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{{Short description|President of Singapore from 1971 to 1981}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Benjamin Sheares
| image               = Benjamin Sheares at the University of Malaya in Singapore, 1951 (cropped).jpg
| imagesize           = 200
| caption             = Sheares in 1951
| order               = 2nd
| office              = President of Singapore
| term_start          = 2 January 1971
| term_end            = 12 May 1981
| primeminister       = [[Lee Kuan Yew]]
| predecessor         = [[Yusof Ishak]]<br/>[[Yeoh Ghim Seng]] (acting)
| successor           = Yeoh Ghim Seng (acting)<br>[[Devan Nair]]
| deputy1             = 
| birth_name          = Benjamin Henry Sheares
| birth_date          = {{birth date|df=yes|1907|8|12}}
| birth_place         = [[Singapore in the Straits Settlements|Singapore]], [[Straits Settlements]]
| party               = [[Independent (politician)|Independent]]
| death_date          = {{Death date and age|1981|5|12|1907|8|12|df=yes}}
| death_place         = Holt Road, Singapore
| death_cause         = [[Lung cancer]]
| restingplace        = [[Kranji State Cemetery]]
| nationality         = [[Singaporeans|Singaporean]]
| alma_mater          = [[National University of Singapore|King Edward VII College of Medicine]]
| spouse              = {{marriage|Wong Ah Foon|<!--unknown-->|1947|end=div}}<br>{{marriage|[[Yeo Seh Geok]]|1939}}
| children            = 3; including [[Constance Sheares|Constance]] and [[Joseph Sheares|Joseph]]
| occupation          = {{hlist|Physician|academic}}
| website             = 
| title               = 
| honorific_suffix    = [[Order of the Crown of Kedah#Commander|DPMK]] [[FRCOG]] [[Fellow of the American College of Surgeons|FACS]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 October 1978 |title=Distinction and dignity |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19781002-1.2.57.2? |access-date=30 October 2024 |work=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]] |pages=17 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>
| width               = 
}}
'''Benjamin Henry Sheares''' (12 August 1907 &ndash; 12 May 1981) was a Singaporean physician, academic and politician who served as the second [[president of Singapore]] between 1971 until his death in 1981.

Of [[Eurasian Singaporeans|Eurasian]] descent, Sheares was born in [[Singapore in the Straits Settlements|Singapore under British rule]] and graduated from the [[King Edward VII College of Medicine]]. He studied [[obstetrics and gynaecology]] and worked as an [[obstetrician]] at the [[KK Women's and Children's Hospital|Kandang Kerbau Hospital]] (KKH), eventually serving as the Acting Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the [[University of Malaya in Singapore]]. He later became the Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the university, a rare feat for a local as usually high-ranking colonial officers held such positions.

Sheares retired in 1960 and was in [[Private sector|private practice]] before being elected as the president of Singapore by [[Parliament of Singapore|Parliament]] following the death of [[Yusof Ishak]], the incumbent president, on 23 November 1970. Sheares was sworn in on 2 January 1971 following a unanimous agreement by Parliament and served as the president of Singapore for three terms, from 2 January 1971 till his [[List of heads of state and government who died in office|death in office]] on 12 May 1981. He was succeeded by [[Devan Nair]] on 23 October 1981. During his presidency, he officiated multiple events and ceremonies such as the [[1971 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]] and the [[1973 SEAP Games|7th South East Asian Peninsular Games]].

Regarded as "the father of obstetrics and gynaecology in Singapore", Sheares was known for standardising the [[Lower segment Caesarean section|lower Caesarian section]] in Singapore and creating an [[Artificial vagina creation|artificial vagina]]. The lower Caesarian section has since become the standard procedure in Singapore whilst his method to create an artificial vagina has been dubbed the Sheares operation and is used to help women suffering from [[Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome]]. Sheares remains the only president to have been elected for three terms. Both the [[Benjamin Sheares Bridge]] and Sheares Hall at the [[National University of Singapore]] are named after him.

==Early life and education==
[[File:Benjamin Sheares 1940s full photo.jpg|left|thumb|278x278px|Sheares in the 1940s]]
Sheares was born on 12 August 1907 in [[Singapore in the Straits Settlements|Singapore]], [[Straits Settlements]] to a Eurasian family with an English lineage. He was the second of six children to his father Edwin Henry Sheares (1863–1940), an English technical supervisor of the [[Public Works Department (Singapore)|Public Works Department]], and his mother Lilian Jane Sheares (1880–1971; ''[[née]]'' Gómez), a Singapore-born woman of Chinese and Spanish descent.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 May 1940 |title=FUNERAL OF MR. E. H. SHEARES |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/maltribune19400504-1.2.54? |access-date=1 November 2024 |work=[[Malaya Tribune]] |pages=4 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=19 February 1971 |title=President Sheares' mother dies, aged 91 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710219-1.2.31? |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref name="annals" />

