Writing with Conviction_A02 Sem 2_2014_15
Question: What is the most significant contribution that Lee Kuan Yew made to transform Singapore from a developing to a developed world?
1. Find a quote that can capture your reflect your thought on this issue.
91 quotes of Lee Kuan Yew show why you either hate him or love him
Link: http://mothership.sg/2014/09/91-quotes-of-lee-kuan-yew-that-show-why-you-either-love-or-hate-him/
2. Discuss:
Lee Kuan Yew's most significant contribution in transforming Singapore from a developing to a developed world
(just 100-150 words excluding the quote)
-Think about the way you should structure the paragraph.
-Write with conviction and heart.
Other links to writing with conviction:
Does your writing lack the conviction it deserves?
Link: http://goinswriter.com/writing-conviction/
Write and Speak with Conviction: Link: http://www.zenlawyerseattle.com/thoughts-on-personal-injury-law/speak-and-write-with-conviction/
17 comments:
Make sure you put your name on your post.
35. On why fiction sucks: “Usually, I read biographies of interesting people. I am not attracted to novels – make-believe, or recreations of what people think life should be. ” One Man’s View of the World.
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew – one of the most interesting, inspiring and influential person in Singapore. Like a hero in a fiction story, he is the hero of Singapore; except his accomplishments are nothing but the truth. While he only read biographies of interesting people, Singaporeans have also been reading the stories of his life – how he stayed dedicated, committed, and true to Singapore.
In his purse of knowledge, he realised how important it is for Singaporeans to be educated. Fictions are nothing but entertainment, and education and knowledge is what Singapore needs. There is no need for make-believe or hopeful thinking that Singapore will suddenly prosper.
Singapore is a small country without much resources and all we have are our people. Thus, education is important because it brings forth knowledge for the citizens. As such, knowledge became Singapore’s advantage as seen with our advancement with technologies such as NEWater to self-sustain our water resources. Furthermore, being educated allows people to be more logical and civilised, allowing for Singapore to be in a more stable state without disrupting our progression through a developing to developed country.
Mr. Lee’s contribution and hindsight for an educated Singapore has helped Singapore turn into a developed country. Mr Lee’s commitment for an educated country has made Singapore a developed nation we are proud of. His insistence for practical resources such as education for Singaporean have made Singapore the prosperous, metropolis and successful country it is today.
Benjamin
27. On life: “Life is not just eating, drinking, television and cinema…The human mind must be creative, must be self-generating; it cannot depend on just gadgets to amuse itself.” Speech at Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Haji Celebrations held at Joo Seng Community Centre, 28th Feb 1970, Lee Kuan Yew in his own words, 1959-1970
Yes, the human mind must be creative to come up with innovative and new ideas that no one have thought of. A human mind like Lee Kuan Yew’s. During the early stages of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew has made numerous insights into the development of Singapore such as economic hub, equal education opportunities, racial harmony and emphasis on bilingualism.
Among the uncountable contributions to Singapore, the equal education opportunities has deeply impacted almost all Singaporeans. In the early stages of Singapore, many like the poor and the female did not have the access to education opportunity, obstructing them from gaining knowledge of the world. In Singapore today,everyone starts from the same starting point and is entitled to equal education opportunities which allows every Singapore to receive quality education.
(cont)
Being Singaporeans, we were brought up to be gracious citizens. The acts of kindness from companies, volunteers and personnel on ground were of course on their own free will which knew that even the smallest effort, would change (perhaps) another’s life. It was through many stories that made it seem so touching to read about that highlights the traits of Singaporeans. Many a time some of us may be in search for a place that would improve our livelihood because we lost sight of this little trait of us. Never to deny, I too harboured thoughts of migrating to another country after getting my degree because this place I once called ‘Home’ was becoming less of one. But the past week, I’ve seen what we Singaporeans are capable of, perhaps what could we be capable of when we continue standing united - just how Mr. Lee envisioned us to be.
