Tribute to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew #LKY

Several people were role models in my life: - Martin Luther King, whose speech "I have a dream.." inspired me to dream for high aspirations.  Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India, inspired me through the movie starred by Ben Kingsley.  Because I grew up without my paternal father, I learn life's lessons beside my caring mother since 4  years old.  These role models, plus the auto-biography books in the library helped shaped my thinking.  

This week, the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, has a greater impact on me than I thought.  Perhaps he was a living role model, whom I have taken for granted.  Whereas the others were characters in movies and books I could read about.  With #LKY's  passing, I started watching many his previous speeches on Youtube and even bought his book (Hard Truth)  at the airport today.  I am grateful that Lee Kuan Yew had build a great nation, Singapore, a place that has been a home for me for 50 years.  Yet, a place I had taken for granted most of these 50 years, because I only converted my Malaysian citizenship to a Singaporean 12 months ago.  I feel proud that as a Singaporean, the country that takes care of the people, the society, the economics and the global brand and image of Singapore.  I contributed to it very little, mostly benefiting from the nation who generously hosted me as a Student and a Permanent Resident all these years.  I pledge to make a difference and contribute much more back to Singapore  in the years to come, for I should not take for granted what the country has done for me! 

Go Singapore!

.... Alex Butt, President, Signarama Asia Pte Ltd.