026: Lee Kuan Yew (A Tribute) – The Business Of a Leader

“I’m very determined. If I decide that something is worth doing, then I’ll put my heart and soul to it. The whole ground can be against me, but if I know it is right, I’ll do it. That’s the business of a leader.” -Lee Kuan Yew, The Man and His Ideas (1998)

This was drawn by Jason Liw. Check out his other work too.

Merdeka is a Malay word, meaning freedom.
The quote comes from the book, The Man and His Ideas (1998).

The audience here at RC is pretty much global. Thus, I expect most of you to not know who Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is. You probably never even heard of him, or hear that he passed away exactly one week ago last Monday.

Mr. Lee was a statesman and founding father of the small island nation of Singapore. The entire country of Singapore is a city state, meaning one city makes up the entire country, and there is almost no farming land available.

When Singapore first gained independence, the country’s future was very uncertain. There was much talk at the time that a country with no natural resources would go far. Yet, in 30 short years, Singapore went from a backwater city into a first world country thanks to Mr. Lee’s leadership as it’s first Prime Minister. Now as the country turns 50 this year, Singapore has become one of the most prosperous countries in Asia. There is even a video on how powerful Singapore is. Mr. Lee’s actions and results have spoken for themselves.

It is my hope that the comic portrays exactly this: nation building. Leading a company, 20,000 employees strong, is tough enough. Imagine leading a country of 2 million. That is exactly what Mr. Lee did, and he did it well despite the enormous difficulties and uncertainties. It took a lifetime of dedication and determination for Mr. Lee to pull it off; the hallmark of a true leader.

R.I.P. Lee Kuan Yew