Losing our founding father is not a total loss to Singapore, but losing his spirit would be one.
After independence, our republic was weak, with political instability, secret societies and communism. Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his comrades stuck their necks out to save our young nation, without pecuniary motives. This was the spirit of selflessness and courage.
As a child in the 1960s, I remember the “Keep Singapore clean” signage at Newton Circle and fines of up to $500 for littering. When that campaign commenced, many Singaporeans found it difficult initially to change bad social habits such as spitting and littering.
But, over time, we became one of the world’s cleanest countries; the carrot-and-stick policy worked. That was the spirit of environmental responsibility.
In the late 1980s, Mr Lee encouraged educated Singaporeans to procreate more, as they were knowledgeable and financially able to raise families and, more importantly, develop the next generation to their fullest potential, although some interpreted this as prejudice.
If we had heeded his advice earlier, we may not have needed to import so many foreign talents in today’s economic scenario.
It is also a fact that without sufficient endowment, it would be challenging to develop our children to their fullest potential and compete in today’s cut-throat environment. Every leader must adopt this spirit of open communication, even though it may be taboo to many.
In recent years, Mr Lee had advised his constituents not to be manipulated by real estate agents into selling their flat, which was brilliant advice for ordinary folks from the perspective of wealth preservation for retirement.
Leaders should continue to find ways to help ordinary citizens thrive. This is the spirit of wealth building.
Also, Mr Lee and his team had always adhered to the principle of frugality and the spirit of resilience in building Singapore. And he had advised younger leaders not to be complacent, such as after Mas Selamat Kastari’s escape.
As a lifelong learner and an educator, I think there is much of the Lee Kuan Yew spirit to model on and practise.
If younger Singaporeans can discipline themselves to pick up such core values and competence, I am confident Singapore will continue to excel in the next 50 years.
After independence, our republic was weak, with political instability, secret societies and communism. Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his comrades stuck their necks out to save our young nation, without pecuniary motives. This was the spirit of selflessness and courage.
As a child in the 1960s, I remember the “Keep Singapore clean” signage at Newton Circle and fines of up to $500 for littering. When that campaign commenced, many Singaporeans found it difficult initially to change bad social habits such as spitting and littering.
But, over time, we became one of the world’s cleanest countries; the carrot-and-stick policy worked. That was the spirit of environmental responsibility.
In the late 1980s, Mr Lee encouraged educated Singaporeans to procreate more, as they were knowledgeable and financially able to raise families and, more importantly, develop the next generation to their fullest potential, although some interpreted this as prejudice.
If we had heeded his advice earlier, we may not have needed to import so many foreign talents in today’s economic scenario.
It is also a fact that without sufficient endowment, it would be challenging to develop our children to their fullest potential and compete in today’s cut-throat environment. Every leader must adopt this spirit of open communication, even though it may be taboo to many.
In recent years, Mr Lee had advised his constituents not to be manipulated by real estate agents into selling their flat, which was brilliant advice for ordinary folks from the perspective of wealth preservation for retirement.
Leaders should continue to find ways to help ordinary citizens thrive. This is the spirit of wealth building.
Also, Mr Lee and his team had always adhered to the principle of frugality and the spirit of resilience in building Singapore. And he had advised younger leaders not to be complacent, such as after Mas Selamat Kastari’s escape.
As a lifelong learner and an educator, I think there is much of the Lee Kuan Yew spirit to model on and practise.
If younger Singaporeans can discipline themselves to pick up such core values and competence, I am confident Singapore will continue to excel in the next 50 years.
