delivered a speech which focused on the ministries of labour, education, communications, culture, and social affairs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 May 1968 |title=S’pore Govt announces a series of measures |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19680515-1.2.36? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Budget]] |pages=7 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

While on a tour in Australia in 1968, Yusof suffered a heart attack and was flown to Melbourne for treatment. He had boarded a health cruise, the ''Australasia'', at [[Port Moresby]] after having toured Australia for a week. He was sent to the [[Royal Melbourne Hospital]], which he stayed at for ten days. At the hospital, the doctors described his condition as "a complication of illnesses and heart trouble". However, after he was better, Yusof continued his Australian tour with a physician and two aides, but returned to Singapore a week earlier than originally planned.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 April 1968 |title=Yusof Flies Home, Tired But Fit |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19680420-1.2.8? |access-date=31 May 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 March 1968 |title=Yusof To Continue Tour Of Australia |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19680329-1.2.44? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> While he was away, Speaker of the Parliament [[Punch Coomaraswamy]] served as acting president.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 March 1968 |title=President Yusof goes on a cruise |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19680313-1.2.45? |access-date=31 May 2025 |work=[[The Straits Budget]] |pages=11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In 1969, he attended his father [[Ishak bin Ahmad|Ishak]]'s funeral in Kuala Lumpur;<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 January 1969 |title=President Yusof flies to KL for father's funeral |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19690108-1.2.7? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 January 1969 |title=Diplomats, friends at Inche Ishak's funeral |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19690109-1.2.110? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=16 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> he had previously visited him in the hospital in 1968.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lim |first=Ghee Haw |date=30 November 1968 |title=President Yusof visits his father in hospital |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19681130-1.2.48? |access-date=25 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In January 1970, he laid the foundation stone for the [[Early Founders Memorial Stone]].<ref name=":152">{{Cite news |date=19 January 1970 |title=It's the will to achieve that counts... |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19700119-1.2.21? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

== Death and funeral ==
[[File:ST24November1970.jpg|thumb|The news of Yusof's death on ''[[The Straits Times]]'' on 24 November 1970.|left]]
On 23 November 1970, Yusof died of [[heart failure]] at 7:30 a.m. at Outram Hospital (now known as the [[Singapore General Hospital]]). His death was announced sometime before 11 a.m., where flags were flown at [[half-mast]] and solemn music was broadcast on [[Radio Singapore International|Radio Singapore]]. He had been admitted to the hospital on 21 November for respiratory and heart issues; it was his second admission to the hospital that month. Yusof had been struggling with his health since his heart attack in Australia in 1968.<ref name=":9" /> He was succeeded by [[Benjamin Sheares]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 December 1970 |title=Election of President today |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701230-1.2.37? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

Yusof's body was [[Lying in state|laid in state]] at [[the Istana]], where members of the [[Cabinet of Singapore|cabinet]] including Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Speaker Yeoh Ghim Seng, Communications Minister [[Yong Nyuk Lin]], Foreign and Labour Minister [[S. Rajaratnam]], Health Minister [[Chua Sian Chin]], Science and Technology Minister [[Toh Chin Chye]], and Defence Minister [[Goh Keng Swee]] paid their respects.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Cheong |first=Yip Seng |last2=Chandran |first2=R. |last3=Loong |first3=Rita |last4=Kwee |first4=Masie |date=24 November 1970 |title=Cabinet pays last respects |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701124-1.2.2? |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Yusof's cofffin was then brought from the Istana to [[Former City Hall, Singapore|City Hall]], passing through [[Orchard Road|Orchard]] and [[Stamford Road]]. Thousands of Singaporeans attended the procession of his coffin.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cheong |first=Yip Seng |date=25 November 1970 |title=Solemn rows of people say farewell to their President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701125-1.2.12 |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=3 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

