Singapore does not believe in a Welfare state. We have our wealthy people and our poor folks who need help. Like some other countries we have a widening income gap among our people. Some blame this on the effects of globalisation. Have we got the right balance with our wealth distribution policy? Different people have different views on this. Many, especially the old, feel that they have contributed to enlarge our national economic cake. They expect to have a fair share of the enlarged cake in their twilight years. Many of the poor and the old folks have difficulties trying to make ends meet with rising cost of living. At the same time they also have their dignity and pride to live with. They do not like to live on charity or hand outs. How then are we to help the poor and the less fortunate under these circumstances?
We need volunteers in many fields.
In the early days there were many volunteers for social and charitable services as well as “national” service to build up our infrastructure and country. These people have their own professions, careers and businesses to attend to but many stepped forward and served just the same. They differentiated their voluntary and honorary activities from their businesses and professions/occupations/careers. Many worked with passion, commitment and courage. It was a joy to work with these people compared to those who only work for personal gains. Those who work only for their money often find volunteer work a chore as there is no personal gain in sight. The genuine volunteers were not concerned about money, their positions or their promotion prospects. They just wanted to make their contributions. They made personal sacrifices and gave of their best until the projects are completed. Then they either leave or take on new projects. Many stayed on because they loved doing what they did. Human weaknesses of self interest, greed and power did not with their work. They make good leaders, good role models and set good examples for others to follow. It was a joy to work with such people.
Many are still doing voluntary services of various kinds and we need more of such people in our effluent society. How are we to continue to encourage more such people to step forward to serve? Some people are concerned that more and more people are asking for rewards before they start to serve in “national service” or even charitable organizations. Their actions imply that only “born losers” work for free in modern times. Our society views the value of these volunteer services to what it cost – Nothing - because it is free. How did this happen? This is a very disturbing trend which we must never allow to grow as it discourages people from volunteering. History has shown that countries prosper and become great through human sacrifices. These societies also do not forget the poor and the less fortunate, by helping them to add value to their lives. All societies need these special volunteers. Are our systems and practices strong enough to maintain and build on our culture and tradition on these matters?
When Singapore became a self governing country in 1959 and an independent nation in 1965, we had to pay for some of the neglects of the colonial government. We had:
1. a very small financial reserve
2. a poor education system ( especially in S & T, technical and craft courses)
3. a people ( mostly immigrants) with no experience in managing a country still suffering from the aftermath of the second World War II, the Japanese occupation and confrontation from Indonesia. Few had any strong loyalty to our new country.
4. A people with little or no knowledge of science or technical skills
(technology) essential for development.
We inherited a tiny island of 204 square miles, with a small population of slightly less than 2.0 million in 1959. Singapore has no natural resources to talk about. We did not even have our own water supply, the bulk of which has to come from a foreign country.
We had many of the problems that some of the developing countries are still facing today. We were blessed that we did not fight too much among ourselves. We gained our independence without any blood shed. These circumstances attracted many able and dedicated people to step forward and serve the country. Many became leaders, and role models in their own ways, for others to follow. They were not greedy or corrupt. Many worked with passion and for free in many fields for many years. Their passion kept them going willingly and happily in the various capacities they served. Our system rewards these people with public awards and honorary professional recognition etc. Singapore capitalized on this culture and tradition of our people, many of whom were prepared to sacrifice personal interests for the betterment of their fellowmen and their society. The order of the day was “We were in the same boat and we sink or swim together”. “Those with money will give money; those with strength will give strength.” It was tough going but wonderful to see so many people working together for so long and for a good cause – the survival of a nation and the betterment of the lives of its people.
Instead of wringing our hands in despair we settled down to do what we believed had to be done. From each his best was the spirit of the day. We rejoiced when the projects worked and we are still learning from the ones that didn’t.
Many volunteered at the sacrifice of their personal interests. They gave up opportunities to enrich themselves; provided the leadership and played role models for others to follow. I am privileged to have worked with many of these volunteers. The challenge now is how to continue to maintain our tradition to serve and improve on the spirit of voluntarism among our population in an affluent society? How do we provide examples for others to follow? Perhaps we should make a study of why people continue to provide free national, social and professional services when money has become such an important factor to many? This is a disturbing trend. Have we gone overboard in wealth creation and forgotten other just as important facts of life? Isn’t helping the less fortunate one of the mission of our being? Have we lost sight of this mission in life in our effort for rapid progress? There is nothing wrong with wealth generation as one of our goals. However treating it as our only mission in life/career including sacrificing time-tested and time-honoured values of our culture and our tradition will affect our future. This bothers many of us. We should have a hard look on where the balance should be. We should continue to attract more volunteers to serve our people with their hearts and not just their heads. It is not difficult to give in to human weaknesses. It is also not easy to discipline ourselves and others against temptations like greed and other acknowledged weaknesses. Nevertheless we must never give up trying to fight for what is good. Think of others too besides ourselves. This was how many of us were brought up with for the future of our country and the good of our fellowmen. Singapore needs more volunteers in these trying times than ever.