Known affectionally as Ben or Bennie when he was younger, Sheares showed ambition to become a doctor – a dream deemed almost impossible for someone who was Asian and came from a poor family in the early colonial days of Singapore. However, his sister Alice encouraged him to follow his dream against his mother's wishes for her son to take up a job as a clerk and start helping out with the family bills as soon as he completed his [[Senior Cambridge Examination]]s (present-day [[GCE Ordinary Level]]).<ref name="annals">{{Cite journal |last=Sheares |first=Joseph H. H. |author-link=Joseph Sheares |date=July 2005 |title=Benjamin Henry Sheares, ''MD'', ''MS'', ''FRCOG'': President, Republic of Singapore 1971–1981; Obstetrician and Gynaecologist 1931–1981 : A Biography, 12th August 1907&nbsp;– 12th May 1981 |url=http://annals.edu.sg/pdf/34VolNo6200506/V34N6p25C.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore |volume=34 |issue=6 |pages=25C–41C |doi=10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.V34N6p25C |issn=0304-4602 |pmid=16010377 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209204009/http://annals.edu.sg/pdf/34VolNo6200506/V34N6p25C.pdf |archive-date=9 February 2006}}</ref>

Sheares was educated at [[Methodist Girls' School, Singapore|Methodist Girls' School]], when it was [[Mixed-sex education|co-ed]], and [[Saint Andrew's Secondary School]] before transferring in 1922 to study at [[Raffles Institution]], the only school then equipped with scientific laboratories – making it an ideal place to further his ambition to become a doctor. In 1923, he enrolled into the [[King Edward VII College of Medicine]] (now the [[National University of Singapore]]) to begin his medical training.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=13 May 1981 |title=A man of humility who put the nation before self |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810513-1.2.20.1? |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=June |date=15 May 1983 |title=Rafflesians celebrate 160th anniversary |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830515-1.2.32? |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Sheares was aware that his family could not see him through the school fees afforded by the college, therefore he won a generous [[scholarship]] offered by the Council of the Medical College with his exemplary academic performance. With this scholarship, he was able to give $50 monthly to his mother for the support of his family.<ref name="annals" />

== Medical career ==
[[File:Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital, Aug 06.JPG|thumb|Sheares worked as an obstetrician and later the Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at [[KK Women's and Children's Hospital|Kandang Kerbau Hospital]] ''(pictured)''.|left]]
Upon his graduation in March 1929, he served as an assistant medical doctor at Sepoy Lines General Hospital (present-day [[Singapore General Hospital]]) before specialising in and becoming an [[obstetrician]] at the [[KK Women's and Children's Hospital|Kandang Kerbau Hospital]] (KKH) in April 1931.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Chia |first=Poteik |date=27 December 1970 |title=SHEARES TO BE PRESIDENT |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701227-1.2.2? |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Sheares was also the first local to become an obstetrician. By 1937, Sheares had become responsible for all obstetric patients at KKH.<ref name="Eurasians2011">{{cite web |date=June 2011 |title=A Quiet Determination |url=http://www.eurasians.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/April-June-2011.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824005242/http://www.eurasians.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/April-June-2011.pdf |archive-date=24 August 2015 |access-date=4 April 2016 |publisher=Eurasians Singapore}}</ref> In 1940, Sheares was awarded the [[Queen's Scholar (British Malaya and Singapore)|Queen's Fellowship]] which would have granted him a two-year postgraduate training in Britain. However, his studies were postponed due to the [[Second World War]]. During the war in 1941, whilst working at KKH, it was damaged by the [[Bombing of Singapore (1941)|bombing from the Japanese military]] and it was converted into an emergency general hospital for injured civilians. Later during the [[Japanese occupation of Singapore|Japanese occupation]], Sheares served as head of department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medical Superintendent for the local patients section of the hospital.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Leow |first=Annabeth |date=2016-10-17 |title=From treating sex workers to maternity hospital: History of KKH |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/from-treating-sex-workers-to-maternity-hospital-history-of-kkh |access-date=2024-10-16 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

After the war, Sheares was appointed as the Acting Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the [[University of Malaya in Singapore]] (present-day National University of Singapore), which he held onto until May 1947 when he went to London for his postgraduate studies at [[London University]] to get a degree of [[Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists|Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists]] (MRCOG) in January 1948.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 November 1946 |title=DR. SHEARES FOR U.K. |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19461121-1.2.80 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=7 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He had planned to take an examination at the [[Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh]] to join the [[Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons]] but returned to Singapore after being called by then-[[List of governors of Singapore#Governors of Singapore (1946–1959)|Governor of Singapore]] [[Franklin Gimson]] to return to his post as Acting Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology as the previous Professor had retired.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":1" />
[[File:Benjamin Sheares, 1951.jpg|thumb|238x238px|Sheares in April 1951, speaking at the University of Malaya in Singapore.]]
Upon his arrival back to Singapore, he was appointed the Acting Professor and the job of Professor was advertised in the ''[[British Medical Journal]]''. Sheares faced [[prejudice]] as despite serving as the Acting Professor for two years prior, the role of Professor was not given to him as he was a local and high-ranking colonials usually held such positions. He needed two [[Referral marketing|referrals]] but neither his previous boss nor the Principal Medical Officer gave him references. Sheares eventually got his referrals from the chairman of the Board of Examiners, who had previously examined him for his MRCOG, and the professor at [[Royal Postgraduate Medical School]] in [[Hammersmith]].<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":1" /> With these referrals, Sheares met with the Selection Board in [[London]] and, in January 1950, became the first local Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Malaya in Singapore.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 December 1950 |title=Local Man To Be Prof. Of Midwifery In Varsity |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19501229-1.2.33? |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[Singapore Tiger Standard]] |pages=2 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Pereira |first1=Alexius A. |title=Singapore Eurasians: Memories, Hopes And Dreams |last2=Ebert-Oehlers |first2=Ann |last3=Braga-Blake |first3=Myrna |author-link3=Myrna Braga-Blake |date=21 December 2016 |publisher=[[World Scientific Publishing Company]] |isbn=9789813109612 |pages=131}}</ref> In December 1951, Sheares used the remainder of his Queen's Fellowship study to go to the United States for a year. During this period, he studied at different teaching institutions in the United States, such as [[Mayo Clinic]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=21 December 1951 |title=PROFESSOR TO STUDY CANCER IN U.S. |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19511221-1.2.72? |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[The Singapore Free Press]] |pages=5 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