On 25 November, Yusof was buried with full state honours at 6:03 p.m. at [[Kranji State Cemetery]]. He received a [[21-gun salute]]. Present at his funeral were Lee, Toh, Yusof's wife Noor Aishah, Yusof's brothers, Chief Justice [[Wee Chong Jin]], and the rest of the cabinet. Foreign dignitaries present at his funeral include Indonesian Foreign Minister [[Adam Malik]], Governor of Penang [[Syed Sheh Barakbah]], Malaysian Health Minister [[Sardon Jubir]], and Filipino Ambassador to Malaysia [[Romeo Busuego]], representing the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lim |first=Suan Kooi |date=25 November 1970 |title=Nation pays its final tribute |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701125-1.2.3? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>[[File:Tomb of President Yusof Ishak.jpg|250px|thumb|Yusof's tomb at [[Kranji State Cemetery]].]] Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia [[Abdul Halim of Kedah]] sent his condolences and stated that "[Singapore] has lost a leading statesman who has played a significant role in the progress achieved by the Republic since its birth in 1965".<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 November 1970 |title=Malaysian King expresses his shock, grief |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701125-1.2.10? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=2 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Yusof's predecessor as Yang di-Pertuan Negara Sir William Goode said "Singapore's many friends throughout the world will be deeply grieved to hear of the death of [Yusof]."<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 November 1970 |title=Goode's tribute: He truly served Singapore well |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701125-1.2.35? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=10 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Malaysian Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein stated that Yusof would "be recorded in history as the first Malay head of state of our neighbouring country, the Republic of Singapore."<ref name=":9" />

Countries who paid respect to Yusof include Bulgaria, Thailand, Austria, Nauru, Brunei, Barbados, Italy, Ghana, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, China, South Korea, the Philippines, Zambia, Tonga, Vietnam, France, Peru, Indonesia, Panama, [[Khmer Republic]], Turkey, [[Czechoslovak Socialist Republic]], [[United Arab Republic]], Japan, India, Trinidad and Tobago, Indonesia, [[Hungarian People's Republic]], Nepal, [[German Democratic Republic]], Lebanon, Norway, Sweden, Malta, and Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 November 1970 |title='Yusof fought for peace, independence' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701128-1.2.103? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=20 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 November 1970 |title=Condolence notes still pour in from abroad |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701130-1.2.100? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=19 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 1970 |title='Loss of a wise elder statesman...' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701127-1.2.71? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=12 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> The [[United Nations]] held a minute of silence during a [[United Nations General Assembly|general assembly]] in honour of Yusof.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 1970 |title=UN tribute to Yusof |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701127-1.2.6? |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |quote=The General Assembly stood in silence for one minute yesterday in honour of President Yusof Ishak of Singapore, who died on Monday.}}</ref>

==Personal life and views==
Yusof married his wife [[Puan Noor Aishah|Noor Aishah Mohammad Salim]] (1933–2025) in 1949, when she was 16. He had only seen her in a photograph three days before their [[Marriage officiant|solemnisation]]. Together, they had three children, Orchid Kamariah, Imran Yusof, and Zuriana Yusof.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20111121-311693/5.html|title=Growing up in the Presidents' shadow|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324004744/http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20111121-311693/5.html|archive-date=24 March 2015|url-status=dead|publisher=[[AsiaOne]]}}</ref>{{Sfn|Zainul Abidin|Norshahril|2016|pp=6–7}} Noor Aishah was interviewed for the [[Channel NewsAsia|''Channel NewsAsia'']] documentary ''Daughters of Singapore'' in 2014, which commemorated the spouses of Yusof and [[David Marshall (Singaporean politician)|David Marshall]], two pioneer leaders of Singapore.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014 |title=Daughters of Singapore |url=https://www.mewatch.sg/show/Daughters-of-Singapore-29090 |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=[[MeWatch]] |publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]]}}</ref> One of Yusof's hobbies was photography, and a collection of his photographs was donated to the [[National Archives of Singapore]] by Noor Aishah.<ref name="First Head of State">{{cite web | url=http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/article/yusof-bin-ishak-first-head-of-state | title=Yusof bin Ishak – The Republic of Singapore's First Head of State | publisher=[[National Archives of Singapore]] | access-date=24 April 2018 | author=Khoo, Kevin | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104161026/http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/article/yusof-bin-ishak-first-head-of-state | archive-date= 4 January 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Yusof was also interested in orchids.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 April 1962 |title=Happy Orchid Memories For Inche Yusof |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19620421-1.2.24? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sam |first=Jackie |date=13 November 1963 |title=New orchids named after Royalty |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19631113-1.2.5? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

During his presidency, he and his family lived at the secretary's bungalow, the Sri Melati, on [[the Istana]]'s grounds, where he grew papayas and orchids. It was eventually demolished in the 1970s after his death due to termite infestations.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Wong |first=Sher Maine |date=2020 |title=The Istana Turns 150 |url=https://biblioasia.nlb.gov.sg/files/pdf/vol-15/v15-issue4_Istana.pdf |format=PDF |journal=[[BibiloAsia]] |volume=15 |issue=4 |pages=57 |access-date=25 March 2025}}</ref>