Through the past week, apart from mourning for the loss of a founding father, I hope many of us took the chance to appreciate the smallest things in life and to reflect on how far we have come. As the SCDF sirens sounded, together with the recitation of the Singapore pledge and national anthem, I felt truly deeply for this nation; a nation I call Home because I have an identity which I can relate to the 3-odd million of us. This is the Singaporean spirit and I never want to see it diminish (at least for the near future). Never be clouded by the little things that carry negativity; embrace what is great and worthy of bringing us proud.
Now that Mr. Lee is no longer here to remind us to stay united, I just wish Singaporeans will consciously be aware that despite the influx of foreigners and other adversities that surround us, being united, we can accomplish great things. We’ve done it for the past 50 years, and it shall not stop here. Mr. Lee, I hope you are really glad to see this up in heaven!
Rest in peace Mr. Lee.
Oh and to the haters of Mr. Lee: if you were the Prime Minister of Singapore back then, what would you have done different? Would it be as successful than what it is today?
55. On the art of governance: “Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine. I’ve spent a whole lifetime building this and as long as I’m in charge, nobody is going to knock it down.” Rally speech at Raffles Place, 1980
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew possesses many positive qualities that made him the most inspiring leader in Singapore. The most important quality that led Mr. Lee Kuan Yew to success was his determination. Mr. Lee guided Singapore through many tough times such as surviving as a countries during the initial period of independence and multiple economic crisis along the years (Fernandez, 2015). Driven by his strong will for success, Mr. Lee was able to develop Singapore into a first-world country. His determination is an inspiring virtue that youths now should learn from. With the passing of Mr. Lee, his legacy and the future of Singapore will lays in the new emerging young leaders’ hand.
Fernandez, W. (2015). Straits Times: Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding father, dies aged 91. Retrieved from http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/media_centre/singapore_headlines/2015/201503/headlines_20150323_3.html
Non academic (uneditted personal post on Facebook page)
Sorry for the lengthy status update, but here is a mini reflection of (probably) a dark week for many Singaporeans.
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew united us back in the 1960s and even more so today. He have been constantly reminding us the importance of standing together, united as one country. Although I was not born early enough to have witnessed the times where Singapore was under his leadership, I sensed so much of his influence and his many vision for this tiny place. Sadly, he would no longer be reminding us of how important unity is to this country we call home, as he passed on.
Over the past week, Mr. Lee brought Singaporeans together. This unity, usually seen only once a year during National Day Parade as we roar when we see his presence in the parade. Even so on those days, I wouldn’t say I am proud to be Singaporean. But this past week, I’ve gladly realised and found back that love for this place I called home; because of this one man. Singapore would not have been as it is, if the people were divided.
Unity was taken for granted as the majority of us did not face the uncertainties and the trouble that came with disharmony. Appreciation for the many little things in life was too, taken for granted, because there was nothing to complain about in life. As Mr. Lee aimed to set up and build a nation state, he united the people as he knew that only through unity, would this place without any resources (except human resources) prevail. Forging an identity was not easy; and through the many years, people have started to doubt our own identity as Singaporeans. But as we look back this week, we have seen the many acts of what made us, so special. It was this trait that brought us to where we are since 1965.
The reflection that I got the past week ranged from societal views and visions of the man himself. And here goes:
Though there were long (an under estimate for the term long) queues, there were never outbreaks of fights or unhappiness between each other, because we knew what the purpose was for. Society was no doubt separated of late when people started to highlight the many differences between race, religion or even political ideologies. But this divide was never what Mr. Lee ever wanted in the place he built. But the last week had shown much unity that made me realise that this country was more than its economic progress - it was the people that made me proud of where I belong. Singaporeans left aside their inequalities be it income status, race, religion and political ideologies and came together to show our appreciation to Mr. Lee. We fostered this identity and were brought up (in some way or another) under his values and his ideas; and this was what united us. Put aside our differences, and we will see something that we will be proud of.
