Deepest respect to Lee Kuan Yew

As entrepreneurs, we make bold claims to change the status quo with our products. We raise money and build a small team to make our vision a reality. The lucky ones last for a few years, serve millions of users, and eventually taste what many in the tech ecosystem deem as success: an exit.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew did not have the luxury of an ecosystem because there was none. He created one for all of us though. He made it easy for almost anyone to do business in the country, made investors feel secure, and introduced policies to ensure Singaporeans are bilingual so we can have the best of both worlds. These are the few of the many things he has done for us Singaporeans.

Having run Tech in Asia for over four years, I constantly think about the happiness of all my 70 team members. I see them as my own children. It is my job to see everyone succeed and be happy at their roles. Just thinking for 70 team members has caused me many sleepless nights. Imagine thinking for the entire Singapore population. It must be extremely intense and stressful.

There was no reason for Singapore to succeed. We had a tiny population and a clear lack of resources. Heck, even Mr Lee, similar to many entrepreneurs building their startups out there, wasn’t a proven leader. If venture capitalists were to look at Singapore as a startup, I can imagine them saying, “Meh, small market size, unproven team. Pass.”

But Mr Lee did not back down. He bootstrapped and made Singapore a success. It’s a miracle.

There is no “exit” for Singapore either. Mr. Lee just kept building for the last 50 years to achieve progress for all Singaporeans. If that’s not commitment, I don’t know what is. It’s rare to find founders who stay on and commit their life to one single project. Mr Lee’s unwavering determination and commitment is worth learning from.

Surely, not everyone agrees with his decision and actions. But please be reminded that all leaders face the same problems. You can’t please everyone. Even in a 70 people team, I can’t claim to make decisions that will make everyone happy. That’s the brutal fact and only time will tell if decisions made were right or wrong. For Singapore to be where it is today, it is crystal clear to me that our country leaders have consistently made solid decisions and executed well for their people. As a citizen, I have no complaints and I’m proud to be a Singaporean.

Rest in peace, Mr Lee. Your strength and determination will continue to inspire us.