On 9th September 2023, SG100 Foundation organized our annual event to commemorate Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s passing. Our Guest-of-Honour was the newly-elected Singapore President, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Our venue sponsors were from the Chui Huay Lim Club. Much wisdom was gleaned from Mr Tharman’s candid dialogue session, hosted by Dr William Wan, on leadership and lessons from interacting with the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew serving in ministry.
Dr William Wan “The late Mr Lee Kuan Yew had this quote, “For the young, let me tell you the sky has turned brighter. There’s a glorious rainbow that beckons those with the spirit of adventure. And there are rich findings at the end of the rainbow…”.
Mr Tharman shared on his interactions as a young civil servant under Mr Lee Kuan Yew, through interesting anecdotes and the values he gained from the elder statesman.
We also had the privilege of hosting Dr Chua Chee Lay, the former mandarin tutor of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Dr Chua brought tears and laughter to the audience in equal measures with his sharing. He inspired many with the determination and passion for learning from the late Mr Lee, to not just talk the talk, but walk the talk with his “Speak Mandarin” campaign and love for the mother tongue.
It was a real privilege to be able to be a part of the organising committee of such a meaningful event.