From 1953 to 1955, Sheares helped design new additions to the KKH building such as the [[out-patient department]] and the front block of the hospital, stating that, "[KKH] was initially just a [[maternity hospital]] and I had to design the new buildings in such a way that the maternity [[Operating theater|operating theatres]] were in a different block from the gynaecological operating theatres."<ref name=":1" /> In 1955, Sheares became the first Singaporean to be awarded a [[fellowship]] by the [[Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists]], following his contributions to the sector.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 February 1955 |title=Colony-born doctor wins high honour |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19550213-1.2.89 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In 1959, Sheares advocated for [[Voluntary sterilization|voluntary sterilisation]] as a way to reduce [[Population planning in Singapore|population growth]] instead of [[Abortion in Singapore|legalising abortion]], which he garnered criticism for.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 June 1959 |title=Women against sterilisation |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590619-1.2.89 |access-date=11 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=9 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Sheares explained that even if abortions were made legal, people would still perform [[Illegal abortion|abortions illegally]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 December 1959 |title=Abortions: Legalisation not answer – Sheares |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19591221-1.2.12? |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=[[The Singapore Free Press]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He later stated that he believed that his critics assumed he was advocating for [[forced sterilisation]], when he was really advocating for voluntary sterilisation, further saying, "they also did not understand the consequences of letting the population grow un-checked."<ref name=":5" /> Sheares retired in June 1960 from the National University of Singapore as he was suffering from health complications such as [[gastric ulcers]]. He went into [[Private sector|private practice]] and worked at a clinic at Battery Road. He had been serving as a Honorary Consultant at KKH after his retirement.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=13 June 1981 |title='He's gave me a lesson on how to die, how to leave this world in grace and in dignity' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810613-1.2.43 |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=10 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In June 1970, he and [[Albert Winsemius]] were given the honorary degree of [[Doctor of Letters]] at the [[National University of Singapore]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Byramji |first=Nancy |date=17 May 1970 |title=SPORE UNIVERSITY TO HONOUR THREE AT THE BIG JUNE CEREMONY |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19700517-1.2.41? |access-date=13 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=7 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

=== Notable contributions ===
Regarded as "the father of obstetrics and gynaecology in Singapore",<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=13 May 1981 |title=PRESIDENT SHEARES |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19810513-1.2.4? |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> contributions by Sheares to obstetrics include the [[Lower segment Caesarean section|lower Caesarian section]], which he standardised, that resulted in a lower mortality and [[morbidity]] rate in pregnant women than the upper Caesarian section.<ref name="Eurasians2011" /> Initially, very few Caesarian sections were carried out in Singapore and, when they were, used the upper Caesarian section which was the established method at that time. Despite this, the upper Caesarian section was not used much as it had a high risk of damaging the [[Uterine|uterine scar]] at the woman's next pregnancy. Sheares knew that the lower Caesarian section would be more effective but was unable to perform it under the previous Professor, J. S. English.<ref name="annals" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=28 April 1976 |title=Sheares: They call him the father of obstetrics and gynaecology in S'pore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19760428-1.2.68.2 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[New Nation (Singapore)|New Nation]] |pages=10–11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

During the [[Japanese occupation of Singapore|Japanese occupation]], Sheares became the head of department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at KKH. This allowed him to perform the first lower Caesarian section in Singapore which eventually became the standard routine.<ref name=":5" /> Sheares also created a technique to make an [[Vaginoplasty|artificial vagina]] for those born without one. This gained him worldwide recognition after he published the method in a 1960 paper titled ''Congenital Atresia of the Vagina: A New Technique for Tunnelling the Space Between Bladder and Rectum and Construction of the New Vagina''.<ref name=":1" /> The technique became known as the Sheares operation and is used to help women suffering from [[Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome]], also known as vaginal agenesis.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 May 1981 |title=Flowers and tears for Sheares |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19810515-1.2.8? |access-date=30 October 2024 |work=[[New Nation (Singapore)|New Nation]] |pages=2 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=20 April 1971 |title=Sheares to operate on third-class patient |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singherald19710420-1.2.5? |url-access=subscription |access-date=11 December 2024 |work=[[Singapore Herald]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |quote=President Sheares is expected to perform the "Sheares operation" on a third-class patient at [KKH] on Saturday. The technique involves the reconstruction of a vagina for a woman born without one.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Chakrabarty |first1=S. |last2=Mukhopadhyay |first2=P. |last3=Mukherjee |first3=G. |date=2011 |title=Sheares' Method of Vaginoplasty - Our Experience |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51696954 |journal=[[Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery]] |publisher=Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=118–121 |doi=10.4103/0974-2077.85032 |doi-access=free |url-access= |access-date=11 December 2024 |via=[[ResearchGate]]|pmc=3183716 }}</ref>