The appreciation to the people we all once took for granted, and constantly were under public scrutiny: the SAF and NSFs. It was this time when the public realises the importance and (hopefully) appreciates the efforts of the men and women in uniform. When these groups were seen and critique upon for being weak, air-con soldiers and paper generals, and mostly a waste of time and resource, worked hard and ensured many aspects of the funeral was taken care of. They were the same people whom were unappreciated before. It does not take one to realise that taking things for granted in our lives were often clouding how we see things in life; it often makes us wish for change. But stop to think, without all these, we probably would never have even thought of anything further beyond.
(cont)
Academic
“No (it is not possible to influence young people), you can influence the basic attitudes from the day they are born to about 16 or 17. [..] They have a mind of their own and they are influenced by what they see around them and by their peers.” One Man’s View of the World.
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew united Singaporeans back in the 1960s and even more so today. His beliefs and vision for this nation to constantly remind Singaporeans the importance of standing together, united as one country. Although the younger generation have not witnessed the times when Singapore was under the leadership of Mr. Lee, his conviction serves as a constant reminder to younger Singaporeans of his passion toward this country and its people. Even though Mr. Lee may no longer be physically around to remind how important unity is to this country, the surroundings and progress serve the same purpose. As a statement mentioned by the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his eulogy to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew: “Mr. Lee Kuan Yew built Singapore. To those who seek Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s monument, Singaporeans can reply proudly: “Look around you”.” (Prime Minister’s Office Singapore, 2015).
Over the week of national mourning, Mr. Lee brought together Singaporeans from all walks of life – young and old. This unity, usually seen only once a year during the National Day Parade as Singaporeans roar upon his arrival to the parade. But this past week of his departure, Mr. Lee once again reminded Singaporeans for the need to stay united, just like in the past; as he knew Singapore would not have been as it is, if the people were divided.
Unity was taken for granted as the majority of younger Singaporeans did not face the uncertainties and the trouble that came with disharmony as shown by the racial riots in the 1960s. Appreciation for the many little things in life was taken for granted, because there was nothing to fuss about in life. As there are much differences between the younger and older generations in society, perceptions and opinions vary widely (Thang, 2011). Though it is dfficult to minimize such perceptual differences, Mr. Lee still held on to the belief for unity of the citizens, would then a place like Singapore, without any resources except human capital prevail. Forging an identity was not easy; and through the years of development, Singaporeans have started to doubt their identity. Hence the reunification of the people of Singapore will remain essential.
The constant reminder for the importance of unity between Singaporeans, to leave aside inequalities be it income status, race, religion and political ideologies was what brought Singapore forward to evolve into a metropolic within a generation. Through this identity and influence of his values and his ideas brought Singaporeans together. Through the lens of the external world, Singapore’s economic progress was the result of the policies set, however it was also the unity of the people that was more than what pushed for the progress of Singapore (Teo & Ng, 2011).
Through the week of national mouring, apart from mourning for the loss of a founding father, Mr. Lee reiterated for the need to appreciate the smallest things in life and to reflect on how far Singapore has come. As the SCDF sirens sounded, together with the recitation of the Singapore pledge and national anthem, it was not only a time to pay tribute and thank Mr. Lee for his life long efforts to Singapore, but to reflect on the need to find back the identity that unifies the nation – the Singaporean spirit.
Mavia said...
Quote:
“I have no regrets. I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There’s nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life.”
As what Mr Lee Kuan Yew had said, he had spent much of his life, building up this beautiful city. Singapore was once a third world country, which faced common problems like high unemployment, severe housing shortage and widespread corruption, that many developing countries face. Being an excellent leader, Mr. Lee had come up with effective policies which solved such problems. He initiated an industrialization program, a low-cost public housing program, as well as an anti-corruption strategy, transforming Singapore from a third world country to a first world country within just 50 years. Curbing corruption would be the the most impressive measure Mr. Lee had come up with as this is a problem which is still faced by many countries today. To curb corruption, Mr. Lee brought about tough laws to investigate those suspected of corruption and heavy penalties for those who are caught taking bribes. Our corruption free government and economy then attracted many investors and companies from all over the world and created opportunities for employment, learning and growth in Singapore (Tan, 2015). Being the father of the nation, he had contributed as well as sacrificed greatly for the nation. Therefore, it is now our turn to stand together, unite as one and continue building on the legacy left by Mr. Lee.
