Remembering Lee Kuan Yew

I remember many years back when I was still working as an IT professional, I get to attend many IT seminars. It was one of these seminars (probably organised by Oracle) that provide me a rare opportunity to see Mr. Lee Kuan Yew in flesh and blood. We were at Shangri-La hotel. I remember we were waiting for the seminar to start and just along the passageway leading to another seminar room, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew walking pass me. There were two bodyguards walking in front and two more behind him. He looked discipline and has a sense of seriousness on his face. That was the first time I saw Mr. Lee.

Even though, many people may disagree with some of his policies governing Singapore, the end result is to ensure the survival of Singapore. Discipline becomes an important factor for nation building. Discipline and determination started with the leader of the country. Campaigns to promote certain habits also help toward the growth of the economy.

Mr. Lee Kuan Yew became the number one salesman from Singapore. He talked to various world leaders and business communities persuading them to set up their businesses in Singapore. That helps to resolve the problem of unemployment in the country and grew the economy. The strong focus on education, training and productivity became part of our life in Singapore.

Singapore was his lifelong work. Even after he stepped down as the Prime Minister, he still works towards the good of Singapore. He became a world statesman, giving sound advice to world leaders. The reputation he created for Singapore helps to further advance Singapore into the first world country.

I went to pay respect to Mr. Lee at the Parliament House on Thursday, 26 Mar 2015. The total waiting time was around 4.5 hours but it was worth the wait. Singaporean came out in full force to queue and wait patiently. The longest waiting time I heard was about 13 hours. 

No words can describe Mr. Lee lifelong contributions and devotion to Singapore. His achievements were reflected all around us in Singapore. He passed away peacefully on the 23 March 2015. Even when I was writing this blog, I was still feeling sad.

Thank you Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

A Good Friday visit to In Memoriam: Lee Kuan Yew Exhibition

On Good Friday, after our Tulipmania visit at the Gardens By The Bay, we tirelessly continue our journey with my Mother-In-law to the National Museum of Singapore. A special exhibition of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew was held in memory of him and his contributions which run until 26 April 2015.

The museum announced on Sunday (Apr 5) that the exhibition would now run until Sunday, May 24 2015. From April 10, the opening hours for the exhibition will extend till 10pm every Friday and Saturday. The last visitor will be admitted at 9pm.

On other days, the exhibition opening hours remain from 10am to 8pm. Visitors can refer to the Museum's Facebook page and Twitter feed for regular updates.

Here is what our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong commented on the exhibition.

“By now, you have probably heard about my father’s red box. Minister Heng Swee Keat posted about it last week. The red box was a fixture of my father’s work routine. It is now on display at the National Museum of Singapore in his memorial exhibition.

Some of my father’s other personal items are there too. His barrister’s wig (of horsehair) from when he was admitted to the Bar. And a Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch given to him by the Singapore Union of Postal and Telecommunications Workers after he represented them in the famous postmen’s strike in 1952.

I enjoyed my visit to the exhibition a few days ago. Was happy to hear that many of you went yesterday. The exhibition will be on until 26 April.”

Admission is free. Do visit the exhibition. You will have a better understanding of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew contribution to Singapore.