Lee Kuan Yew: In His Own Words | The ideas, values and career of Singapore's first Prime Minister

What were the values, philosophies and ideas that defined Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership? From defending hard choices to inspiring citizens, the late founding Prime Minister of Singapore had spent decades laying the foundation for the country's success.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth on Sep 16, we combed through 150 hours of footage to bring you this documentary that follows him through the different stages of his political career. #LKY100 #LeeKuanYew

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[hours]

He is like a strict father… sometimes u might be hating him for been so fierce but sooner or later, u will be grateful to him for everything he did…

[sgfuture]

He's the only politician speaks without using a script... Everything is in his mind and he speaks from his heart... No one in our parliament can be like him now....

[ItisNeverTooLateisit]

I am not Singaporean or Malaysian, nor a Malay, Chinese or an Indian for that matter, but Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's resilience and the belief in his people, and Singaporean's belief in Singapore makes me tear up every time I hear him speak. The commitment, honesty and his will is undeniable, the fire in his heart unmistakable and passion to succeed resolute.

[lktzu]

The fact that he was hell bent on not having any statues, monuments or streets named after him is truly commendable. He lets the people of Singapore speak for him. We are his legacy.

[Kangkang-rdmu]

Singaporean must not forget him. Without his leadership Singapore will not be where we are today.

[shinnichien]

I’m a mainland Chinese. And for god’s sake I wish we have someone like him in the past decades. He’s not just the star of Singapore, he’s the jewel of all Chinese

[vinaychakraborty]

He has built Singapore like an entrepreneur building a business empire from scratch.

[lengkhoontan]

As a Singaporean in his 50s, I am indebted to his leadership in our nation-building years. I’ve lived long enough to see the complete transformation of this island nation into a ‘metropolis’ (quoting Mr Lee’s own words). Words cannot describe how thankful we are to him and his self-sacrificing team. May our new generation remember this - that our country is just a small island not endowed with any natural resource and the only resource we have is our people. Lest we slip into complacency and fail to sustain the high standards set by our predecessors, we must continue to uphold the grit and drive of our pioneers.

[wonvivien]

Born in 1979, I grew up in Singapore often thinking of the greener grass in the West or Australia, and resenting the authoritarian ring of the PAP and LKY in my rebellious youth. In my 30s, finally a grown up with a mortgage and kid, a good job (representing Singapore) and residing overseas, I began to consolidate my experiences, the country's historical legacy, its economic challenges, and sociopolitical trajectory. And I realised how absolutely vital LKY had been and how great leadership -- in an entire government -- is the indispensable rock of any nation. My son is growing up in Europe, and will never know the legacy of his birth country and how it stands in stark contrast to the malaise and chaos currently besetting the continent. I'm now 45, and I have transformed my beliefs and identity too (as LKY mentioned in his 80th birthday speech in the video). I have a better understanding of Singapore's and my place in the world, and I'm glad that I am now giving back to my birth country in a small way. My only hope is that my son will one day realise how lucky he was to have been a Singaporean and to have ties -- no matter how weak -- to this fascinating and remarkable nation.

[manuskumar]

I'm an Indian and I believe Mr. Yew is the greatest leader in Asia if not the world to have ever lived.
And he is an inspiration to us.Hope to see a prosperous Singapore and a healthy collaboration between our two nations.🇮🇳❤

[PAGANONYMOUS]

I'm British and extremely proud of Singapore! An equal of any country and better than many!

[denisemedina]

every country of the world needs a president like Lee Kuan Yew, he was a genius

[Msremy]

I love this person. He has a golden heart...who love his country and his people.

[ozzymick]

A true Statesman, scholar, diplomat, firm and visionary Leader.
I salute you and the people of Singapore!

[vasanthiv]

I am in my 60s and love to watch all the documentaries of our Mr Lee Kuan Yew

[zakirzak]

As an Indian, I tell my children … if u want to learn about leadership and vision, learn it from LKY … a man with vision, strength and determination ❤

[cgvlfhx]

Thank You Prime Minister for giving a wonderful life in Singapore. You educated me gave a good teaching job and helped me to raise to raise a family in this wonderful country, Singapore. All this did not happen by chance but by hard work, sheer determination and will to stand out as an outstanding country in this region and the world stage. Long Live the Legacy of PM Lee and Singapore in ages to come.

[Amidat]

One of the greatest leaders of the 20th century

[hg]

I remembered LKY cried in front of the TV. I was watching and wondering why he cries. I was a little boy of 10! I like to thank him for giving me the opportunity to grow in a safe peaceful and economic vibrant country so that I too can contribute positively to Singapore and able to raise a happy family! Thanks Mr. Lee.

[MohamedHummad]

It is a wonderful thing to see a people who have stood firm against all these difficulties, hardships and the betrayal of some countries, and have established a clean, advanced, and racism-free country with economic pillars that are considered the best in the world... Yes, they are the outstanding people of Singapore.❤❤❤