"Even from my sick bed, even if you are going to lower me into the grave and I feel something is going wrong, I will get up." (1988 National Day Rally)
The transformation of Singapore from a swamp to a metropolis was about one man’s view and vision of this small island state. The most significant contribution that the late Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew made to transform Singapore is his life-long dedication to Singapore. In 1963, when Singapore merged with Malaysia, he fought for Singaporeans’ rights. He was determined to form the identity of a Malaysian Malaysia instead of a Malay Malaysia. He shed his tears during Singapore’s separation from Malaysia. Even when most people never see Singapore being able to survive on her own, that did not deter him from making it possible. Thus, he is a man who was able to see opportunities even when they were disguised in the form of impossible situations.
Being brought up in the western education system, Mister Lee was not fluent with his Mandarin. However, after Singapore’s independent, he started to learn Mandarin and Malay as they were the two biggest ethnic groups in Singapore. Even though he only started learning Mandarin at the age 32, he did so believing that he needed to be like the people and to speak their language. Mister Lee was a life-long learner. At the age of 91, he was attending mandarin classes to improve in his Chinese.
During the early state of Singapore’s independent, Minister Lee knew the importance of investing in education for its people. Being a resource scarce island state, human beings are the only resources available (Ministry of Education, Singapore, 2015). During his time as prime minister, Minister Lee made English the medium of communication among the people. In addition, public schools were made available and affordable for students to seek primary school education. The current literacy rate of Singapore stands at 96.7 percent (Singstat, 2015). In 2014, Singapore was ranked third spot in global education in cognitive skills and educational attainment index (Davie, 2014). Thus, he envisioned the importance of providing education for the people at all level of social ladder. However, it was also because of his inquisitive nature which made him sees the importance of having a world class education system for its people.
Wilson
“Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine. I’ve spent a whole lifetime building this and as long as I’m in charge, nobody is going to knock it down.”
Our late founding prime minister once asserted that in a rally speech at Raffles Place in 1980 that “Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine. I’ve spent a whole lifetime building this and as long as I’m in charge, nobody is going to knock it down.” This quote mentioned from him was very straight forward, but it has left a really deep and profound impact on me. Mr Lee has spent most of his lifetime struggling to transform the landscape of Singapore from a third world country filled with hundreds of slumps and kampongs to a first world country with modern high rise buildings. He introduced the five-year plan for the economic growth and development of Singapore. This plan includes urban renewal and industrialization to revive the economy (Josey, 2013). Within a few decades, Singapore has emerged as one of the top countries in the world with excellent GDP, infrastructure and telecommunications. This is largely attributed to the efforts of Mr Lee and other pioneer leaders that has contributed selflessly to build up Singapore as a nation. Mr Lee and his team proved the world wrong with their determination when everyone thought Singapore was impossible due to few resources and sacred land. Singaporeans are indeed blessed to have Mr Lee as our founding leader, an outstanding individual who possess such admirable leadership skills and advanced foresight that brings Singapore to what we are today. We are eternally grateful to the massive contributions Mr Lee had made throughout his lifetime striving to establish Singapore as the most impressive and prosperous country worldwide.
Wei Liang
"Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine. I’ve spent a whole lifetime building this and as long as I’m in charge, nobody is going to knock it down.” Rally speech at Raffles Place, 1980.
Lee Kuan Yew was firm in his beliefs and values. Singapore would be a failed state or a faltering state if he was not firm in his beliefs. A leader must be able to lead his country and his people based on his/her own vision of what the country will become. Lee knew that the Western democracy and development model does not work in Asia. He was able to lift Singapore out of the mudpit because he modified all forms of advice to suit the Singaporean and Asian contexts. He does not tolerate opposition because it undermines his plan. An army can only have a general, likewise, a country can only have one leader. Lee was not hesistant in bankrupting opposition or making use of the Internal Security Act to detain any opposition. When Malaysia threatened to cut Singapore's water supply when conflict arose, he was determined to create alternatives - NEWater, reservoirs and desalination to counteract the threat from Malaysia. When Singapore Airline's pilots threatened to go on strike, he was unrelenting in his options to them - to go back to work and reflect on their actions later on or to continue the strike and he will use whatever means to punish them. All of these exemplifies that he would bulldoze through all his obstacles for he want to build his Singapore, one that he believed is in the best of interest for the people.
