Mr Von Lee embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, leaving behind a stable career in the public sector at the height of the Asian financial crisis in 1998, driven by the desire to help with his brother’s struggling signage business.
He subsequently formed Expand Construction in 2000, which grew from a contractor bidding for small-scale projects and competing based on the lowest costs offered, to one that has contributed to some of the most imposing and iconic buildings in Singapore, including the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay.
The Expand Group of companies has become one of Singapore’s largest local building construction groups, providing integrated civil engineering and building support services. Amongst other accolades and recognition, Mr Lee received the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in the engineering and construction category in 2018.
Mr Lee’s commitment to supporting Singapore’s infrastructure development extends to the support he has offered to local universities through donations to support the educational journeys of young talents.
At the company’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations on 12 July, NUS was bequeathed a generous gift of $1 million to establish the Von Lee Yong Miang Bursary.
Acknowledging this gift, CDE Dean Professor Teo Kie Leong stated that the gift “reflects the company’s enduring commitment to excellence, growth, and making a positive impact”. He added that the partnership has reaffirmed belief in the transformative power of education and the impact of a nurturing community spirit.
“No young person should be held back simply because they were born into less. I’m glad to come full circle and support students who just need a little help to go further,” said Mr Lee.
