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OpinionComment
Edmund Lim
Edmund Lim

Opinion | Singapore can pursue an AI solution to preserving Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy

  • An immersive exhibition pays tribute to Singapore’s first prime minister in celebration of the centenary of his birth
  • Inspired by his lifelong optimism about technology, the city state could draw on AI to resolve the issue of how to preserve the late leader’s residence

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After stepping down as prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew answered the question of whether Singapore would survive him during a speech to the Singapore Press Club at Raffles Hotel on June 7, 1996. The “rainbow” speech, as it is known, now features in an immersive exhibition celebrating the 100th year of his birth. Photo: AFP
Edmund Lim

September 16, 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lee Kuan Yew, the first prime minister of Singapore. It also marks the 60th anniversary of the Federation of Malaysia. In addition to Malaysian leaders such as Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak, Lee, Goh Keng Swee and Eddie Barker were the key leaders from Singapore who played active roles in the separation of Singapore from the federation.

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As an independent country, Singapore overcame various challenges to become a flourishing nation under the leadership of Lee and other pioneer leaders, as well as subsequent teams.

In celebration of the centenary of his birth, an immersive art exhibition, “Now Is Not The Time”, pays tribute to Lee’s life and legacy. One installation is a short film made with generative artificial intelligence, which features an inspiring speech Lee made in 1996.

Addressing the question of whether Singapore would survive him, he recalled the beginnings of the republic in the speech.

“When I set out, my Singapore dream was of a democratic society, keen and vibrant, a united people, who regardless of race, language and religion, and based on justice and equality, achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for the nation. That was how 30 years ago in 1966 my colleagues and I settled the words of our pledge. We did not focus our minds on our navels or we would have missed the rainbow in the sky. We pursued that rainbow and that was how together we built today’s Singapore.
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“The sky has turned brighter. There is a glorious rainbow that beckons those with the spirit of adventure. And there are rich findings at the end of that rainbow. To the young and the not too old, I say, look at the horizon, find that rainbow, go ride it.”

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