==Presidency (1971–1981)==

=== 1970 presidential election ===
[[File:Mr. Lee Kuan Yew at Mayoral reception 1965 (cropped).jpg|thumb|258x258px|Then-[[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]] [[Lee Kuan Yew]] ''(pictured)'' was a supporter of Sheares' election to the presidency at all three presidential elections.]]
Following the death of incumbent [[President of Singapore|president]] [[Yusof Ishak]], six people – [[Yeoh Ghim Seng]], [[Othman Wok]], [[Wee Chong Jin]], Ismail bin Abdul, [[Punch Coomaraswamy]], and [[A. P. Rajah]] – were considered to be the most likely candidates for the role in November 1970, given that the president was elected on by [[Parliament of Singapore|Parliament]] instead of by [[popular vote]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 November 1970 |title=Who will become the next Head of State? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701125-1.2.71 |access-date=17 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=17 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 December 1970 |title=PRESIDENT TO BE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701228-1.2.43.1? |access-date=13 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=10 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> At the [[1970 Singaporean presidential election|1970 presidential election]], then-[[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]] [[Lee Kuan Yew]] nominated Sheares to become president and he became the second president of Singapore on 2 January 1971 after he was sworn in, following a unanimous agreement by Parliament.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 December 1970 |title=Election of President today |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19701230.2.37 |access-date=17 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chia |first=Poteik |date=3 January 1971 |title=Sheares is sworn in as the President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710103-1.2.8? |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 December 1970 |title=ELECTION OF PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE |url=https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/topic?reportid=009_19701230_S0004_T0025 |access-date=13 December 2024 |publisher=[[Parliament of Singapore]]}}</ref> His mother was 91 years old when she learnt that her son had become the president of Singapore. Just two weeks before she died, she said "God has blessed Bennie especially after the way he looked after us and me."<ref name="annals" />

Speculation on why Sheares was chosen to become the president include that he was [[Nonpartisanship|non-partisan]], as he was not a part of any political party, or that he was from a [[Demographics of Singapore|minority race in Singapore]], to show the equality in the then-mostly Chinese dominated government. The ''[[Far Eastern Economic Review]]'' stated in a 1971 issue that Sheares was largely chosen due to his profession and success, along with showing diversity in the government. After the [[1959 Singaporean general election|1959 general election]], where the [[People's Action Party]] (PAP) won in a [[landslide victory]], the PAP was critical of the medical profession and the university due to their "flaccid [[anti-colonialism]]". Sheares' appointment to the presidency served as a symbol of unity between the government and academics.<ref name="annals" />

=== First presidential term (1971–1974) ===
During his first term in 1971, he was appointed [[Chancellor (education)|Chancellor]] of the [[National University of Singapore]] and he served in that role till 1981.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 March 1971 |title=Sheares is varsity's new Chancellor |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710324-1.2.93? |access-date=1 November 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=17 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 July 1980 |title=Sheares to be Chancellor |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800730-1.2.22.4? |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=6 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 February 1976 |title=SHEARES TO CONTINUE AS VARSITY CHIEF |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19760228-1.2.44? |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> That same year, Sheares opened the [[1971 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]], holding dinners and tours for the representatives.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 January 1971 |title=Social events after sundown for the VIPs |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710114-1.2.56? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=9 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 1971 |title=Perwakilan C'wealth di-jamu di-Istana |trans-title=Representatives of C'wealth were entertained at the Istana |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19710116-1.2.11? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[Berita Harian]] |pages=2 |language=Malay |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In July 1971, Sheares awarded the first [[Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship]]s, the second highest scholarship award to the [[President's Scholar]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 July 1971 |title=President praises student's decision to join SAF |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710702-1.2.114? |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=20 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In October 1971, Sheares opened the {{SGD|10000000|link=on}} [[Sentosa Satellite Earth Station]], the first site in Singapore to use satellites to communication.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raman |first=P. M. |date=23 October 1971 |title=Singapore joins satellite club for communications |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19711023-1.2.34.1? |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=9 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Later that month, following the British's announcement that they will withdraw their troops from Singapore in August, Sheares attended a dinner in honour of the British's role in Singapore alongside other Parliament members.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chandran |first=R. |date=17 October 1971 |title=Lee's tribute to British peace-keeping role in S-E Asia |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19711017-1.2.5? |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> The following year, Sheares spoke on the importance of maintaining [[Singapore–United Kingdom relations|relations with the British]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 February 1972 |title=Sheares: We'll always value ties with British |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19720219-1.2.7.12? |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=7 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In February 1972, Sheares hosted a 3-day visit for [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] and her family's visit to Singapore. He was awarded the Honorary Knight Grand Cross of The Most Honourable [[Order of the Bath]] and gave the [[Order of Temasek]] to Queen Elizabeth II and [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]]. He gave the [[Distinguished Service Order (Singapore)|Distinguished Service Order]] to [[Anne, Princess Royal|Princess Anne]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 February 1972 |title=SUNSHINE WELCOME! |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19720219-1.2.3? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref name=":7" />

