RI star alumnus ‘a role model for all’
SINGAPORE — Raffles Institution (RI) paid tribute to its former student the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, with a special assembly this morning (March 24).
The school and state flags were flown at half-mast and the school observed a minute of silence. An exhibition has also been set up in remembrance of Mr Lee at the Raffles Archive and Museum in RI. Mr Lee was a student in the old RI on Stamford Road from 1936 to 1940.
Speaking to media, RI principal Chan Poh Meng highlighted Mr Lee’s exceptional qualities, praising his resilience and belief in meritocracy — that anyone who has a potential should be given the opportunity to be the best of themselves.
Mr Lee also believed that once one has realised his or her dreams, one should not forget the community, he added. “The legacy that he had left behind is the importance (that at) the end of the day, everyone — regardless of race and religion — is important.”
During his address to students, Mr Chan referred to Education Minister Heng Swee Keat’s Facebook post from Monday morning (March 23), pointing out that Mr Lee had believed that Singaporeans are Singapore’s best asset, which is why he placed special emphasis on education despite the meagre resources in the early years.
JC2 student Rachel Koh, 18, agreed. She said: “I think (Mr Lee) has been the greatest proponent of meritocracy in Singapore and it’s because of his legacy, which underpins definitely the education system in Singapore, that students like me and all the other students in this school are able to determine their futures based on merit rather than on the colour of your skin or the gender.”
She also felt Mr Lee’s bilingual policy was one of his “most significant policies”, and said she understands now “the huge advantage” in being able to speak two languages. “The ability to speak Chinese not only reminds me of my roots, I’m also able to feel connected to my tradition,” she said.
A Year Four student Arif Jabbar, 15, also cited the bilingual policy, saying it is important as the mother tongue helps people connect to their roots and understand their culture. “I think for me, Mr Lee Kuan Yew is a role model for all of us to follow,” he added.
Another JC2 student Issac Leong, 17, said: “His determination and grit to do something...is something I look up to. Something I really admire”.
