In 1965, a Prime Minister cried on live television. He wasn’t just emotional. He was humiliated. His country, Singapore, had just been expelled from Malaysia. -> 70% of its people were in poverty. -> Half were illiterate. -> No natural resources. No hope. He went on TV and admitted: “I don’t know what we will do now.” But here’s what happened next. He turned the sea into an opportunity — building a port to serve ships between China and the West. He convinced Shell to build an oil refinery, creating jobs and industry. He launched a project to build 25,000 houses, giving people employment and homes. He attracted foreign investment — not with tax breaks, but tax certainty and the promise of political stability. He made Singapore the fastest place for justice — 95% of cases resolved in just 6 months. He built world-class universities like National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University Singapore, investing in education for the long-term future. Fast forward to today: -> Malaysia’s per capita GDP: ~$13,000 -> Singapore’s per capita GDP: ~$90,000 From poverty to one of the world’s wealthiest nations — in just one generation. That crying Prime Minister? His name was Lee Kuan Yew. He didn’t just rebuild a nation. He reinvented its destiny. And here’s the lesson: Sometimes your lowest point is just the starting line for your greatest comeback. So if you’re failing in business, struggling financially, or feeling lost in life — wipe your tears. Because the only way from rock bottom… is up. Who in your network needs to read this today? #LeadershipLessons #Resilience #NationBuilding #FromFailureToSuccess #Inspiration
A great leader in India also did many similar things when the British left a torn and poor country to him. He tried to bridge the huge social and economic inequalities among the people by innovation in economic models. A population that thrives on discrimination and indifference to good ideas....did not follow his path religiously. But....after 60 years...to escape from their accountability...a religious party and its leaders blame that great visionary everyday. We celebrate others successes....but hardly recognise our own.
I have only boundless respect for such a person.
The Power of a Determined Mind....when nothing out there is encouraging. It is therefore not what life gives you...but what you make with what you have. And a leader who cries has felt the pain of how others may suffer if he or she did not endeavor. A time when many think of their survival...leaders are thinking how to help all their folks move uphill in the sunlight. What magical strength this leader - Lee Kuan Yew had. His light still brightens people's spirit...not just within his country but world wide. Today we are looking for such leaders...everywhere.
Truly Inspiring. Thanks Chirag Kakkar for sharing this.
Incredible achievement.
Let me just add: Western democracies should learn from this book how to handle migration. Singapore is a perfect example how a nation is "made".
as someone who stayed in singapore for 13 years, he is an inspiration and i can vouch for what you have written
Lee Kuan Yew. showcased how to built a nation , every body should learn and implement
Construction Chemicals & Specialist Building Products Advisor
1dSo many countries could & should learn from the achievements of Lee Kuan Yew & the Singapore he developed.