In October 1972, Sheares opened the [[3rd Parliament of Singapore|third Parliament]], giving a speech about the new policies of the government for the next five years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 October 1972 |title=Sheares to outline Govt's new policies |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19721004-1.2.84? |access-date=13 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=19 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=12 October 1972 |title=Ceremonial opening of Parliament today |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19721012-1.2.3 |access-date=13 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He also announced new policies to be implemented in the government, including the periodic investigations of political parties by accountants and auditors, increased subsidiaries in health and education, and increasing the wages of workers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chia |first=Poteik |last2=Raman |first2=P. M. |date=13 October 1972 |title=Govt plans built-in safeguards |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19721013-1.2.2? |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> After the [[1972 Robinsons department store fire|Robinsons department store fire]] in November 1972, Sheares appointed a three-man commission to do an inquiry into the fire in December.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 December 1972 |title=Judge heads fire inquiry |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19721227-1.2.116 |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=30 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> The report was received by Sheares in August 1973, and released to the public in December 1973.<ref name="Commission">{{cite book |author1= |url=https://eservice.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding.aspx?bid=1390273 |title=Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Robinson's Fire, 1973 |date=1973 |publisher=Singapore National Printers |pages=3–11}}</ref> In February 1973, Sheares greeted [[Vice President of the United States|American Vice President]] [[Spiro Agnew]] upon his visit to Singapore where Agnew discussed problems in [[Southeast Asia]] with other ministers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shen |first=Swee Yong |date=6 February 1973 |title=Agnew has hour-long talks with Lee and Raja |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730206-1.2.101? |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=28 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=Wee Lian |date=7 February 1973 |title=Agnew pledge for a stable SE-A |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730207-1.2.5? |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In March 1973, Sheares gave a speech at the [[Singapore Red Cross Society]], praising their efforts in fundraising and stating that the society's status would be recognised by Singapore.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 March 1973 |title=Sheares praises fund-raisers of Red Cross Society |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730316-1.2.56? |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In July 1973, after the setting up of the [[Presidential Council for Minority Rights]], Sheares sworn in the Chairman of the Council [[Wee Chong Jin]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 July 1973 |title=Role of the council for minority rights — by Sheares |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730721-1.2.66? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In September 1973, Sheares opened the [[1973 SEAP Games|7th]] [[SEA Games|South East Asian Peninsular Games]] at the [[Former National Stadium, Singapore|National Stadium]] as the host country.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chandran |first=R. |date=2 September 1973 |title=Sheares opens SEAP Games |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730902-1.2.2? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

==== 1974 presidential election ====
At the [[1974 Singaporean presidential election|1974 presidential election]], Sheares was nominated by Lee again to continue serving as the president, delivering a motion that Sheares had shown, "courage from tenacity" and had "carried his office with unassuming dignity, application, and self-discipline".<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 November 1974 |title=A MAN OF DIGNITY |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19741107-1.2.47.2? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=12}}</ref> Following this motion, Sheares received a unanimous agreement by Parliament and was elected to serve a second term.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=7 November 1974 |title=Sheares elected to second term of office |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19741107-1.2.4? |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

=== Second presidential term (1974–1978) ===
Whilst serving his second term as president in 1974, Sheares taught demonstration classes at KKH to [[Gynaecology|gynaecologists]].<ref name=":6" /> In February 1974, Sheares assented eight acts including the [[Arms Offences Act]] and the [[List of acts of the Parliament of Singapore|Land Acquisition (Amendment) Act]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 February 1974 |title=Sheares signs eight Acts into law |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19740204-1.2.23? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=5 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In June 1975, Sheares stated that the government expected a growth of five percent in the economy that year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 June 1975 |title=Singapore Thrives On Discipline |url=https://access.newspaperarchive.com/ca/manitoba/winnipeg/winnipeg-free-press/1975/06-05/page-84 |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=[[Winnipeg Free Press]] |pages=84 |via=[[NewspaperArchive]]}}</ref> In July 1975, Sheares was made an honorary fellow of the [[Royal Society of Medicine]] by [[John Stallworthy (obstetrician)|Sir John Stallworthy]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 July 1975 |title=SHEARES MADE HONORARY FELLOW OF RSM... |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19750717-1.2.80? |access-date=30 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=17 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In November 1975, Sheares gave a speech after opening the fifth Pan-Pacific Conference of the International Society for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled at the [[Singapore Conference Hall]], stating that more security measures should be in place to reduce workplace accidents that leave workers disabled.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 November 1975 |title=Work on aiding disabled 'now more complex' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19751103-1.2.51? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=7 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In October 1976, Sheares appointed [[Arumugam Ponnu Rajah]] as a [[Judicial officers of the Republic of Singapore#List of judges of the Supreme Court|Judge of the Supreme Court of Singapore]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 October 1976 |title=JUSTICE WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19761002-1.2.29? |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=5 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In December 1976, Sheares dissolved the third Parliament on the advice of [[Cabinet of Singapore|the Cabinet]], issuing [[Writ of election|Writs of Election]] for the 69 constituencies.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fong |first=Leslie |last2=Lee |first2=Philip |last3=Ngoo |first3=Irene |date=7 December 1976 |title=POLLS ON DEC. 23 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19761207-1.2.2? |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In 1977, at the opening of the [[4th Parliament of Singapore|fourth Parliament]], Sheares gave a speech addressing the economics and security of Singapore, stating that they have increased from prospects given in October 1972. Sheares also talked about adopting the science, technology, management, and marketing skills from [[Western world|the West]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 February 1977 |title=Sheares: Policies need scrutiny and debate |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19770209-1.2.8? |access-date=13 December 2024 |work=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

