Don't take good life for granted
OLDER Singaporeans are deeply affected by the death of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
This is because they saw and experienced first-hand the changes Mr Lee brought about, the challenges he faced, and how he overcame them.
My grandparents experienced the Hock Lee bus riots, merger and subsequent independence. My mother lived through water rationing and frequent blackouts.
However, we, the younger generation, have not experienced any of these difficulties.
We live in a Singapore that is safe and peaceful, with First World living standards and a vibrant economy.
We take many things for granted and, thus, may not personally understand how much Mr Lee and his team had to sacrifice and struggle for a better Singapore.
To better empathise with the older generation and understand the extent of change Mr Lee and his team brought about, I hope my generation will take some time to research the history of Singapore.
Alternatively, when they are overseas, they should compare Singapore with the rest of the world.
How do living standards compare? Is there racial or religious tension? Is there a sense of safety when one walks in the streets alone at night?
Mr Lee's death marks the end of an era headed by the first generation of brave and determined leaders who dared to dream big and push hard for a better future. As we celebrate our 50th year of independence, let us not forget the people who built the foundation for our nation.
Wong Yu An, 13,
Secondary 2 student
More gratitude and respect, please
I WAS disheartened to read insensitive and disrespectful remarks on social media about former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
I am extremely pleased with the country I live in, and am proud to call myself a Singaporean.
This would not have been possible if not for the vision and hard work of Mr Lee.
Having travelled to many countries, I am aware of the difficult conditions that others have to live in. It is a different quality of life for them.
Here, we have lights at the flick of a switch, water at the turn of a tap, a roof over our heads, safe roads, low crime rates, a strong defence force, endless job opportunities, a stable economy, and a good quality of life.
This did not happen by chance. It was due to the commitment of Mr Lee and his team, and all Singaporeans who believed our country would survive and succeed.
We should all show more gratitude and respect.
Cheryl Vanessa Devan, 13,
Secondary 2 student
CALLING YOUNG READERS:
If you are 21 or below and want to air your opinion on any issue, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg with the header "Youth Forum". Do include your age, educational level and contact details.
OLDER Singaporeans are deeply affected by the death of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
This is because they saw and experienced first-hand the changes Mr Lee brought about, the challenges he faced, and how he overcame them.
My grandparents experienced the Hock Lee bus riots, merger and subsequent independence. My mother lived through water rationing and frequent blackouts.
However, we, the younger generation, have not experienced any of these difficulties.
We live in a Singapore that is safe and peaceful, with First World living standards and a vibrant economy.
We take many things for granted and, thus, may not personally understand how much Mr Lee and his team had to sacrifice and struggle for a better Singapore.
To better empathise with the older generation and understand the extent of change Mr Lee and his team brought about, I hope my generation will take some time to research the history of Singapore.
Alternatively, when they are overseas, they should compare Singapore with the rest of the world.
How do living standards compare? Is there racial or religious tension? Is there a sense of safety when one walks in the streets alone at night?
Mr Lee's death marks the end of an era headed by the first generation of brave and determined leaders who dared to dream big and push hard for a better future. As we celebrate our 50th year of independence, let us not forget the people who built the foundation for our nation.
Wong Yu An, 13,
Secondary 2 student
More gratitude and respect, please
I WAS disheartened to read insensitive and disrespectful remarks on social media about former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
I am extremely pleased with the country I live in, and am proud to call myself a Singaporean.
This would not have been possible if not for the vision and hard work of Mr Lee.
Having travelled to many countries, I am aware of the difficult conditions that others have to live in. It is a different quality of life for them.
Here, we have lights at the flick of a switch, water at the turn of a tap, a roof over our heads, safe roads, low crime rates, a strong defence force, endless job opportunities, a stable economy, and a good quality of life.
This did not happen by chance. It was due to the commitment of Mr Lee and his team, and all Singaporeans who believed our country would survive and succeed.
We should all show more gratitude and respect.
Cheryl Vanessa Devan, 13,
Secondary 2 student
CALLING YOUNG READERS:
If you are 21 or below and want to air your opinion on any issue, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg with the header "Youth Forum". Do include your age, educational level and contact details.