Lee Kum Tatt
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Our Tradition to Serve for Free
In difficult times, many people worked for free to improve the lot of their society and their fellowmen. They differentiate their voluntary and honorary activities from their businesses and careers. Many worked with passion, commitment and courage without concern of being paid. The dedicated ones stayed on to work on more projects. These people were performing useful functions.
In the past many were picked up and given more responsibilities especially when they showed their worth, sincerity and willingness to serve. Such people make good leaders and good role models setting good examples for others to follow.
We must continue to promote this approach for more such people to step forward and serve if Singapore is to continue to survive and prosper. History has shown that countries prosper and become great through such human sacrifices. These societies also do not forget the poor and the less fortunate.
We had many of the problems that some of the developing countries are still facing today. We were blessed that we did not fight too much among ourselves. We gained our independence without any blood shed. These circumstances attracted many able and dedicated people to step forward and serve the country. Their passion kept them going willingly and happily in the various capacities they served. Singapore capitalized on this culture and tradition of an immigrant stock that was prepared to sacrifice personal interests for the betterment of their fellowmen and their society.
The order of the day was “We were in the same boat and we sink or swim together”. “Those with money will give money; those with strength will give of their strength.” It was tough but wonderful to see so many people working together for so long and for a good cause – the survival of a nation and the betterment of the lives of its people.
Many missionaries and pioneers work better when they work for free because they are doing what they like and not just have to work. The urge to improve the lot of others less fortunate than themselves ( especially for those who have suffered similar hardship/poverty before) can be a very strong challenge to many to give of their best.
There were many such people who set good examples and are good as leaders and role models for others to follow. Let us hope this tradition will continue under a system that acknowledges the contributions of our volunteers in our fast changing society. We can vouch that many people serve better for free. Their rewards are not money but more responsibilities and work. What makes these people thrive working for free and others not? This is a good question. If we can find the right answer it can help solve many of our problems.
Engeline Lee
In the past many were picked up and given more responsibilities especially when they showed their worth, sincerity and willingness to serve. Such people make good leaders and good role models setting good examples for others to follow.
We must continue to promote this approach for more such people to step forward and serve if Singapore is to continue to survive and prosper. History has shown that countries prosper and become great through such human sacrifices. These societies also do not forget the poor and the less fortunate.
We had many of the problems that some of the developing countries are still facing today. We were blessed that we did not fight too much among ourselves. We gained our independence without any blood shed. These circumstances attracted many able and dedicated people to step forward and serve the country. Their passion kept them going willingly and happily in the various capacities they served. Singapore capitalized on this culture and tradition of an immigrant stock that was prepared to sacrifice personal interests for the betterment of their fellowmen and their society.
The order of the day was “We were in the same boat and we sink or swim together”. “Those with money will give money; those with strength will give of their strength.” It was tough but wonderful to see so many people working together for so long and for a good cause – the survival of a nation and the betterment of the lives of its people.
Many missionaries and pioneers work better when they work for free because they are doing what they like and not just have to work. The urge to improve the lot of others less fortunate than themselves ( especially for those who have suffered similar hardship/poverty before) can be a very strong challenge to many to give of their best.
There were many such people who set good examples and are good as leaders and role models for others to follow. Let us hope this tradition will continue under a system that acknowledges the contributions of our volunteers in our fast changing society. We can vouch that many people serve better for free. Their rewards are not money but more responsibilities and work. What makes these people thrive working for free and others not? This is a good question. If we can find the right answer it can help solve many of our problems.
Engeline Lee
Monday, January 14, 2008
Integrating Science & Technology
Integrating Science & Technology into Development Policies in Singapore’s Early Days.
A Personal Perspective
This series of articles provide some information on how Science and Technology was introduced into our Development Policies and Singapore society. It aims to demonstrate the importance of how local and international cooperation in science and technology can further the numerous inter-related aspects (economic, social, environmental and political) of the development process to help Singapore become what it is today. We have many who dared to champion what we believe in and commit to it for the sake of our country. In S & T operations multidisciplinary approaches are often necessary. This requires those involved to work together to make the difference. This can be done between parties independent of the authorities. Here are some of my experiences and personal views on how some of these projects evolved and were handled.
