Lee Kuan Yew Through the Eyes of Chinese Scholars

The following sections are included:

• Contents
• Contributors
• Preface to the English edition

In November 1978, Deng Xiaoping visited Singapore. After the formal meeting with the Singapore government, he had a private meeting with Lee Kuan Yew which lasted for three hours. After the visit, Deng continuously praised Singapore and told Chinese leaders many times that China should learn from Singapore. As a result, many high-ranking leaders from China have visited Singapore, and many middle and lower-ranking leaders and officials have also been sent to learn from Singapore…

The first time I met Mr Lee Kuan Yew was in August 2004. At the time, Mr Lee had great interest in using Chinese on computers, but, like many beginners, was encountering some difficulties. His Chinese tutor of many years, Chew Cheng Hai, was my colleague in the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Professor Chew knew that I was familiar with using Chinese on computers and suggested that I help Mr Lee by answering his questions…

Singapore is an island nation without natural resources or an economic hinterland, and an area of only 700 square kilometres. That this little island could become a vibrant modern international city in a few short decades can only be described as a miracle.

At the mention of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew immediately comes to mind. In fact, many refer to Singapore as "Lee Kuan Yew's Singapore". Mr Lee led Singapore for more than 50 years and was still a Member of Parliament at his death in 2015, a term in office that is rarely seen. His passing has caused many to reconsider the following questions: what is the nature of Singapore's success? What significance does Singapore's experience of economic development have for other countries? What is the future of the "Singapore model" after Lee Kuan Yew?

Singapore is a proud country, yet it often indulges in self-pity. Although wealthy, it is frequently the target of sarcastic taunts because of its small size. When relations between Indonesia and Singapore were turbulent, then Indonesian President Habibie scornfully called Singapore a “little red dot” on the map. Former Taiwan Foreign Minister Mark Chen has also disdainfully described Singapore as “a country the size of a booger”. This brings to mind Alibaba’s Jack Ma, who though shrewd, able and wealthy, is of small size and homely in appearance. When he quarrels with anyone, he is likely to suffer personal insults…

Lee Kuan Yew has passed away. Nobel Prize-winning Harvard professor Amartya Sen had much to say about Mr Lee’s much-debated “Asian values”.

The following sections are included:

• Hard Truths
• National Security
• Hong Kong
• Old Friends
• China and the US
• Reading
• Singaporeans and China
• Population Issues
• Education
• Public Sector Salaries
• Attracting Talent

Singapore became a self-governing state in 1959, merged with Malaysia in 1963 and withdrew from the Malayan Federation to become an independent nation in 1965. With its lack of natural resources, the first leaders had to grapple with the question of how Singapore was to survive and develop. In June 1959, Lee Kuan Yew became the first prime minister of Singapore and, over the next 50 years, his ideas and vision were decisive in the formulation and implementation of Singapore’s policies. Since independence, Lee Kuan Yew’s focus has been on economic development and political stability, both of which require a supply of talented individuals. As a result, Lee Kuan Yew’s talent development strategy has stressed the importance of identifying and attracting talent. This article will specifically analyse Lee Kuan Yew’s thoughts on talent development and his development policies and strategies over the past years, and assess their impact and effectiveness.

The late Mr Lee Kuan Yew was the founding father of the nation of Singapore. He was also a philosopher-king in the mould of Plato’s Republic, a grand strategist, an incorruptible czar, and the ultimate pragmatist. In every century, one can find only a handful of people like him — an individual who had a vision for his country and was also able to achieve it, leaving lasting footprints in the world.

The following sections are included:

• Lee Kuan Yew’s passing reverberated across the world and plunged Singapore into a period of national mourning. It has been a long time since a leader’s passing has attracted such international attention. What are your thoughts on this phenomenon?
• Why were diplomatic relations between Singapore and China only established as late as 1990? What role do you think Lee Kuan Yew played in Singapore–China relations? What caused the change of his attitude towards China?
• Some people regard Lee Kuan Yew as a pragmatist. Is pragmatism enough for governing a country?
• Some view Lee Kuan Yew as a dictator, but Singapore is governed by the rule of law. How did he manage the relationship between dictatorship and law?
• Does the Singapore government value the humanities? Why are Singaporeans lagging behind Taiwan and Hong Kong in the humanities?
• What role has Lee Kuan Yew played in promoting relations and understanding between China and the West?
• How did he balance the relationship between Singapore and the US, and Singapore and China?
• Lee Kuan Yew had spoken to the Chinese government frequently over the years. How do you think they regarded his bluntness?
• How did Xi Jinping’s government regard Lee Kuan Yew?
• After Lee Kuan Yew’s passing, what is the future for Singapore?
• In the post-Lee Kuan Yew era, can Lee Hsien Loong manage?
• Will Lee Hsien Loong push forward some reforms? Will he be a “Little Chiang” (Chiang Ching-Kuo)?
• There will be a general election this year (2015). Will the People’s Action Party (PAP) face challenges?

Lee Kuan Yew’s success in transforming Singapore from a plural immigrant society into a multicultural nation rested on the core values that shaped him and the power systems that he chose to serve his political cause.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew has passed away.

On the morning of 23 March 2015, as I watched on television Lee Hsien Loong fighting back tears while announcing the sad news, I remembered the feelings of pain, regret and gratitude when I lost my mother 13 years ago. However, I did not weep that morning…

Lee Kuan Yew’s passing was regarded by the world as a significant event, and his funeral was attended by many world leaders. Singapore declared an entire week of mourning and nearly 500,000 people went to pay their respects. Such a successful statesman is rare today, perhaps unmatched by any…

Singapore’s greatest attractions are its open economy, equal treatment for foreign and local enterprises, strict protection of property and contractual rights, a clean and effective government, a stable political environment, low tax rates, good infrastructure, a highly-skilled labour force, a relaxed immigration policy, and an increasingly globalised living environment…

Many people will remember Mr Lee Kuan Yew for establishing and building the nation of Singapore, yet overlook his significance in the history of the post-colonial world. When Lee Kuan Yew and Singapore are examined in the context of the politics of the post-colonial world, his extraordinary significance shines forth. The Singapore model established by Lee Kuan Yew does not just describe Lee Kuan Yew the man, or Singapore the nation, but the choices and innovations in political, economic and social systems faced by different societies…

The following sections are included:

• For Survival, English Must Be the Language of Administration
• Mr Lee Waited Patiently to Prove That His View Was Superior to Mine
• Mr Lee Willingly Helped Me in My Work