Singapore remembers its architect, Lee Kuan Yew

SINGAPORE: Lee Kuan Yew, the architect, who laid the foundation for a strong Singaporean economy is no more.

While the city is in a state of mourning, the leader is getting befitting and glorious tributes from the industry leaders.

Singapore's infotech services industry is well-positioned to tap into the new business opportunities of the digital age. An early mover in infocomm technology, Singapore today ranks as the second most network-ready country in the world and the first in Asia, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Information Technology Report 2013. The roll out of the Intelligent Nation 2015 Master Plan and the National Broadband Network will further strengthen Singapore's infrastructure network.

But it was Yew who set the ball rolling. He pioneered investment into infrastructure that would one day be the backbone on which conglomerates such as Dell, HP, IBM, Alcatel, Cisco and Lucent have established regional and global headquarters with the complete value chain from R&D to supply chain management to manufacturing to logistics and shared services.

Chua Sock Koong, Group CEO, Singtel, in his condolence message said, “The world has lost a great visionary. While saddened by the loss of our founding father of modern Singapore, we celebrate his life, achievements and legacy. In the most difficult times during the early days of Singapore, Lee led her people to forge ahead and transform the nation into the success it is today. His courage, conviction and brilliance will continue to inspire future generations.”

Steve Luczo, CEO and Chairman, Seagate, added, “Lee was truly a remarkable leader, statesman and humanitarian whose vision and influence extended well beyond the shores of Singapore. He was a good friend to Seagate through the years and we are fortunate for having known him. He will be honoured and remembered throughout the world.”

"Seagate benefited from Lee's vision and support and we would not be where we are today if not for that.  It was through his leadership and encouragement that Seagate first established its presence in Singapore in 1982.  We will continue to honour his legacy and to support Singapore as it strives to reach the bright future he envisioned for it," he remarked.

The Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) in a statement, commented, “SICCI would like to join the rest of Singapore, in expressing its heartfelt condolences and regrets at the passing away of Yew. As with the rest of the business community here, SICCI is grateful for Lee’s vision and leadership in building Singapore into a thriving economic hub. The foundations of Singapore’s strengths in a strong government, sound infrastructure and stable political and economic environment, have been laid by Mr Lee and his team of Singapore’s founding leaders.”

The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) also remembered the first prime minister, and said, “Lee forged a Singapore that provided a solid foundation for the local SME community through three main economic aspects: Free trade, political stability and internationalization.”

Yew will always be remembered for the following contributions:

• 1970's: Embarked on building R&D, science, engineering capability for high-value economic activities
• 1980's: Launched National Computerization Plan to tap info technology
• 1990's: Singapore embarked on building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy