Q+A

1. What do you think is Lee Kuan Yew’s greatest contribution to Singapore?

MM Lee Kuan Yew’s greatest contribution to Singapore is his building of Singapore, a safe and stable country. An overstated fact, but I think too many people tend to take peace for granted.

Anyone who was in Bangkok around the time of the protests and subsequent curfew, is able to view the benefits Singapore offers with fresh eyes.

2. What would be a fitting way to commemorate his legacy?

I don't believe a physical artefact would ever express what he has truly achieved. However, there are a couple of important grants that have already been established in his name while MM Lee is still alive, and several programmes have emerged to conserve Singapore’s past and achievements.

Perhaps symbols can have a powerful impact on people after all. Just like the Merlion which has found its way from existence to history through sheer myth and imagination! Being an icon of Singapore, it is only a matter of time till we have his image imprinted on our bank notes, since he is so directly connected with our economic development. Perhaps we will be inviting visitors to land at the Lee Kuan Yew International Airport, given its reputation for excellence and the importance of Singapore as an international hub.

It will be fantastic to have an aging community established in his name. This community should encourage the revering of the aging, where older people can come together to support each other through the process of aging. It would also foster mentorship and allow the knowledge and wisdom that our older citizens can offer, to be shared with selected youth and researchers from their chosen fields of study. This form of learning builds bonds and belonging.

3. Are you optimistic or pessimistic about a Singaporean future beyond LKY?

I am truly ambivalent. We are at an exciting period where rapid change is taking place in Singapore, as well as in the region.

Singapore has always been constantly reminded about our scarce resources, and the need for high efficiency and productivity. Excelling in economical development has become so ingrained in our society, that life has become increasingly materialistic and spiritually empty.

Possessing wealth makes it easier to buy time, for rest and reflection. To nurture other neglected parts of life. However, without the luxury of such time, the blind chase for wealth will eventually consume us.

The shopping malls are becoming our childhood spaces today. Our city is constantly being reworked at such an impossibly fast rate, that cracks are beginning to show, and it is becoming difficult to remember what came before. Men can even buy brides from a catalogue from less-well-to-do neighbouring countries. By buying a bride, they are buying a family, which fits into "the plan", but they are not necessarily buying love. And love should be at the heart of a family, and families at the heart of the nation. This makes one wonder what could possibly be irreplaceable? What could money not buy?

LKY has cradled Singapore successfully into modernity; however, the challenges of the 21st century loom ahead. With our population exploding at the rims, space and resources will continue to be problematic.