=== Education ===
[[File:Yusof Ishak Secondary School - Bukit Batok, Singapore (July-August 2017).jpg|thumb|[[Yusof Ishak Secondary School]] in 2017]]
In the early 20th-century, Malay parents preferred not to send their children to English schools, in fear that their children might be converted to Christianity. Yusof, however, was English educated, as were his siblings and children. This instilled in him the importance of education, which he maintained throughout his life. Yusof even told his wife Noor Aishah that, after he died, if she was unable to afford their children's educational fees, that she should rent out their house.{{Sfn|Zainul Abidin|Norshahril|2016|pp=11–12}} In July 1966, a [[Yusof Ishak Secondary School|secondary school named after him]] was opened by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |date=21 July 1966 |title=3 schools to be opened next week |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19660721-1.2.28? |access-date=23 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

During his presidency, in November 1965, Yusof was made the [[Chancellor (education)|Chancellor]] of the [[National University of Singapore]]. At his installation, he stated that "if we do our best, the [National] University of Singapore will be as illustrious as the name of this new nation already is in several fields of administration and enterprise."<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |date=27 November 1965 |title=Yusof installed as new University Chancellor |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19651127-1.2.32? |access-date=23 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=5 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Over the next two years, he would acknowledge the university's high enrolment numbers in his speeches.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chia |first=Poteik |date=12 June 1966 |title=No Ivory Tower this university, says President Yusof |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19660612-1.2.25.19? |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=5 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 June 1967 |title=University is NOT for travellers or people who fossilise... |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19670628-1.2.16? |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Budget]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Yusof also ignored stereotypes that Malays were lazy, instead encouraging more Malays to focus on their education. An interpretation of his views by former politician [[Zainul Abidin (politician)|Zainul Abidin]] were that Malays could become anything that they wanted; but they had to be the best in their field.{{Sfn|Zainul Abidin|Norshahril|2016|p=12}}

=== Religion ===
[[File:Plaque commemorating the official opening of Masjid Malabar, Singapore - 20101016.JPG|left|thumb|A plaque at [[Masjid Malabar]], commemorating its opening by Yusof.]]
Yusof was raised in a "[[Religious liberalism|progressive religious tradition]]"; his father wanted his children to understand [[Islam]] outside of rituals and to include science in the study of religion. He wanted Islam to follow modern times, including how Islamic traditions could help solve modern problems. Yusof was a religious person in this regard, where he would visit different mosques weekly to pray.{{Sfn|Zainul Abidin|Norshahril|2016|pp=9–11}} He performed the [[Hajj|pilgrimage to Mecca]] in 1963.<ref name=":13">{{Cite news |date=28 March 1963 |title=Cambodia Visit Before Trip To Mecca |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630328-1.2.27? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=5 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> On 1965's [[Hari Raya Puasa]], while Singapore was a part of Malaysia, he asked for respect between the different religions and for a progressive mindset.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 February 1965 |title=Islam Can Help To Build Malaysia, Says Tun Yusof |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19650203-1.2.47? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

During his time at ''[[Utusan Melayu]]'', Yusof encouraged open discussions on religion. Some debates that were carried out at ''Utusan'' include whether [[Friday prayer|Friday sermons]] could be held in Malay instead of Arabic and whether [[Female education|girls should go to school]] instead of being homemakers. He would not take sides in these debates, despite his own religious beliefs.{{Sfn|Zainul Abidin|Norshahril|2016|pp=9–11}} In 1950, when ''Utusan'' reported on [[Maria Hertogh]], they kept their news objective instead of taking sides.{{Sfn|Chew|2015|p=182}}