==== 1978 presidential election ====
After his second term, Sheares had originally planned to retire as he felt that he did not have the energy for another term. However, Lee persuaded him and Sheares, then aged 71, participated in the [[1978 Singaporean presidential election|1978 presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 December 1978 |title=Sheares sworn in for third term |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19781231-1.2.49? |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Lee held a motion in Parliament for Sheares' re-election to the office, stating that Sheares, "undertakes his social and protocol functions with conscientious interest, never treating them as perfunctory chores."<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 December 1978 |title=BEST MAN FOR THE JOB |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19781230-1.2.4? |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

This received unanimous support from Parliament and Sheares was elected to a third term. This also made Sheares the first president to serve three terms. Upon his re-election, Sheares received praise for his service to the presidency from [[Parliament of Singapore#Members of Parliament|Members of Parliament]] [[Yeo Choo Kok]], [[Sidek Saniff|Sidek bin Saniff]], and [[Ang Kok Peng]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 December 1978 |title=Unanimous support for Sheares' re-election |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19781230-1.2.75? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=16 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

=== Third presidential term (1978–1981) ===
During his third term in 1978, Sheares opened the [[ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly]] at [[Mandarin Hotel]] and the sixth Asia and Oceania Congress of Endocrinology at [[Shangri-La Hotel Singapore|Shangri-La Hotel]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 September 1978 |title=SHEARES OPENS AIPO |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780927-1.2.116? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=28 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=19 January 1978 |title=SHEARES TO OPEN MEDICAL CONGRESS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780119-1.2.58? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> At the latter, Sheares gave a speech on how more research in [[family planning]] for women was needed to strengthen future policies.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 January 1978 |title=Sheares: More family planning study needed |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780123-1.2.86? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=24 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In October 1978, Sheares appointed [[T. S. Sinnathuray]] as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Singapore.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hwang |first=T. F. |date=3 October 1978 |title=SINNA'S CALL TO HIS BROTHERS IN LAW |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19781003-1.2.71? |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=11 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=22 September 1978 |title=ELEVATED |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19780922-1.2.50? |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]] |pages=12 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In 1979, Sheares assented multiple acts such as the [[List of acts of the Parliament of Singapore#1979|Money-Changing and Remittance Business Act 1979]] and the [[List of acts of the Parliament of Singapore|State Immunity Act 1979]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 October 1979 |title=PRESIDENT'S ASSENT FOR THESE ACTS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19791008-1.2.36? |access-date=13 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Throughout the 1970s, the [[trade union]] in Singapore had been growing exponentially, especially that of the [[National Trades Union Congress]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/managementofsuce0000unse |title=Management of Success: The Moulding of Modern Singapore |date=1989 |publisher=[[Institute of Southeast Asian Studies]] |isbn=978-9971-988-96-8 |pages=164 |access-date=16 December 2024}}</ref> In 1980, Sheares was involved in improving commercial and economic relations with Kuwait after a visit by the [[Emir of Kuwait]] [[Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah|Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah]] where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Teo |first=Edmund |date=21 September 1980 |title=Singapore economic mission to boost ties in Kuwait |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800921-1.2.30? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=5 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In February 1981, Sheares opened the [[5th Parliament of Singapore|fifth Parliament]] and gave a 15-minute long speech.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Margaret |date=4 February 1981 |title=Sheares underscores virtues of success |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19810204-1.2.6? |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Sheares served his third term as president until his death in office in March 1981.<ref name=":3" /> [[Devan Nair]] succeeded him as president.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fernandez |first=Ivan |date=13 October 1981 |title=Man who will be the people's president |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19811013-1.2.67? |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=14 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> According to a medical assistant of his, Sheares had possibly donated his entire salary as president to charity.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Chew |first=Shing Chai |date=10 August 2011 |title=Good Presidents past |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_700466.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817060335/http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_700466.html |archive-date=17 August 2011 |access-date=19 September 2017 |work=[[The Straits Times]]}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Benjamin Sheares and his family.jpg|thumb|Sheares with his family {{Circa|1946}}]]
Sheares' first wife was Wong Ah Foon, whom he divorced in 1947.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 February 1947 |title=Sheares Divorce |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/maltribune19470220-1.2.96? |access-date=8 May 2025 |work=[[Malaya Tribune]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He married his second wife [[Yeo Seh Geok]] (1917–2012), a trained [[midwife]], in 1939 and they had three children together.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lim |first=Suan Koon |date=3 January 1971 |title=The new First Lady has grace and charm to win the hearts of all |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19710103-1.2.36.5? |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=10 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Their daughter, [[Constance Sheares|Constance]] (born 1941), is an [[Arts administration|arts administrator]], curator, and writer.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Lo |first=Tien Yin |date=22 August 1988 |title=Local artists gain respect |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/newpaper19880822-1.2.20.1 |access-date=18 November 2020 |work=[[The New Paper]] |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Their son, [[Joseph Sheares|Joseph]] (born 1943), is a surgeon who specialises in [[cardiothoracic surgery]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 August 1993 |title=Sheares has a smile, thanks to son's help |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19930813-1.2.38.3? |access-date=8 May 2025 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=27 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

