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  As Singaporeans continue to ponder the legacy of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, it would do us well to recognise that Singapore is a product of imagination and human endeavour, a mix of ideals, vigour, fortitude and courage, the attributes that make for superior leadership. A highly inspiring poem in this regard is “Youth” by Samuel Ullman.  It is a poem which highly inspired Konosuke Matsushita, founder of Panasonic, the largest Japanese consumer electronics company. “YOUTH” by Samuel Ullman Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and…

The matter of honouring others came across so strongly in a recent graduation ceremony of a kindergarten in Singapore. The principal described how her kindergarten had hosted trainee kindergarten teachers. One of the trainees remarked in clear amazement: "You call the children by their name in this kindergarten!" The principal responded by saying this is how the children are treated with honour:  a life of self-confidence must start with a sense of identity, and the fundamental sense of identity for each of us lies in being known by our name. It is unfortunately the case that not all kindergartens identify children…

Maya Angelou was an American author, poet, dancer, actress, and singer. She became a poet and writer after a series of occupations as a young adult, including fry cook, prostitute, nightclub dancer, and performer. She was also an actor, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. Of life she has said, “I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day,…

To many people, the teacher is a natural person to honour because he or she has been such an important part of the growing years of our life. The following is a description of the teacher written more than 15 years ago, which can only evoke our sense of how much our teachers deserve our honour: A Teacher inspires love for Singapore keeps the sense of wonder alive cares deeply about morals and character urges enterprise, innovation, curiosity and creativity seeks to learn continuously, knowing that life never stands still challenges students and helps them find the potential within themselves believes there…

Watch this video to find out what Ms Claire Chiang, Panel Member of Honour (Singapore) and Senior Vice-President of Banyan Tree Holdings, thinks about Honour.