Making a common future: Lee Kuan Yew’s values for the 21st century

Abstract

Lee Kuan Yew left no stone unturned when he mapped out the future of Singapore, a plot of land 640 km2 wide wedged between hostile neighbours. With utopian-inspired governance (Plate 2010, p. 217), he pieced together a skilled governing elite that shared his core, fundamental values and beliefs, and that pushed the nation to become a global economic powerhouse. Across the decades, he had an unwavering vision, foresight, and principles that should be seen as his legacy for the nation. Lim (2015) argues that Lee’s legacy “is the spirit of courage and imagination, integrity above all else, delivering on promises and being a people of our word. It is energy and enterprise, determination and dedication, seeking to understand others … It is openness to new ideas and new realities even while sticking with fundamental principles like character and trustworthiness, steadfastness and adaptability, excellence and meritocracy”. This chapter highlights the core principles, values and beliefs that Lee held, including a future orientation, pragmatism, meritocracy, cohesion and tolerance, strong leadership, collective teamwork, talent and expertise, and character values. Lee’s beliefs about the future of Singapore is examined before proceeding to compare his legacy against current 21st century competencies frameworks to examine the commonalities and gaps, with the ultimate aim to suggest that it continues to represent essential educative philosophies that Singaporeans should recognise and integrate into their lives.