==Legacy==
[[File:Masjid Yusof Ishak (cropped).jpg|thumb|The [[Masjid Yusof Ishak]] in 2017]]
Several locations in Singapore bear Yusof's name.<ref name=":6" /> The [[Yusof Ishak Secondary School]] was opened by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 29 July 1966, being renamed from Jubilee Integrated Secondary School.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our History |url=https://yusofishaksec.moe.edu.sg/about-us/school-information/our-history |access-date=8 November 2020 |website= |publisher=Yusof Ishak Secondary School |quote=Yusof Ishak Secondary School was established in 1965 as Jubilee Integrated Secondary School. It was an integrated school offering secondary education to an enrolment of 984 pupils and 37 teachers of two streams, in English and Malay. On 29 July 1966, then Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew declared open Yusof Ishak Secondary School (YISS) at Jubilee Road. We are the only school to be named after a President of our Republic.}}</ref><ref name=":10" /> In 1978, the [[National University of Singapore]] renamed one of the buildings at its [[Kent Ridge]] campus as the Yusof Ishak House.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 January 1978 |title=Varsity honours Yusof Ishak |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19780126-1.2.26? |access-date=23 March 2025 |work=[[New Nation (Singapore)|New Nation]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In August 2015, the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) was officially renamed to the [[ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute]] on Yusof's 105th birthday. Its new name was to call to mind Yusof's "vision of equality, justice, harmony and strength amid diversity".<ref>{{cite news |author1=Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh |title=Think tank renamed ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, bearing name of Singapore's first president |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/think-tank-renamed-iseas-yusof-ishak-institute-bearing-name-of-singapores-first-president |access-date=8 November 2020 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |date=12 August 2015 |language=en}}</ref> In 2017, the [[Masjid Yusof Ishak]] was opened by his widow Noor Aishah. It was witnessed by guests including Prime Minister [[Lee Hsien Loong]], Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs [[Yaacob Ibrahim]], and Mufti [[Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura|Fatris Bakaram]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/yusof-ishak-mosque-opens-in-woodlands-8725312|title=Yusof Ishak Mosque opens in Woodlands|date=14 April 2017|work=[[Channel News Asia]]|access-date=24 April 2017|archive-date=25 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425115710/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/yusof-ishak-mosque-opens-in-woodlands-8725312|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Singapore Portrait Series currency notes|current portrait series]] of Singapore dollar notes issued from 1999 onwards features Yusof.<ref>{{cite web |title=Circulation Currency: Notes |url=https://www.mas.gov.sg/currency/Singapores-Circulation-Currency-Notes |access-date=8 November 2020 |website= |publisher=[[Monetary Authority of Singapore]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 August 1995 |title=Portrait of Yusof Ishak to be on new notes |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19950809-1.2.6? |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In 2014, a wax figure of Yusof was unveiled at [[Madame Tussauds Singapore]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Yusof Ishak |url=https://www.madametussauds.com/singapore/whats-inside/zones/history-leaders/yusof-ishak/ |access-date=8 November 2020 |website= |publisher=[[Madame Tussauds Singapore]] |language=en-SG}}</ref> For the celebration of Singapore's 50th anniversary of independence in 2015, Yusof was featured in all six of the [[Golden jubilee#In Singapore|SG50 Commemorative Notes]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Set of six SG50 commemorative notes unveiled|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-set-s50-s10-commemorative-notes-unveiled-sg50|work=[[Today (Singapore newspaper)|Today]]|date=19 August 2015|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624145107/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-set-s50-s10-commemorative-notes-unveiled-sg50|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Honours==
In 1963, Yusof was given the [[Order of the Defender of the Realm#Grand Commander|Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm]], which allowed him the use of the honorific title [[Malay styles and titles#Tun|Tun]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 November 1963 |title=Now it’s Tun Yusof |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19631120-1.2.59? |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Budget]] |pages=12 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> However, in 1965, Singapore dropped the use of Tun following its [[Singapore in Malaysia#Separation|separation from Malaysia]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 September 1965 |title=Singapore drops foreign titles |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19650915-1.2.54? |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Budget]] |pages=11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In 1969, Yusof was given the [[honorary degree]] of [[Doctor of Letters]] from the [[National University of Singapore]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 June 1969 |title=President Yusof Now Dr. Yusof |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19690606-1.2.15? |url-access=subscription |archive-url= |access-date=23 March 2025 |work=[[Eastern Sun]] |pages=2 |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |quote=President Yusof bin Ishak has been awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters by the [National] University of Singapore.}}</ref>

===National ===
* {{flag|Singapore}}:<ref>{{cite web | url=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jfyryToSqKo/UX0lV2gXD3I/AAAAAAAAAhs/Ly0aaaTcWw4/s1600/sheares-reduced-medal.jpg | title=Orders and Medals of Yusof Ishak | date=31 July 1965 | access-date=24 April 2018 | archive-date=14 February 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214022424/http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jfyryToSqKo/UX0lV2gXD3I/AAAAAAAAAhs/Ly0aaaTcWw4/s1600/sheares-reduced-medal.jpg | url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[File:Darjah Utama Temasek ribbon (1962–1996) ribbon.png|80px]] [[Darjah Utama Temasek]], 1st Class
** [[File:Sijil Kemuliaan ribbon (1962–1996).png|80px]] [[Sijil Kemuliaan]], 1st Class
** [[File:Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang ribbon (1968–1996).png|80px]] [[Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang]], 1st Class
** [[File:Pingat Jasa Gemilang ribbon (1962–1996).png|80px]] [[Pingat Jasa Gemilang]], 1st Class