79. Of S’poreans and Dogs: “If you can select a population and they’re educated and they’re properly brought up, then you don’t have to use too much of the stick because they would already have been trained. It’s like with dogs. You train it in a proper way from small. It will know that it’s got to leave, go outside to pee and to defecate. No, we are not that kind of society. We had to train adult dogs who even today deliberately urinate in the lifts.” (The Man and His Ideas)
Today, Singapore is a globalised hub of education, technology, trade and finance. Tranforming from a developing third world state to first in a generation is one of Asia’s greatest success stories, and this success is credited to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Singapore do not have an abundance of natural resource or land space to utilize, and Mr Lee recognised that the population would be nation’s most valuabe assets. Mr Lee had a vision for education: to build an effective, universal education system that would provide a skilled workforce for Singapore’s industrialisation plans. Hence, Mr Lee foresaw the need to build a strong teaching force and internationally competitive insitutions that would thus, support Singapore to stand on a global platform.
A key policy that Mr Lee strongly advocated for was bilingualism, with English as the universal language for teaching and administrative tasks, and the mother tongue to keep Singapores culture intacted. More importantly, bilingualism ensured that harmonious relationships between the different races are maintained.
By educating Singaporeans the English language, every citizens would be given equal opportunities for learning and upgrading themselves across diverse fields. With the knowledge established since young, it enabled them to become successful in the workplace and at the same time, building a sense of belonging among the Singaporeans.
With these foundations secured, Singapore’s economy advanced swiftly, developing from a labour-intensive economy to a capital- and skill-intensive country.
"I make no apologies that the PAP is the Government and the Government is the PAP". Petir, 1982
Other than Lee Kuan Yew, there are rarely leaders could be so definite and confident about the choice he made for a country. Under his proud and affirmation, we could feel that he had put all of his efforts and spend his whole life work building a responsible, uncorrupted and capable government, which always make decisions only for the sake of his own people. He had a strong belief that with a powerful and outstanding government like PAP, the country could develop steadily and the people could make a better live, and Singapore's prosperity today has proved this statement. "We have prospered – on the domestic front, and on the foreign front. That was what Lee Kuan Yew wanted, that is what he set out to build, and that’s what we enjoy now." Johnny said on Red Wire Times on 25 March 2015.
“I’m very determined. If I decide what something is worth doing, then I’ll put my heart and soul to it. The whole ground can be against me, but if I know it is right, I’ll do it. That’s the business of a leader.” -From Lee Kuan Yew: The Man and His Ideas, 1998
Lee Kuan Yew was a very admirable person who sacrificed everything he had to change Singapore for the better, even when he had to make tough decisions and stood alone when no one else was willing to stand with him. Honestly, not enough words can be said enough to encapsulate all that he had contributed to Singapore. He developed the country from a poor, mudflat, third world country that was just a little red dot in a green sea to a first world, to a well-developed and prosperous metropolis that could stand on its own two feet against its other biggest rivals in the World. He was a man of tenacity, as he had to face countless obstacles in his bid to develop Singapore for the better, such as when Singapore was kicked out from Malaysia, threats of the pro-communists and Britain’s unforeseen withdrawal of their troops from Singapore. All of these left Singapore defenseless. Yet, amidst all of these trials, he continued to press on and stayed resilient. No matter how daunting the task of developing and building up Singapore was, he faced the trials with the determination and passion he had for Singapore, believing in her potential to be a successful country of the future. He stood unwavering and steadfast in his belief and constantly encouraged Singaporeans to ‘never fear’ for their future (Channel NewsAsia, 2015). Indeed, he was a man of fine character and strength, who had envisioned Singapore to become a ‘first world oasis in a third world region’, and he succeeded doing so eventually (Channel NewsAsia, 2015). It is really so rare to find such a man in our World today, a man who stood firm in his belief for Singapore, even throughout the crises and obstacles he faced and even when he had to stand alone when everyone else was against him.
