The programme aims to invite internationally eminent and outstanding academics and scholars to Singapore as Lee Kuan Yew Distinguished Visitors to make high level contributions to Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore and to Singapore in general. The Programme got off with an excellent start in January 1985 with the appointment of Dr. Sydney Brenner, Director of the Medical Research Council Centre, Cambridge, as the first Lee Kuan Yew Distinguished Visitor.To date, a total of 59 Distinguished Visitors has come to Singapore under the Programme.The programme is supported by the Lee Kuan Yew Endowment Fund. The endowment fund was established in 1983 by friends and well-wishers of the former Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.