US excels because it works together with others: PM Lee

WASHINGTON DC – As the American team trained for this year’s International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), they invited students on competing teams, including two Singaporeans, to join them and paid for these students’ airfare, hotel, food and teaching.

The United States’ team eventually emerged victors in the competition held last month for the second year running, and on Tuesday night (Aug 2, Singapore time), Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong praised the team for their “open and collaborative manner”, citing this as an example of the US’ strengths.

“America excels not just through sheer individual talent, but by working together with others,” said Mr Lee at the White House State Dinner, adding that the two Singaporeans had benefited from training with the US team.

The Singapore team placed fourth in this year’s International Mathematical Olympiad, an improvement over 10th place last year and eighth in 2014. The Republic’s best showing since it joined the competition in 1988 was third place in 2011.

PM Lee said that Singapore admires America’s “dynamism, vibrancy and capacity for self-renewal”.

“These qualities attract the best and brightest from around the world,” he said, adding that many Singaporeans study in the US, attracted not just by the excellent academic education, but also the dynamism of the campuses.

PM Lee added: “America is a great nation not just because of your power and wealth, but because of your high ideals, openness, and generosity of spirit.  You seek to build a world where countries can prosper together.”

“This is why 70 years after the Second World War, America is still a welcome power in Asia.  We hope these strengths and qualities will be emulated by others and will enable you to remain engaged in our region for many more years.”

He also expressed appreciation for President Barack Obama’s decision to pivot America’s foreign policy towards Asia.

PM Lee recounted how during his first meeting with Mr Obama in May 2007 when the latter, then a senator, had yet to become the Democratic front runner but already saw the need for Washington to look towards Asia.

“I was struck by your focus, your informed interest in Asia, and your desire to cement America’s role in it,” said PM Lee in his toast speech

He said that Mr Obama’s years growing up in Indonesia gave him direct experience of South-east Asia’s cultures and challenges.

“As President, your personal leadership and decision to rebalance to Asia, has won America new friends and strengthened old partnerships, including with Singapore.”

He also announced that Singapore has named an orchid hybrid in honour of Mr Obama and Mrs Michelle Obama. The hybrid - named Dendrobium Barack and Michelle Obama - is native to Singapore and Hawaii, where the President was born.

In a short speech, Mr Obama said that Singapore and the US, despite having only 50 years of formal diplomatic relations, are bound by historical ties that stretch back by at least 180 years.

He pointed out how Joseph Balestier, a planter, was the first American representative to Singapore. His name is honoured in one’s of Singapore’s neighbourhoods.

“We are bound together by history, family and friendship,” Mr Obama said.

Referring to remarks made by PM Lee as he was sworn in last year, Mr Obama noted how his Singaporean counterpart had said Singapore is bound by shared purpose, shared ideals, faith in the nation and belief that they can build something special together.

“What is true of Singapore is true of the relationship between our two countries… Let’s continue to build something special together,” Mr Obama said.

In proposing a toast, Mr Obama said: “Onward Singapore. Majulah Singapore. Onward America. Cheers. Yum Sing.”

The mood during the state dinner was elegant but light hearted, with Mr Obama paying tribute to the Republic’s award winning street food.

Among the guests in the state dinner were author Ms Amy Tan, actress Ms Keri Russell and actor Mr Craig Robinson. 

Mrs Lee attended the dinner in a dress similar to a kebaya - a reflection of Singapore multicultural society, while Mrs Obama was in a white evening gown.

Ingredients for the state dinner were sourced from throughout the American continent.

The main course for the evening was American Wagyu beef seared in Vermont butter and dressed with roasted California-grown Asian yams, wilted kale and heirloom carrots.

Other items on the four-course menu included a bushel of American ingredients like Maryland blue crab and yellow peaches from California and Virginia.

Mr Lee winds down his official visit to the US on Wednesday morning (US local time).