In 1939, he was [[Exoneration|exonerated of all blame]] for a traffic accident where he hit a ten-year-old boy.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 October 1939 |title=Doctor Exonerated From Blame |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/maltribune19391017-1.2.28?qt=sheares&q=Sheares |access-date=8 May 2025 |work=[[Malaya Tribune]] |pages=3 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In 1955, Sheares and his family were robbed in their [[bungalow]], which was provided by the University of Malaya in Singapore, and had {{SGD|10000|link=on}} worth of jewellery and cash stolen from them.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 July 1955 |title=PROF. SHEARES ROBBED: 6 MEN TAKE $10,000 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19550722-1.2.18? |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> In November 1971, Sheares underwent medical treatment for a [[vascular disorder]] in the United States as the operation required had not yet been developed in Singapore.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 November 1971 |title=PRESIDENT SHEARES OFF TO U.S. FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19711122-1.2.11? |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> He returned in February 1972.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 January 1972 |title=SHEARES DUE BACK IN A MONTH |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19720101-1.2.18 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=2 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

== Death and funeral ==
{{multiple image
| align             = left
| direction         = vertical
| width             = 200
| header            = 
| image1            = ST13May1981.jpg
| image2            = Tomb of President Benjamin Sheares.jpg
| caption2          = ''[[The Straits Times]]''' report on 13 May 1981 on Sheares' death ''(top)'' and his grave at [[Kranji State Cemetery]] ''(bottom)''.
}}
On 2 March 1981, it was found out that Sheares had [[lung cancer]]. On May 3, Sheares suffered from a [[Ischemic stroke|brainstem ischaemia]] which caused him to go unconscious.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Philip |date=13 June 1981 |title='HE WAS A GOOD MAN' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810613-1.2.2? |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> On 7 May, Sheares slipped into a coma after developing a [[Cerebral Haemorrhage|cerebral haemorrhage]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 May 1981 |title=Sheares in a coma |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810511.2.2 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> On 12 May, two nurses from the [[Ministry of Health (Singapore)|Ministry of Health]] and a security officer with [[Oxygen tank|oxygen cylinders]] and a stretcher were sent to his house. He died later that day at 2:10 pm.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=12 May 1981 |title=Sheares dies |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19810512-2.2.2? |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[New Nation (Singapore)|New Nation]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

News of his death was first announced at 2:47 pm and all scheduled radio and television programs were cancelled. The flag at [[Former City Hall, Singapore|City Hall]] was flown at [[half-mast]] in respect. An [[open casket]] service was held at his home with the first visitors being [[Chief Justice of Singapore|Chief Justice]] [[Wee Chong Jin]] and his wife, [[Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore|Deputy Prime Minister]] [[Goh Keng Swee]] and his wife, and [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]] [[Lee Kuan Yew]], [[Kwa Geok Choo|Lee's wife]], and [[Lee Wei Ling|Lee's daughter]]. Other visitors included [[Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment#Ministers|Environment Minister]] [[Ong Pang Boon]] and [[Parliament of Singapore|Member of Parliament]] [[Lee Chiaw Meng]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Philip |last2=Ngoo |first2=Irene |last3=Bala |first3=K. |date=13 May 1981 |title=SINGAPORE MOURNS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810513-1.2.2 |access-date=10 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

Sheares' body was [[laid in state]] on 14 May with about 85,000 people showing up to pay their respects on 15 May.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Philip |last2=Ngoo |first2=Irene |last3=Bala |first3=K. |last4=Han |first4=Jalean |date=15 May 1981 |title=THE PEOPLE'S TRIBUTE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810515-1.2.3 |url-access=subscription |access-date=10 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |quote=Eighty-five thousand Singaporeans each bade a silent personal farewell to the late President Sheares as his body lay in state at the Istana yesterday.}}</ref> On 16 May, Sheares' coffin was carried from [[the Istana]] to [[Kranji State Cemetery]] to be buried where he was given a [[21-gun salute]] by the [[Singapore Armed Forces]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Teo |first=Lian Huay |date=16 May 1981 |title=All eyes on the last journey |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19810516-1.2.77? |access-date=10 December 2024 |work=[[New Nation (Singapore)|New Nation]] |pages=26–27 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Foreign dignitaries who attended his funeral include [[President of Indonesia|Indonesian President]] [[Suharto]], [[Prime Minister of Thailand|Thai Prime Minister]] [[Prem Tinsulanonda]], [[Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia|Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister]] [[Mahathir Mohamad]], [[Governor of Malacca]] [[Syed Zahiruddin|Syed Zahiruddin Syed Hassan]], and [[Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines|Filipino Speaker of the House]] [[Querube Makalintal]]. Other countries such as New Zealand, Myanmar, Japan, South Korea, Brunei, Maldives, Nauru, Sri Lanka, United States, and Australia also sent their representatives.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 May 1981 |title=Suharto heads the attending funeral |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810515-1.2.8 |access-date=10 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Philip |last2=Ngoo |first2=Irene |date=16 May 1981 |title=Moving but dignified ceremony |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810516-1.2.3 |access-date=10 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

Then-[[President of the United States|United States president]] [[Ronald Reagan]] stated that Sheares' had "an unselfish public devotion which all Americans admire." Then-[[Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia]] [[Ahmad Shah of Pahang|Sultan Ahmad Shah]] stated that he was "an illustrious son of Singapore who had contributed much to the existing close relationship between [the] two countries."<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 May 1981 |title=More messages of condolence |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810514-1.2.34? |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> Then-Prime Minister Lee said "his humble and unassuming manner belied an intense commitment to excellence".<ref name=":4" />

