Dedication of a Lifetime‏

“You begin your journey not knowing where it will take you. You have plans, you have dreams, but every now and again you have to take uncharted roads, face impassable mountains, cross treacherous rivers, be blocked by landslides and earthquakes. That’s the way my life has been.” – Lee Kuan Yew

I believe none of us will truly know what his life was like. The responsibility that he took upon his shoulders to raise this once third world country to be what it is now is not an easy task. The promises he made, he delivered.

I particularly love watching old footages of how Mr Lee Kuan Yew would tackle questions from the Western states. It was the way he carried himself, his confidence, how he worded his answers. He never once allowed us to be pushed around. He stood his ground and proved himself to be worthy of respect. Most importantly, he proved every bit of what he said in the Singapore he built. Whenever I watch these short clips, or of those where he made his speeches, a sense of pride would swell up in me.

I’m also glad to have a founding father who believed in education and bilingualism. As much as I dreaded the language classes when I was in school, I realized how important it was when I started out in the working world. He had the foresight to see what was crucial for our growth as a nation. I benefited from it.

SG50, I remember having a discussion with friends on what it meant. 50 years, we are still a young nation compared to many countries with hundreds of years of history. What is 50 years? From mudflat to metropolis, from nothing to success, multi-racial yet still one people, Singapore on the world’s map, that little red dot that everyone knows today. I think that’s worth celebrating.

“Here we make the model multi-racial society. This is not a country that belongs to any single community – it belongs to all of us. This was a mudflat, a swamp. Today, it is a modern city. And 10 years from now, it will be a metropolis – never fear!” – Lee Kuan Yew

One man’s vision and courage led us all here. He never wavered, always focused on what he wanted to achieve for all of us.

I am saddened to hear of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s passing. He had such a reassuring presence. He was such a father figure. I believe I will not be able to enjoy all that I have today if not because he forged ahead to overcome insurmountable obstacles.

“We won’t see another man like him. To many Singaporeans, and indeed many others too. Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore.” – Lee Hsien Loong

His dedication to the nation is something we will never witness in another man again. His contribution is unparalleled. It is so hard to let someone like him go, and yet the inevitable has to come.

Dear Sir, I thank you for all you have done.