THERE has been a global outpouring of grief over Mr Lee Kuan Yew's passing. I know of tourists who took time off their visit to Singapore to join the queues to pay their last respects to Mr Lee, as well as many outside Singapore who mourned his passing.
Over my years of travel, I have visited many permanent exhibits in different parts of the world dedicated to individuals who had touched the lives of many. These include museums or memorials dedicated to figures such as Sun Yat Sen, Elvis Presley and Bruce Lee.
The National Library Board and National Museum each have put up temporary exhibits touching on different aspects of the life of Mr Lee, but I understand there are no current plans to consider a permanent Lee Kuan Yew exhibit.
I urge the National Heritage Board to set up a Lee Kuan Yew museum or memorial in Singapore before other countries do so.
This museum could build on the current temporary exhibits in the National Museum and National Library, and could be enlarged to cover not only Mr Lee's life and contributions, but also those of Singapore's other founding fathers.
A Lee Kuan Yew museum would not become a white elephant over time, as generations of Singaporeans would want to know more about Mr Lee and his team who built modern Singapore, if the recent outpourings of grief over his death are any indication.
Visitors from other countries keen to learn more about nation-building and the secret behind Singapore's success would also want to visit.
Schoolchildren could visit the museum as part of National Education, to learn about the frugal life of Mr Lee, and how he dedicated his life to the country he loved.
Sean Low Shien Ang
Over my years of travel, I have visited many permanent exhibits in different parts of the world dedicated to individuals who had touched the lives of many. These include museums or memorials dedicated to figures such as Sun Yat Sen, Elvis Presley and Bruce Lee.
The National Library Board and National Museum each have put up temporary exhibits touching on different aspects of the life of Mr Lee, but I understand there are no current plans to consider a permanent Lee Kuan Yew exhibit.
I urge the National Heritage Board to set up a Lee Kuan Yew museum or memorial in Singapore before other countries do so.
This museum could build on the current temporary exhibits in the National Museum and National Library, and could be enlarged to cover not only Mr Lee's life and contributions, but also those of Singapore's other founding fathers.
A Lee Kuan Yew museum would not become a white elephant over time, as generations of Singaporeans would want to know more about Mr Lee and his team who built modern Singapore, if the recent outpourings of grief over his death are any indication.
Visitors from other countries keen to learn more about nation-building and the secret behind Singapore's success would also want to visit.
Schoolchildren could visit the museum as part of National Education, to learn about the frugal life of Mr Lee, and how he dedicated his life to the country he loved.
Sean Low Shien Ang