===Foreign ===
* {{flag|Malaysia}}:
** [[File:MY Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negara (Defender of the Realm) - SMN.svg|80px]] [[Order of the Defender of the Realm#Grand Commander|Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm]] (S.M.N., ''Tun'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.istiadat.gov.my/v8/images/stories/1963.pdf|title=Senarai Penuh Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat Persekutuan Tahun 1963.|access-date=24 August 2018|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235732/http://www.istiadat.gov.my/v8/images/stories/1963.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Brunei}}:
** [[File:Family Order of Laila Utama with rosette.svg|80x80px]] [[List of honours of Brunei awarded to heads of state and royalty|Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati]] (DK I, ''Dato Laila Utama''), 1st Class<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 December 1960 |title=Anugerah Bintang Darjah Kerabat |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/1960/7%20disember%201960.pdf |access-date=9 February 2025 |work=www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn |publisher=Pelita Brunei |pages=1 |language=ms}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 November 1960 |title=Inche Yusof gets highest Brunei award in S'pore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19601129-1.2.131? |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=16 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>
* {{flag|United Kingdom}}:
** [[File:Order of St John (UK) ribbon.svg|80px]] [[Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem|Knight of the Order of St John]]<ref>{{cite web |date=29 June 1961 |title=Yusof made Knight of St. John |url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19610629-1.2.73?ST=1&AT=search&k=st+john+ambulance&P=9&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=st,john,ambulance&oref=article |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210004249/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19610629-1.2.73?ST=1&AT=search&k=st+john+ambulance&P=9&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=st,john,ambulance&oref=article |archive-date=10 February 2018 |access-date=23 April 2018 |website=[[The Straits Times]]}}</ref>

== See also ==
*[[Yusof Ishak Secondary School]], a secondary school in [[Punggol]], Singapore, named after him.
*[[Masjid Yusof Ishak]], a mosque located in [[Woodlands, Singapore|Woodlands]], Singapore, named after him.

==References==
===Notes===
{{notelist}}
===Citations===
{{reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite journal |author=Nik Ahmad |first=bin Haji Nik Hassan |year=1963 |title=The Malay Press |journal=[[Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society]] |volume=36 |pages=37–78 |jstor=41505523 |number=1}}
* {{Cite book |last=Chew |first=Melanie |title=Leaders of Singapore |date=29 July 2015 |publisher=[[World Scientific]] |isbn=9789814719452 |doi=10.1142/9768}}
* {{Cite book |last=Zainul Abidin |first=Rasheed |author-link=Zainul Abidin (politician) |title=Majulah!: 50 Years of Malay/Muslim Community in Singapore |last2=Norshahril |first2=Saat |date=24 May 2016 |publisher=[[World Scientific]] |isbn=9789814759892 |doi=10.1142/9980}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Library resources box
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| before = [[Sir William Allmond Codrington Goode]]
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{{s-ttl
| title = [[Head of State]] of Singapore
| years = 1959–1970
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{{s-aft
| after = [[Benjamin Sheares]]
}} 
{{s-ttl
| title = [[Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore]]
| years = 1959–1965
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{{s-non
| reason = Position abolished
| reason2 = Became President of Singapore
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{{s-new|office
| reason = Previously Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore
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{{s-ttl
| title = [[President of Singapore]]
| years = 1965–1970
}}
{{s-aft
| after = [[Benjamin Sheares]]
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{{s-end}}{{Portal bar|Singapore|Biography}}{{Singapore Presidents}}
{{Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm}}
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[[Category:Presidents of Singapore]]
[[Category:Singaporean people of Minangkabau descent]]
[[Category:Singaporean politicians of Malay descent]]
[[Category:Singaporean people of Indonesian descent]]
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[[Category:Victoria School, Singapore alumni]]
[[Category:Raffles Institution alumni]]
[[Category:1910 births]]
[[Category:1970 deaths]]
[[Category:Malaysian emigrants to Singapore]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Darjah Utama Temasek]]
[[Category:20th-century Singaporean journalists]]
[[Category:Singaporean police officers]]
[[Category:Grand Commanders of the Order of the Defender of the Realm]]
[[Category:Knights of the Order of St John]]