My blog will produce articles with anecdotes to highlight what we did based on my personal experience and those of my colleagues at that time. These articles will focus on some of the approaches we took using S & T to integrate together the activities of the important parties. These parties include the Government, Commerce & Industries, Labour Unions, Professionals, Academics, Students, Consumers, Man in the Street and the International S & T communities. We did not have much funds to start with. How did we manage? We slogged, we saved, we made personal sacrifices and we got the right people to cooperate to work together. This is a unique experience which we like to preserve and continue to practice for a better future. We did what we did because we want to improve the lives of our fellowmen just as others have done for us.
Human beings are the only resource we have in our tiny island state. We focused and placed great emphasis on our human resource development. Our other resources (finance, technology, markets and experienced manpower) were limited. We did not have five or ten year development plans to start with. Fortunately we did not suffer from paralysis through excessive analysis of massive data like the types we have today. Many of us only had a mission – to survive, and a vision - to improve the lives of our fellow men. We muddled our way through with hope, faith, trust and courage. Many of our fellowmen in various parts of the world are still struggling on. I like to share with them the little experience I have so that they will not have to go through some of the difficulties and the painful experiences we went through. This is a hind sight view of what happened. Hopefully this will give others the experience we lacked during our time. Hind sight is always clearer than foresight. It gives us hope and courage to bear the harsh ridicules that cynics gave to people who dare to venture off the well beaten paths. How I wish that I had some relevant examples or some experienced person/s to guide me during those uncertain times.
Science & Technology resides only in human beings. We got our people and others to work together at all levels and in various fields, with Human Resource development policies as our main mission.
We believe in our people and what they can do if given the opportunities.
(i) We enlarged the number of people who believe in what S & T can do. By doing this we enhanced our capacity to absorb technology.
(ii) We recognized the importance of technology transfer from
human to human for peaceful growth .
(iii) We realized the need to build knowledge networks through
personal contacts. We maximized support and minimized
destructive criticisms.
(iv) We believed in the importance of synergy among those who have to work together. For a small country this is the key that opens the doors to our future.
Integration of people from various sectors of our society has been the tool we used to integrate S & T into the development policies of early Singapore. We held meetings, conferences, workshops etc with the important parties to identify specific areas that have to be attended to. These included technologies and approaches effective in improving and innovating what has to be done. This has to be done within the circumstances a developing country had to work in. This gave every participant and other interested persons an opportunity to have a say in formulating policies that affect them. We ensure that we delivered what we promised.
How did we do what we did? We enlarged existing institutions and built new ones. We introduced “new” schemes and movements to integrate important parties to work together. We built centres of excellence which became the focus around which new technologies will grow. We provided the S & T services and products that our country, especially our locally grown industries, needed. We showed what we can do with the little we had.
We put people together and make them work harmoniously with each other. For many this is the difficult part. This will always remain a challenge for all of us to maintain harmony among the various parties. It was not all smooth sailing for us either. No one single person can do all this alone. How we built the network we did is something we can share with others. We have some successes and we also learned many useful lessons where things did not work out the way we expected. The main purpose of my blog is to produce articles with first hand experience under conditions many others are still facing in other parts of the world today. My articles in this series should be viewed with that light. It is hoped that some will find my articles, views and experience useful. If you are sincere in your mission people will believe and support you.
Lee Kum Tatt
A Personal Perspective
This series of articles provide some information on how Science and Technology was introduced into our Development Policies and Singapore society. It aims to demonstrate the importance of how local and international cooperation in science and technology can further the numerous inter-related aspects (economic, social, environmental and political) of the development process to help Singapore become what it is today. We have many who dared to champion what we believe in and commit to it for the sake of our country. In S & T operations multidisciplinary approaches are often necessary. This requires those involved to work together to make the difference. This can be done between parties independent of the authorities. Here are some of my experiences and personal views on how some of these projects evolved and were handled.
My blog will produce articles with anecdotes to highlight what we did based on my personal experience and those of my colleagues at that time. These articles will focus on some of the approaches we took using S & T to integrate together the activities of the important parties. These parties include the Government, Commerce & Industries, Labour Unions, Professionals, Academics, Students, Consumers, Man in the Street and the International S & T communities. We did not have much funds to start with. How did we manage? We slogged, we saved, we made personal sacrifices and we got the right people to cooperate to work together. This is a unique experience which we like to preserve and continue to practice for a better future. We did what we did because we want to improve the lives of our fellowmen just as others have done for us.
