Last week was eventful and emotional for Singaporeans. Due to my job, I had the opportunity to speak with youth on the significance of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s death.
Sadly, while they shared similar sentiments with the pioneer generation, many were unable to appreciate fully what he had done for Singapore.
They could not visualise the turbulent 1960s and did not witness Singapore’s transformation into a metropolis under his leadership. They had simply reaped the fruits of a First World nation.
This gap stems from a lack of education about our pioneer leaders. What our youth understood about the contributions of visionary leaders such as Mr Lee came mostly from their parents or history texts.
Their parents may not even be from the pioneer generation, thus limiting their understanding of his story. There are also few chapters in the history books on our pioneer leaders and how Singapore transformed.
Everybody knows who Mr Lee is, but there are not enough compelling stories of his greatness and that of his capable team. There should perhaps be a textbook on him alone, for students to analyse and understand the circumstances in the ’50s and ’60s that led to his rise. We must be reminded constantly of our leaders’ contributions.
To ensure Singapore’s success in the next 50 years, our youth must not be complacent. They must understand that the good things they enjoy now are not an entitlement, but the result of years of our pioneers’ work.
It is important to build on Mr Lee’s legacy of upholding our Singapore identity, which he tried to instil all his life. (“Mr Lee’s legacy: What’s next?”; Talking Point)
To honour him, we must ensure his good work continues, stay united as a nation, maintain racial and religious harmony and continue to prosper. To do so, our youth must stay competitive amid changing times, equipped with 21st-century competencies.
They must be resilient in the face of adversity and be mindful to maintain equality among all races and religions, with equal opportunities given to all, for Mr Lee’s vision for Singapore to continue glowing and growing.
Sadly, while they shared similar sentiments with the pioneer generation, many were unable to appreciate fully what he had done for Singapore.
They could not visualise the turbulent 1960s and did not witness Singapore’s transformation into a metropolis under his leadership. They had simply reaped the fruits of a First World nation.
This gap stems from a lack of education about our pioneer leaders. What our youth understood about the contributions of visionary leaders such as Mr Lee came mostly from their parents or history texts.
Their parents may not even be from the pioneer generation, thus limiting their understanding of his story. There are also few chapters in the history books on our pioneer leaders and how Singapore transformed.
Everybody knows who Mr Lee is, but there are not enough compelling stories of his greatness and that of his capable team. There should perhaps be a textbook on him alone, for students to analyse and understand the circumstances in the ’50s and ’60s that led to his rise. We must be reminded constantly of our leaders’ contributions.
To ensure Singapore’s success in the next 50 years, our youth must not be complacent. They must understand that the good things they enjoy now are not an entitlement, but the result of years of our pioneers’ work.
It is important to build on Mr Lee’s legacy of upholding our Singapore identity, which he tried to instil all his life. (“Mr Lee’s legacy: What’s next?”; Talking Point)
To honour him, we must ensure his good work continues, stay united as a nation, maintain racial and religious harmony and continue to prosper. To do so, our youth must stay competitive amid changing times, equipped with 21st-century competencies.
They must be resilient in the face of adversity and be mindful to maintain equality among all races and religions, with equal opportunities given to all, for Mr Lee’s vision for Singapore to continue glowing and growing.