=== Legacy ===
Sheares is the first and only president to serve three terms and was also the longest-serving president at 10 years, before it was surpassed by [[S. R. Nathan]] in January 2010, who served for 12 years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chong |first=Zi Liang |date=22 August 2016 |title=Former president S R Nathan dies, aged 92 |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/former-president-sr-nathan-dies-aged-92 |access-date=21 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref>

Locations in Singapore such as the [[Benjamin Sheares Bridge]], Sheares Avenue, and Sheares Link are named after him.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 August 1994 |title=How they came to be named |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940816-1.2.34.18 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=27 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rashid |first=Amierul |date=27 August 2023 |title=Monuments, landmarks and more: Legacy of Singapore's former presidents |url=https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/monuments-landmarks-and-more-legacy-former-singapore-presidents |access-date=16 October 2024 |website=[[AsiaOne]]}}</ref> In academia, the student's residence Sheares Hall at the [[National University of Singapore]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://nus.edu.sg/osa/sheareshall/about/history |access-date=16 October 2024 |website=[[National University of Singapore]]}}</ref> Benjamin Henry Sheares Professorship in Obstetrics & Gynaecology,<ref>{{cite web |title=Continuing the medical legacy of Prof Benjamin Sheares |url=https://www.singhealth.com.sg/rhs/news/giving-philanthropy/continuing-the-medical-legacy-of-prof-benjamin-sheares |access-date=4 June 2020 |website=[[SingHealth]] |archive-date=27 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127015340/https://www.singhealth.com.sg/rhs/news/giving-philanthropy/continuing-the-medical-legacy-of-prof-benjamin-sheares |url-status=dead }}</ref> Benjamin Sheares Professorship in Academic Medicine,<ref>{{cite web |title=Professor Soo Khee Chee named Benjamin Sheares Professor of Academic Medicine |url=https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/news/professor-soo-khee-chee-named-benjamin-sheares-professor-academic-medicine |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109080613/https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/news/professor-soo-khee-chee-named-benjamin-sheares-professor-academic-medicine |archive-date=9 January 2015 |access-date=9 January 2015 |publisher=[[Duke-NUS]]}}</ref> and the Benjamin Sheares College at the [[Duke–NUS Medical School|Duke–NUS Graduate Medical School]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Duke-NUS Medical School names its advisory colleges |url=http://newshub.nus.edu.sg/headlines/0510/dukenus_21May10.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823060457/http://newshub.nus.edu.sg/headlines/0510/dukenus_21May10.php |archive-date=23 August 2011 |access-date=1 April 2011 |publisher=[[National University of Singapore]]}}</ref> are all named after him.

== Honours ==

===Foreign===
* {{Flag|Kedah}}:
**[[File:MY-KED Exalted Order of the Crown of Kedah - Knight Commander (DPMK).svg|65px]] Knight Commander of the [[Order of the Crown of Kedah]] (1968)<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 February 1968 |title=Kedah Sultan honours Prof. Sheares |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19680223-1.2.45 |access-date=10 December 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=7 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>
* {{Flag|United Kingdom}}:
**[[File:Order of the Bath UK ribbon.svg|65px]] Honorary Knight Grand Cross of The Most Honourable [[Order of the Bath]] (GCB) (1972)<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 February 1972 |title=Baginda Ratu kurniakan bintang kpd Presiden |trans-title=Her Majesty the Queen bestows a star on the President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19720219-1.2.3? |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[Berita Harian]] |pages=1 |language=Malay |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite news |date=19 February 1972 |title=Order of Temasek for Queen and the Duke |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19720219-1.2.2? |access-date=30 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Indonesia}}:
**[[File:Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna rib.svg|65px]] First Class of the [[Star of the Republic of Indonesia]] (1974)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raman |first=P. M. |date=30 August 1974 |title=21-gun salute and 400-man honour guard |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19740830-1.2.27.1? |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Philippines}}:
**[[File:PHI Order of Sikatuna 2003 Grand Collar BAR.svg|65px]] Grand Collar of the [[Order of Sikatuna]], Rank of Raja (GCS) (1976)<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 January 1976 |title=The highest honour... |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19760128-1.2.32 |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=9 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[President of Singapore]]
* [[Benjamin Sheares Bridge]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* {{Commons category-inline|Benjamin Sheares}}
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{{s-off}}
{{succession box
| before = [[Yusof Ishak]]
| title = [[President of Singapore]]
| years = 1970–1981
| after = [[Devan Nair]]
}}
{{end}}{{Portal bar|Singapore|Biography|Medicine}}{{Singapore Presidents}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sheares, Benjamin Henry}}
[[Category:1907 births]]
[[Category:1981 deaths]]
[[Category:Singaporean gynaecologists]]
[[Category:20th-century Singaporean educators]]
[[Category:Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath]]
[[Category:Presidents of Singapore]]
[[Category:Raffles Institution alumni]]
[[Category:Saint Andrew's School, Singapore alumni]]
[[Category:Academic staff of the National University of Singapore]]
[[Category:Singaporean people of Chinese descent]]
[[Category:Singaporean people of English descent]]
[[Category:Singaporean people of British descent]]
[[Category:Singaporean people of Spanish descent]]
[[Category:Deaths from lung cancer in Singapore]]