“For the young, let me tell you the sky has turned brighter. There’s a glorious rainbow that beckons those with the spirit of adventure. And there are rich findings at the end of the rainbow. To the young and to the not-so-old, I say, look at that horizon, follow that rainbow, go ride it.” – Mr Lee Kuan Yew shared in a speech to the Singapore Press Club at Raffles Hotel in 1996. This motivational take on life by Mr Lee is one of the 100 quotes reproduced in a new book which honours the legacy of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and commemorates his birth centenary.

Co-produced by Young PAP (YP) and the National Trades Union Congress’ (NTUC) youth wing, Young NTUC, the book titled ‘Centennial Reflections – 100 Reflections by Mr Lee Kuan Yew’ was launched today by Guest-of-Honour Mr Lim Swee Say, who was a former YP Chairman and Secretary-General of NTUC. Also in attendance were YP Adviser Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and Advisor to Young NTUC Mr Desmond Choo, and more than 100 YP and Young NTUC members.

Launch of ‘Centennial Reflections’ by Mr Lim Swee Say, NTUC ASG Desmond Choo, and YP Adviser Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim.

As part of the launch of ‘Centennial Reflections’, more than 100 youths from Young PAP and Young NTUC embarked on an Amazing Race, visiting sites of significance to Mr Lee such as Tanjong Pagar GRC,the Padang and Jubilee Bridge.

‘Centennial Reflections’ encapsulates Mr Lee, the People’s Action Party and NTUC’s pioneering role in driving progress in Singapore, and sheds light on his views on the themes of character building, political leadership, nation building, leadership, and tripartism.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Lim Swee Say said, “As we move forward, let us remember and draw inspiration from Mr Lee’s legacy, ensuring that our future generations continue to benefit from his remarkable contributions because he was a true Singaporean at heart. A love for our nation. And one of the best ways to thank Mr Lee, will be how we can continue to keep improving Singapore together for future generations to come.”

NTUC ASG Mr Desmond Choo also delivered opening remarks at the launch. He iterated that “Mr Lee’s early beginnings in politics were through trade unions. He was convinced that through the unions, it can give every working person a sense of co-ownership in society that would lead to better homes and lives for all workers, including our youths, in Singapore.”

YP Chairman Mr Janil Puthucheary mentioned in the foreword of ‘Centennial Reflections’, “Mr Lee’s vision for the future of Singapore and Singaporeans was bold at the time and continues to inspire us today. This book exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between the NTUC and the People’s Action Party in moving Singapore onward as one. I am grateful that the youth wing of our Party, Young PAP, working with the Young NTUC committee, continues to encourage action among a new generation, and drive forward to make Singapore better for all of us.”

‘Centennial Reflections’ is available online here.

About the YP

Young PAP (YP) is the youth wing of the People’s Action Party and is formed by Singaporeans from the age of 17 to 40 years old. YP forms an integral part of the Party’s effort to inject new blood and a fresh infusion of minds into its leadership as it seeks to connect with the younger generation.

Please visit https://www.pap.org.sg/young-pap/ for more information.

About the Young NTUC

Young NTUC is the youth wing of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). Since our founding in April of 2005, Young NTUC has grown to over 180,000 members aged 35 years and below. Young NTUC supports youths throughout their professional and personal journey to achieve their aspirations through a multitude of purposeful activities and opportunities. In collaboration with a vast number of partners ranging from unions to companies to government agencies, we can provide career discovery and navigation, workplace protection and support, leadership development, mental well-being resources, holistic personal development and many more.

Please visit http://www.youngntuc.org.sg and www.lit.sg for more information.
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