“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. To the young and to the not-so-old, I say, look at that horizon, follow that rainbow, go ride it.”
The words of Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, in a speech to the Singapore Press Club in 1996, are as inspiring today as they were more than 20 years ago.
This quote is one of a hundred featured in the newly launched e-book, ‘Centennial Reflections: 100 Reflections by Mr Lee Kuan Yew’.
It is a collaboration between Young NTUC (YN) and Young PAP (YP). The launch marks the birth centenary of Mr Lee, whose vision and leadership shaped the country’s future.
Guest-of-Honour, former YP Chairman and NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say, YP Adviser Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, and NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Desmond Choo graced the event.
‘Centennial Reflections’ is more than just a collection of quotes. It aims to encapsulate Mr Lee’s profound impact on Singapore’s development, drawing attention to his thoughts on character building, leadership, and tripartism.
This e-book is a testament to his beliefs, ideals, and aspirations for the nation.
Mr Lim took the stage at the launch and emphasised the significance of Mr Lee’s teachings.
“As we move forward, let us remember and draw inspiration from Mr Lee’s legacy, ensuring that our future generations continue to benefit from his remarkable contributions because he was a true Singaporean.
“And one of the best ways to thank Mr Lee will be how we can keep improving Singapore together for future generations,” he said.
Mr Choo highlighted Mr Lee’s deep connections with the union: “Mr Lee’s early beginnings in politics were through trade unions.
“He was convinced that through the unions, it can give every working person a sense of co-ownership in society that would lead to better homes and lives for all workers, including our youths, in Singapore,” said Mr Choo.
In the foreword of the e-book, YP Chairman Janil Puthucheary talked about the interconnected relationship between the NTUC and the PAP.
“I am grateful that the youth wing of our party, Young PAP, working with the Young NTUC committee, continues to encourage action among a new generation and drive forward to make Singapore better for all of us,” he said.
Over 100 youths from YP and YN participated in an ‘Amazing Race’ activity to make the centenary celebrations even more memorable.
More than just a fun-filled adventure, it was a journey through significant locations connected to Mr Lee, such as Tanjong Pagar GRC, the Padang, and the Jubilee Bridge.
It allowed the youth to immerse themselves in Singapore’s rich history and understand the contributions of Mr Lee on a deeper level.
Read ‘Centennial Reflections’ here.
