Lee Kuan Yew – A Visionary Leader

Singapore holds a dear place for me, it was the first overseas country I visited way back in 1994. From then until now, I have admired where Singapore came from to where they now stand on the international economic stage and the influence they carry around the world.

This is largely attributed to one individual, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who became a man I have grown to incredibly respect, and what he did by taking Singapore from a third world country to a first-world country in 30 odd years is remarkable.

I clearly remember the moment that news broke globally of Lee Kuan Yew’s passing. I could take you to the exact spot, as I was walking into a college lecture in Boston. I honestly can’t remember any part of that lecture. Lee Kuan Yew was one of the top people who I dreamed of meeting.

He was a true statesman, a visionary leader, with extraordinary wisdom, world leaders would reach out to him or fly into Singapore to spend time with him. His understanding of government, microeconomics, macroeconomics, geopolitics and future trends, I have not personally seen another leader close to him in my lifetime.

Was he perfect, absolutely not, but I choose to honour the statesmanship, leadership, forward-looking and vision that one man didn’t deviate from.

Today Singapore stands out as a country of influence, a country of kings, what incredible leadership.