Human beings are the only resource we have in our tiny island state. We focused and placed great emphasis on our human resource development. Our other resources (finance, technology, markets and experienced manpower) were limited. We did not have five or ten year development plans to start with. Fortunately we did not suffer from paralysis through excessive analysis of massive data like the types we have today. Many of us only had a mission – to survive, and a vision - to improve the lives of our fellow men. We muddled our way through with hope, faith, trust and courage. Many of our fellowmen in various parts of the world are still struggling on. I like to share with them the little experience I have so that they will not have to go through some of the difficulties and the painful experiences we went through. This is a hind sight view of what happened. Hopefully this will give others the experience we lacked during our time. Hind sight is always clearer than foresight. It gives us hope and courage to bear the harsh ridicules that cynics gave to people who dare to venture off the well beaten paths. How I wish that I had some relevant examples or some experienced person/s to guide me during those uncertain times.
Science & Technology resides only in human beings. We got our people and others to work together at all levels and in various fields, with Human Resource development policies as our main mission.
We believe in our people and what they can do if given the opportunities.
(i) We enlarged the number of people who believe in what S & T can do. By doing this we enhanced our capacity to absorb technology.
(ii) We recognized the importance of technology transfer from
human to human for peaceful growth .
(iii) We realized the need to build knowledge networks through
personal contacts. We maximized support and minimized
destructive criticisms.
(iv) We believed in the importance of synergy among those who have to work together. For a small country this is the key that opens the doors to our future.
Integration of people from various sectors of our society has been the tool we used to integrate S & T into the development policies of early Singapore. We held meetings, conferences, workshops etc with the important parties to identify specific areas that have to be attended to. These included technologies and approaches effective in improving and innovating what has to be done. This has to be done within the circumstances a developing country had to work in. This gave every participant and other interested persons an opportunity to have a say in formulating policies that affect them. We ensure that we delivered what we promised.
How did we do what we did? We enlarged existing institutions and built new ones. We introduced “new” schemes and movements to integrate important parties to work together. We built centres of excellence which became the focus around which new technologies will grow. We provided the S & T services and products that our country, especially our locally grown industries, needed. We showed what we can do with the little we had.
We put people together and make them work harmoniously with each other. For many this is the difficult part. This will always remain a challenge for all of us to maintain harmony among the various parties. It was not all smooth sailing for us either. No one single person can do all this alone. How we built the network we did is something we can share with others. We have some successes and we also learned many useful lessons where things did not work out the way we expected. The main purpose of my blog is to produce articles with first hand experience under conditions many others are still facing in other parts of the world today. My articles in this series should be viewed with that light. It is hoped that some will find my articles, views and experience useful. If you are sincere in your mission people will believe and support you.
Lee Kum Tatt
Harnessing Science & Technology for Our Development
Science & Technology affects every aspect of our lives. The difference between the rich and poor nations is their level of Science and Technology ( application of scientific knowledge). The question has been “how can we bridge this gap and catch up with the developed world?” Singapore’s answer was to develop our human resource as quickly as possible. This policy comes with a lot of risks and cost which we accepted and shared.
Science is not an easy subject to learn. Neither is it a profession that will offer a fantastic pay. We appealed to those who are interested in the “wonders” of science and the need for Science if Singapore is to survive and thrive. This was what my husband Dr. Lee Kum Tatt (LKT) and me did throughout our lives in the numerous positions LKT and me held, mostly on an honorary basis, with limited resources to do what could and had to be done.
Both LKT and I are the early Science graduates of our University. We fell in love with Science only with time because we did not know what to expect when we started. Now we understand the reactions we can expect when we promote and develop S & T into our development policies.
Our colleagues in many developing countries are still trying to do some of the things we did. Our experience should be useful to them. You will face many problems. Have faith that you have the capability to do what you want to do. Often you need courage to see it through. This is entirely dependent on yourselves. If more of our scientists dare to do what has to be done we can make a difference.The world, Singapore included, needs more scientists and technologists who dare to try new approaches through innovation and entrepreneurship to solve some of the many problems we are still facing today.
Mrs. Engeline Lee Eng Nio
Science is not an easy subject to learn. Neither is it a profession that will offer a fantastic pay. We appealed to those who are interested in the “wonders” of science and the need for Science if Singapore is to survive and thrive. This was what my husband Dr. Lee Kum Tatt (LKT) and me did throughout our lives in the numerous positions LKT and me held, mostly on an honorary basis, with limited resources to do what could and had to be done.
Both LKT and I are the early Science graduates of our University. We fell in love with Science only with time because we did not know what to expect when we started. Now we understand the reactions we can expect when we promote and develop S & T into our development policies.
Our colleagues in many developing countries are still trying to do some of the things we did. Our experience should be useful to them. You will face many problems. Have faith that you have the capability to do what you want to do. Often you need courage to see it through. This is entirely dependent on yourselves. If more of our scientists dare to do what has to be done we can make a difference.The world, Singapore included, needs more scientists and technologists who dare to try new approaches through innovation and entrepreneurship to solve some of the many problems we are still facing today.
Mrs. Engeline Lee Eng Nio
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