Singapore was also one of the first countries to adopt simplified Chinese, the official text used in China today. To a large extent this was illustrative of Lee's far vision. Singaporeans are able to work in China and act as a bridge to the Western culture for their Chinese colleagues as a direct result of this.

Lee was a harsh paternalistic figure to some. He was known to be unforgiving as his political opponents found out. But to Singaporeans in general, he always had their best interests in mind. Sometimes we rebelled against his policies like delinquent children lacking his ability to see into the future. Sometimes, it took years for us to realize his wisdom.

There was one thing he knew how to do well, and that was how to bring out the best of Singapore. Our country is a tiny rough diamond shaped island set just above the equator. We have few natural resources and we have to import every bite of what we eat. What we do have, however, are people, mainly immigrants from China, Malaysia, India, Eurasia and other countries who chose to call Singapore home.

Singapore is what it is today because of Lee, and Singaporeans will be forever grateful that we were blessed with such a great man as a founding father.

Rest in peace, Mr Lee.

The author, a Singapore national, is a senior editor with China Daily.