-Esther Chew
“Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine. I’ve spent a whole lifetime building this and as long as I’m in charge, nobody is going to knock it down.” Rally speech at Raffles Place, 1980
Perhaps this is one of the most impactful speeches he had said in his lifetime. Under his leadership, Singapore has transformed from a third world nation to a first world country in 3 decades. Some might say that it is easy to govern a small island. However, many Singaporeans would beg to differ. Singapore started off from scratch without natural resources, water supply and the majority of the population living in poverty with low literacy rate. Yet Mr Lee continued to believe in Singapore. His determination to bring Singapore to greater heights can be reflected by the results of his leadership. We have one of the most advanced transport system, a good education system that is consistently shaping young Singaporeans into becoming global citizens and an adequate housing system where most Singaporeans can own a HDB. A leader without such a great passion and conviction can never lead a nation to this height. From the very beginning, his firm convictions to fight for Singapore globally, to bring this nation out of poverty, to provide a better life for all Singaporeans and to believe in Singapore, he had already shown the iron he had in him.
choo siew yen
On fashion: “I’m not interested in changing either my suit or my car or whatever with every change in fashion. That’s irrelevant. I don’t judge myself or my friends by their fashions. Of course, I don’t approve of people who are sloppy and unnecessarily shabby or disheveled… But I’m not impressed by a $5,000 or $10,000 Armani suit.” 1995, The Wit & Wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew
Lee’s sister, Monica, was once told off for wearing a pair of dangling earrings handed down from their mother. However before that incidence, Lee commented on her shabby look. These two events clearly showed that Lee was a man who gave importance to tidiness while disparaged possession of expensive luxurious materials. Besides that, Monica also said that his brother was not concerned about what he wore as long as it is simple yet presentable. Another evidence showing Lee was a frugal man who do not follow fashion is that in one of the interview he told that his jacket has been with him for almost 20 years. Hsien Yang, Lee’s son said that his father was not interested in following fashion and materialistic stuff as he was a very thrifty man who wore clothing until they could no longer serve their purpose.( The Straits Time, 2015).On top of that, Lee’s red box was used by the former until his death.( Heng S. K., 2015) In this age of consumerism, it is rare to see people who are so frugal that they use their own belongings like clothing and bags for decades without conforming to fashion of consuming luxury bags. In 2014, $9.4 billion was estimated to be invested by men population in luxury business bag market ( Bain M., 2015). In 2014, 43,000 Singaporeans are estimated to have debts of more than their annual salary( Sunday Times, 2014). Credit Counselling Singapore (CCS) claimed that debtors are those who often spend beyond their means such as buying expensive branded goods ( Monetary Authority of Singapore, 2014). In July 2013, around half a million Singaporean cardholders rolled over their partly paid credit card debts which creates a vicious and ever increasing debt which is hard to be paid off. ( Credit Bureau, 2013).From the above evidences, Lee Kuan Yew exemplified the virtue of thrifty which is important in teaching his people to learn to be debt free and save what is earn. If only the Singaporean know how thrifty their leader was, they would be influenced to spend within their means and at least be debt free.
References
1. The Straits Time( 2015, April 1)
Retrieved from:
http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/remembering-lee-kuan-yew-devoted-husband-and-caring-fath#sthash.ASPBpWsr.dpuf
2. Mothership.sg
Retrieved from:
http://mothership.sg/2014/09/91-quotes-of-lee-kuan-yew-that-show-why-you-either-love-or-hate-him/
3. Bain M., (March 25, 2015), Mr Lee Kuan Yew's Red Box
Retrieved from:
http://qz.com/369188/the-story-behind-the-red-box-that-lee-kuan-yew-carried-everywhere/
4. Yasmine Y. (Nov 04, 2014), The Straits Times
- Retrieved from:
http://business.asiaone.com/news/more-sporeans-debt-overspend-first-be-sorry-later#sthash.pSVhlaNU.dpuf
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