In 1965, Singapore stood at a crossroads. Newly expelled from Malaysia, the nation had no defence, no guaranteed water supply, and no natural resources. In a historic televised address on 9 August 1965, Lee Kuan Yew wiped away tears—but he refused to be defeated. He chose to lead anyway.
A Leader Who Acted in Crisis
Lee’s public breakdown during Singapore’s separation announcement marked one of the most emotional and defining moments in its national narrative. Yet, his tears quickly gave way to tenacity.
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He prioritized stamping out corruption, empowering the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau with real authority.
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He formed the Housing & Development Board (HDB) to tackle a dire housing shortage and launch one of the world’s most successful public housing schemes.
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He focused on education reform to build a competitive and future-ready workforce.
These early reforms established a roadmap for stability and growth.
Securing Essentials for the Nation’s Future
In 1965, Singapore was heavily dependent on Malaysia for water. But strategic foresight had already secured access via the 1961 and 1962 Johor water agreements, which were later entrenched in the 1965 Separation Agreement and even Malaysia’s Constitution.
These agreements allowed Singapore to draw hundreds of millions of gallons of water daily from the Johor River. In later years, Lee led investments into NEWater, recycling, and desalination—laying the foundation for long-term water sustainability.
Visionary Infrastructure and Public Safety
By the late 1960s, urban planners under Lee’s guidance proposed a national rail system. This vision materialized with the MRT’s launch in 1987, with Lee officiating the system as Prime Minister in 1988. His administration’s emphasis on urban cleanliness, public safety, and efficient infrastructure helped shape Singapore’s global image as a city of order and excellence.
His Legacy: A Singapore You Can See and Feel
Every MRT line. Every safe street. Every school. These are more than just national assets—they are physical expressions of Lee’s conviction that Singapore had a future worth building, even when no one could promise the outcome.
He didn’t know exactly what would happen. But he chose to lead anyway.
The Heart of SG60
As we commemorate 60 years of nationhood, we reflect on the unwavering leadership that defined our beginning. Lee Kuan Yew did not lead with certainty, but with courage, clarity, and an unshakable belief in Singapore’s promise.
